Palatine Hill In Rome Guide 2025

If you are looking for panoramic views of the Roman Forum, Tiber Valley, and the Colosseum, then there is no place better than the Palatine Hill, which is the Palatine Hill in Rome. It is the centermost of Rome’s famed hills, and is one of the city’s most ancient quarters. Palatine Hill, besides being a beautiful ruin, has plenty of things to offer on your Europe Trip.

Interesting Facts

• The Palatine Hill is considered the birthplace of Rome.
• Emperors like Augustus, Tiberius, and Domitian built their palaces here.
• In ancient times, the people who lived on the Palatine Hill, they were considered rich and powerful.
• It has evidence of human habitation dating back to 1000 BC, which is way before the Roman Empire began.
• There was a stadium built by the Domitian on the Palatine Hill for sports, games and other imperial ceremonies.
• It is a part of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Palatine Hill History

If we go back in history, we’ll find out that Romulus and Remus founded Rome in 753 BC, and with time, the hill started to witness settlements. The Palatine Hill became synonymous with imperial power and stood true to its name, which means “palace”, as its slopes began crowning with grand residences and temples.

As excavations took place, it was found that the north part of the Palatine Hill had undergone fortifications and artefacts that dated back to the mid-8th century BC. It was also found that there was a Great Fire in Rome in 64 AD that scorched parts of Palatine, which lead to rebuilding of more opulent structures. Visiting the Palatine Hill is one of the best things to do in Rome.

Best Time To Visit Palatine Hill

If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Palatine Hill, here are some suggestions; seasons and day wise:

• Seasons: The Spring Season, which is from April to June and autumn, which is from September to October are the most suitable time to visit, and witness the blooming gardens with fewer crowds.
• Time Of Day: Early mornings and late afternoon to avoid the scorching heat of the mid day sun, and large tour groups.

Palatine Hill Timings

It is important to note the Palatine Hill Timings before you visit the place so that there is no confusion.

• 30th March-30th September: 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.(Last entry at 6:15 p.m.)
• 1st-26th October: 8:30a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• 27th October-29th March: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Palatine Hill remains closed every year on 25th December and 1st January on the occasion of Christmas and New Year’s respectively.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit in Rome

Palatine Hill Entry Fees

• Adults: ₹1738(Includes ₹193 booking fees)
• EU residents, 18-25 years: ₹386(With a valid ID)
• Under 18/Over 65/Select groups: Free Entry
• Free Entry: First Sunday of each month; 25th April; 2nd June; 4th November.

Attractions & Activities At The Palatine Hill

• Stadium of Domitian: One of the best things to do at Palatine Hill is to visit the Stadium of Domitian, which is a former athletic arena, popular for it’s elliptical shape and is a unique example of the Roman architecture.
• Farnese Gardens: The Farnese Gardens are located on the north slope of the Palatine Hill, providing a tranquil escape, treating with views of the Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus.
• House Of Livia: Livia was the wife of Augustus, and it belongs to her. You will find preserved frescoes that depicts gardens and scenes from the nature.
• Home of Romulus: The Home of Romulus is a reconstructed hut that symbolizes the mythical origins of Rome.
• Palatine Museum: The Palatine Museum is home to a collection of artifacts, pottery, sculptures, mosaics that were found on the Palatine Holl and in the nearby areas.

How To Reach Palatine Hill?

In a foreign land, roaming around without being prepared is not a smart way to travel, so you should know well in advance about all the basic information that you need, which also includes the modes of transport that you can use to reach the Palatine Hill in Rome.

• Metro: If you are using the metro, take Line B to the Colosseo station which is a 10 minute walk to the Palatine Hill.
• Buses: If you are travelling like a local in busses, then you can use the following lines to reach the Palatine Hill: 60, 75, 84, 85, 87, 117, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810, 850 to Colosseo or Fori Imperiali/Campidoglio.
• Trams: You don’t get trams everywhere, so now that you are in Rome, you should definitely travel in the tram once. Line 3 will take you to the Colosseo, which is just 10 minutes away from the hill.
• Taxi: Now this may be a little on the expensive side but you can always go for a taxi ride solo, or share a ride with someone.
• On Foot: If you are already at the Colosseum, you can walk to the Palatine Hill and follow sighns for the entrance on Via di San Gregorio. The best part is that the entrance has shorter queues than the Colosseum.