The Rome Index
Palatine Hill
The hill where Rome was founded — and the best view over the Roman Forum.
What it is
Palatine Hill is traditionally where Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC and where Augustus built his palace, establishing the hill as the address of emperors for the next 400 years. The English word "palace" derives from Palatine — every emperor's home was a palatium.
What to see
The Farnese Gardens at the north end offer the clearest elevated view over the Roman Forum — arrive early before tour groups fill the terrace. The House of Augustus and House of Livia contain some of the best-preserved ancient Roman frescoes in existence, bookable separately.
Ticket
Included on the combined Colosseum ticket. Entering via the Palatine first thing in the morning, before heading down into the Forum, is the least crowded route through the whole complex.
Why Roman emperors built here specifically
The hill's height and relative isolation from the crowded valley below made it a natural choice for imperial residences seeking both prestige and a degree of separation from the general population — the word 'palace' itself derives directly from 'Palatine,' a linguistic legacy of just how thoroughly this hill became associated with supreme power.
The view worth the climb
The hill's elevated position gives arguably the best single vantage point over the Roman Forum below and Circus Maximus on the opposite side — a genuinely useful stop for visually orienting yourself to the wider ancient site before or after walking through the Forum itself at ground level.
