Palatine Hill: The Birthplace Of Rome

Visit and explore the birthplace of Rome! Learn about the legend of twin brothers, Romulus and Remus and enjoy the best views of the city from Palatine Hill.

If you want to see where Rome actually started, skip the crowds at the Colosseum for a moment and climb up to Palatine Hill. It's the center of the city's famous seven hills and the spot where a small group of shepherds built the village that eventually ruled the world.

The Legend Of The Twins

According to Roman mythology, Palatine Hill is the site of the Lupercal cave, where the twin brothers Romulus and Remus were discovered and raised by a she-wolf.

Traditionally, it is believed that Rome’s founding date is around 753 BC. Several Archaeological evidences have confirmed that Iron Age huts existed here as far back as 1000 BC, supporting the legend of the “Hut of Romulus.”

Popular legends suggest that Romulus killed his own brother Remus after a dispute happened between them over where to build the new city, choosing the Palatine for its strategic and defensible height.

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From Humble Huts To Imperial Palaces

The Hill's prestigious reputation made it the most in-demand address in the city. By the imperial era, it was the most exclusive domain of Rome’s rulers. In fact, our modern word ‘palace,’ has derived directly from the Hill's Latin name, ‘Palatium.’

According to Roman mythology, Palatine Hill is the site of the Lupercal cave, where the twin brothers Romulus and Remus were discovered and raised by a she-wolf. Popular legends suggest that Romulus killed his own brother Remus after a dispute happened between them over where to build the new city, choosing the Palatine for its strategic and defensible height. Credits: Google

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Key Sights To See

House Of Augustus: The surprisingly modest residence of Rome’s first emperor, famous for its well-preserved, elegant frescoes.

The House of Augustus, also known as "Domis August" was the primary residence of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus, situated on the Palatine Hill in Rome. Credits: Google

House Of Livia On Palatine Hill: This place is believed to belong to Augustus’s wife, this site contains some of the finest examples of ancient Roman wall painting.

The House of Livia, also known as "Casa di Livia" is an ancient Roman residence on the Palatine Hill. It is famously attributed to Liva Drusilla, the wife of Emperor Augustus. Credits: Google

Palace Of Domitian: It is a massive complex divided into public, “Domus Flavia” and private, "Domus Augustana” wings, showcasing the true scale of imperial power.

The Domus Flavia, also known as the "Flavian Palace" is the northwestern part of the massive Palace of Domitian on the Palatine Hill in Rome. Credits: Google

Stadium Of Domitian: An elongated sunken garden, often mistaken for a chariot racecourse, likely used as a private imperial garden.

It is also known as "Stadio di Domiziano," an ancient Roman athletic venue, built by Emperor Domitian around 80-86AD. It was Rome's first permanent masonry stadium and was primarily used for athletic contests like running, wrestling and boxing. Credits: Google

Farnese Gardens: Built in the 16th century, these are among the first botanical gardens in Europe, constructed directly over the ruins of earlier palaces.

Created by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese around 1550, they are historically recognized as the first private botanical gardens in Europe. Credits: Google

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Palatine Hill remains as one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, offering a quiet, green retreat where you can walk in the footsteps of emperors.

Explore More Topics

Architecture, Roman Architecture, Rome.