Exploring palatine hill in rome: a comprehensive guide
are you planning a trip to rome and wondering what sights to see? one of the must-see attractions is the palatine hill, located 40 meters above the roman forum. the palatine hill is the most central of the seven hills of rome and forms one of the oldest parts of the city. this guide will provide all the information you need to know about the palatine hill, including its history, location, opening hours, tickets, and what to see on your visit.
Contents
history of palatine hill
the palatine hill has a rich history dating back to the 7th century bce. according to roman legend, the hill was the birthplace of the city’s founders, romulus and remus. the hill later became an exclusive residential area for the wealthy elite in ancient rome. many of the city’s most powerful emperors, such as augustus and tiberius, built their palaces on the palatine hill. the palatine hill was also home to several temples, including the temple of apollo palatinus and the temple of cybele.
location and accessibility
the palatine hill is located in the heart of rome, next to the roman forum, the capitoline hill, the circus maximus, and the colosseum. it is easily accessible by foot, with the nearest metro station being colosseo.
opening hours and tickets
the palatine hill is open every day, with the exception of december 25th and january 1st. the opening hours are from 9:00 am to one hour before sunset. tickets can be purchased on site or online, and are valid for two days, allowing you to visit the colosseum, the roman forum, and the palatine hill.
what to see on palatine hill
the palatine hill offers a wealth of historical and architectural sights to see. some of the highlights include the flavian palace, the palace of domitian, the temple of apollo palatinus, the temple of cybele, and the cryptoporticus. the farnese gardens are also worth visiting, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
the flavian palace
the flavian palace, also known as the domus flavia, was built by emperor vespasian in the 1st century ce. the palace was used as a residence for the emperor and his family, and also served as a venue for state ceremonies and receptions. the palace is renowned for its impressive frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures, which give a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of ancient rome’s elite.
the palace of domitian
the palace of domitian was built by emperor domitian in the 1st century ce. the palace was used as a residence for the emperor and his family, and also served as a venue for state ceremonies and receptions. the palace is renowned for its impressive frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures, which give a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of ancient rome’s elite. visitors can also see the remains of the palace’s private thermal baths, known as the terme di domiziano.
the temple of apollo palatinus
the temple of apollo palatinus, also known as the temple of apollo the palatine, was a temple dedicated to the god apollo. the temple was built in the 6th century bce and was one of the most important religious sites in ancient rome. the temple’s remains can be seen on the palatine hill, and include the remains of the cella, the pronaos, and the altar.
the temple of cybele
the temple of cybele, also known as the temple of magna mater, was a temple dedicated to the goddess cybele. the temple was built in the 2nd century bce and was one of the most important religious sites in ancient rome. the temple’s remains can be seen on the palatine hill, and include the remains of the cella, the pronaos, and the altar.
the cryptoporticus
the cryptoporticus, also known as the crypta balbi, was a subterranean passage built in the 1st century bce. the passage was used as a storage area and was also used as a route to the emperor’s palace. the passage’s remains can be seen on the palatine hill and include the remains of the vaulted ceilings and the walls.
the farnese gardens
the farnese gardens, also known as the horti farnesiani, were a set of gardens built in the 16th century ce. the gardens were built for cardinal alessandro farnese and were designed in the renaissance style. the gardens offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and offer beautiful views of the palatine hill and the roman forum.
conclusion
the palatine hill is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting rome. it offers a wealth of historical and architectural sights, including the flavian palace, the palace of domitian, the temple of apollo palatinus, the temple of cybele, and the cryptoporticus. the farnese gardens are also worth visiting, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. book your luxury apartment in rome now through our website and experience the beauty of the palatine hill.