English
English
- Colosseum
- Vatican Museums
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Castel Sant Angelo
- Rome Pantheon
- Roman Catacombs Tour
- Borghese Gallery
- Bioparco Rome
- Palazzo Barberini
- Musei Capitolini
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum
- Trevi Fountain Tours
- Palazzo Merulana
- Altare della Patria
- Rome Underground Tours
- Mamertine Prison
- Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
- Rome: Ostia Antica
Book Palatine Hill tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Experience the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace! Visit as many or as few attractions as you like.
- Fan of DIY Travel? Combine visiting the Temple of Saturn and the goddess Vista, or the palaces of Flavian and Augustine emperors at the Palatine Hill.
- Enhance your experience with a 25-minute multimedia video with graphical illustrations of ancient Rome and the reconstruction of the Eternal City.
- Let the explorer in you out as you imagine the heart of the Roman political, social, and religious life at the Forum
- Fun fact: The Roman Forum was once home to a zoo that contained exotic animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, elephants, and crocodiles.
Experience the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace! Visit as many or as few attractions as you like.
- Fan of DIY Travel? Combine visiting the Temple of Saturn and the goddess Vista, or the palaces of Flavian and Augustine emperors at the Palatine Hill.
- Enhance your experience with a 25-minute multimedia video with graphical illustrations of ancient Rome and the reconstruction of the Eternal City.
- Let the explorer in you out as you imagine the heart of the Roman political, social, and religious life at the Forum
- Fun fact: The Roman Forum was once home to a zoo that contained exotic animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, elephants, and crocodiles.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Multimedia Video
Exclusions
- Access to the Colosseum
- Guide
- Tip: Don't miss out on the Panoramic views from Farnese Gardens! Be sure to head there when exploring the Palatine Hill ...
- Names are mandatory for Palatine and Forum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.
- Keep in mind that guests will need to collect the ticket from the office to enter Palatine Hill and the Forum.
- All guests must go through an airport-style security check at entry for maximum safety. Expect to stand in line.,
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Your chance to explore Rome’s ancient wonders at your own pace.
- Dive straight into the action with timed entry to the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most visited and iconic sites.
- Enjoy the flexibility to explore the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum within 24 hours of your Colosseum entry.
- Enhance your visit with an optional audio guide, offering rich insights and stories to bring the ancient sites to life.
- Upgrade for exclusive arena floor access and walk in the footsteps of gladiators, experiencing the Colosseum from the vantage point of ancient Romans.
Your chance to explore Rome’s ancient wonders at your own pace.
- Dive straight into the action with timed entry to the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most visited and iconic sites.
- Enjoy the flexibility to explore the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum within 24 hours of your Colosseum entry.
- Enhance your visit with an optional audio guide, offering rich insights and stories to bring the ancient sites to life.
- Upgrade for exclusive arena floor access and walk in the footsteps of gladiators, experiencing the Colosseum from the vantage point of ancient Romans.
Inclusions
- Timed entry to the Colosseum (as per option selected)
- Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian & Chinese (as per option selected)
- Entry to Mamertine Prison (as per option selected)
- Special access to the Colosseum Arena (as per option selected)
- Access to Colosseum tiers 1 & 2
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Live guide
- Access to the Colosseum underground or upper floors
- Tip: While exploring Palatine Hill look out for the Farnese Gardens, a peaceful escape from the crowds. Beautifully manicured terraces, statues, and panoramic views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum await.
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.
- Please note that timed priority entry is only available at the Colosseum, but the tickets for the Forum and Palatine will remain valid for an additional 24 hours after the Colosseum entry time selected during booking.
- Note that there are 2 entrances: one for the Colosseum, and another for the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (combined). You may enter each entrance ONLY ONCE and not re-enter.
- The security check can take 30 mins or more. To make the process quicker, please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray.
- After booking the ticket, you’ll receive information on how to download the digital audio guide app on your smartphone. Just make sure your phone is fully charged and don’t forget to bring your favorite headphones!
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Step into ancient Rome with a guide who brings history to life at every turn.
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill - hit all the hotspots of ancient Rome on this 3-hour guided tour.
- Timed entry lets you walk right into the Colosseum and focus on uncovering its history with your expert guide.
- Follow your guide as they reconstruct Rome’s glorious past— from the lively Forum, teeming with traders and priests, to Palatine Hill’s royal residences.
- Don't let language barriers spoil your adventure! Catch every detail of Rome's foundation story, in the language of your choice.
- Looking for a more intimate group? Upgrade to a small group tour. With fewer photobombers around, your snaps of the Colosseum will truly shine!
Step into ancient Rome with a guide who brings history to life at every turn.
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill - hit all the hotspots of ancient Rome on this 3-hour guided tour.
- Timed entry lets you walk right into the Colosseum and focus on uncovering its history with your expert guide.
- Follow your guide as they reconstruct Rome’s glorious past— from the lively Forum, teeming with traders and priests, to Palatine Hill’s royal residences.
- Don't let language barriers spoil your adventure! Catch every detail of Rome's foundation story, in the language of your choice.
- Looking for a more intimate group? Upgrade to a small group tour. With fewer photobombers around, your snaps of the Colosseum will truly shine!
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
- English/French/Spanish-speaking guide
- Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
- Access to Colosseum tier 1 & 2
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Access to the Colosseum Museum
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Access to the Colosseum underground & arena
- Tip: The Colosseum tours involve lots of climbing steps and walking. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes to prevent fatigue!
- As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is not possible to skip the lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users baby carriages, and people with mobility issues.
Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry. - Just a heads-up: the order of the tour might change, so it's a good idea to check for updates before your visit.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Unlock exclusive access to the Colosseum Arena floor on this immersive 3-hour tour.
- Visit three iconic landmarks, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum with timed entry for a seamless experience across ancient Rome's important sites.
- Get access to the Arena floor and stand where the gladiators once fought animals and public executions took place.
- Enjoy a deeper understanding of Rome’s landmarks with a guide who provides detailed narratives and answers all your questions.
- Not a fan of crowds? Opt for a small group and enjoy a more personalized tour full of tidbits on Roman religion, governance, and architecture.
Unlock exclusive access to the Colosseum Arena floor on this immersive 3-hour tour.
- Visit three iconic landmarks, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum with timed entry for a seamless experience across ancient Rome's important sites.
- Get access to the Arena floor and stand where the gladiators once fought animals and public executions took place.
- Enjoy a deeper understanding of Rome’s landmarks with a guide who provides detailed narratives and answers all your questions.
- Not a fan of crowds? Opt for a small group and enjoy a more personalized tour full of tidbits on Roman religion, governance, and architecture.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
- English-speaking guide
- Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
- Special access to the Colosseum Arena floor
- Access to Colosseum tier 1 & 2
- Access to the Colosseum Museum
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Headsets
- Tip: Don't miss out on your chance to see the Arena floor up close. Book in advance to get the best choice of starting times for your travel schedule!
- The experience is not accessible by wheelchair, pram/stroller baby carriage, or people with mobility issues.
- Rain or shine, this tour won't be canceled. If there is a heavy downpour, some areas of the tour will be closed for safety reasons.
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry. Photo IDs are mandatory for minors and adults.
- The order of attractions visited might be subject to change. Your guide will help you navigate all 3 sites daily of the crowds.
- As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is impossible to skip entry lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Rome
Why Visit Palatine Hill?
- Incredible history: Palatine Hill takes you closer to the great history of Rome. You can see the ruins of the ancient city and historical palaces and buildings.
- Beautiful gardens: Back in the day, Palatine Hill was home to the most affluent people in Rome. They owned huge palaces that had beautiful, lush green gardens.
- Nero’s Cryptoporticus: Palatine Hill has many attractions. Nero’s Cryptoporticus, an underground tunnel connecting the Imperial residence to the other public buildings, is one of the best attractions on Palatine Hill.
- A mythical location: Legend has it that La Lupa, the she-wolf who raised Romulus and Remus, found the twin inside a cave in Palatine Hill.
Your Palatine Hill tickets explained
Small-group guided tours
- These tickets allow you to explore the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum along with the Colosseum.
- Learn about the incredible history of these three sites in a small group of no more than 15 tourists. Your expert tour guide is dedicated to just you and your group; so rest assured, your questions will be heard and answered.
- At the Roman Forum, you will be able to explore all the important ruins such as the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus and more. Gain access to levels 1 and 2 of the Colosseum.
- You'll also be given a headset to hear your guide clearly, as these spaces are large and can get crowded.
Cancelation Policy
These tickets cannot be canceled or rescheduled.
Guided tours
- You get to enjoy skip-the-line access (to the Colosseum only) along with the benefits of a guided tour with these tickets.
- These tours are available in various languages, including English, Spanish, German, Italian, and French.
- A guided tour is a great way to explore Palatine Hill while gaining an in-depth understanding of its history, without having to spend a whole day at the attraction.
Cancelation Policy
You can cancel these tickets up to 24-72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book guided toursPlan your visit to Palatine Hill
Opening hours
Location
Faciities
Visitor tips
March 1 to 30, 2024: 8:30am – 5:30 pm
Last entry: 4:30 pm
31 March 31 to 30 September: 8:30am – 7:15pm
October 1 to 26: 8:30am – 6:30pm
27 October to 31 December: 8:30am – 4:30pm
The Palatine Hill is closed on public holidays of January 1 and December 25. It will close early on March 29.
Address: 00186 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
Palatine Hill is located close to both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
How to Get There
By Metro: Colosseo, line B is the closest metro station to Palatine Hill.
By Bus: Get down at Colosseo while taking a bus to Palatine Hill. 60, 75, 84, 85, 87, 117, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810 and 850 are the buses you can take.
By Taxi: You can get a taxi and reach Palatine Hill directly from anywhere in Rome.
- Washrooms
- Parking lot
- Benches
- Palatine Hill covers a huge area. You can only access it on foot. Ensure you’re ready physically and mentally to cover the distance.
- Wear comfortable footwear as you’ll be walking over all kinds of terrain.
- Carry an umbrella with you as rain is common throughout the year in Rome. You won’t find shelter easily on Palatine Hill.
- Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. It's also advisable to carry a snack for your tour, especially if you're traveling with kids.
- Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and Palatine Hill are close to each other, but avoid doing them in one go. Take two days to explore the three attractions properly.
Palatine Hill Highlights
The Palace of Domitian
Palatine Hill was the home of luxury in ancient Rome. The Palace of Domitian is proof; it is the largest building on Palatine Hill, serving as the official residence of Roman Emperors for three centuries.
Houses of Livia and Augustus
The House of Augustus on Palatine Hill was a massive complex comprising many important buildings. The House of Livia, named after Emperor Augustus’ wife, “lulia Aug(usta),” was among the more popular ones.
House of Tiberius
The House of Tiberius lies on the western slope of Palatine Hill, overlooking the Roman Forum. It was erected because Tiberius, the second Roman emperor, wanted to build a new palace nearer to the Roman Forum.
Domus Severiana
Domus Severiana, now in ruins, was the last extension of the impartial palaces on Palatine Hill. It was constructed in the early 3rd century AD under Septimius Severus, the first African to become a Roman Emperor.
Temple of Cybele
Palatine Hill is home to the Temple of Cybele, Rome’s first temple to the Magna Mater (Great Mother). The Greeks called her Cybele, and the temple was built to honor the goddess and house a particular image or form of her—a meteoric stone.
Temple of Apollo Palatinus
This temple was Octavian’s most intimate building project in Rome, consisting of a famous library and statues by Greek masters. A few temple remains are kept safely in the nearby Palatine Museum.
Septizodium
The decorative facade of the Septizodium, built by Septimius Severus, was built to impress visitors coming to the Appian Way. The facade contains statues of the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
Domus Transitoria
Domus Transitoria, the first royal palace of Emperor Nero, is located in the central part of Palatine hill. Nero dedicated significant time to designing his palace, with its rooms full of precious antiques that are an indispensable part of Rome’s history.
Palatine Museum
Excavations and archaeological findings on Palatine Hill are priceless. They’re kept safely in the Palatine Museum, founded in the former Monastery of the Visitation and on the remains of Domitian’s palace in 1858.
What to see at Palatine MuseumA brief history of Palatine Hill
From 753 to 509 BC
Ancient Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus. Legend has it that he dug a well from the top of Aventine using a plow pulled by a cow and an ox. He built the walls, dug the moat, and placed the gates.
From 509 to 27 BC
Palatine Hill was the affluent part of ancient Rome. From 509 to 27 BC, the hill was transformed into a residential complex for the wealthy. Influential people owned luxurious villas on Palatine Hill.
From 27 BC to 476 AD
After the completion of the Palace of Domitian, Palatine Hill’s reputation as the center of ancient Rome skyrocketed. It dominated the landscape and oozed luxury from every part.
From 476 - 1492
Palatine Hill saw a steep decline during the Middle Ages. and found different uses. But in the late Middle Ages, it became the center of gardens and vineyards. Palatine’s fortune changed again with the rise of the House of Frangipane, with towers and fortresses built to control main roads.
From 1492 - 1789
The Renaissance Era had just begun in Italy, starting in Florence. Renowned architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola, under the supervision of the Farnese family, played a significant role in preserving what was lost at Palatine Hill. The gardens were redone and the Orti Farnesiani (Farnese Gardens) has been maintained since 1550.
From 1789 - present day
Over the years, Palatine Hill was used by different people for different purposes. Villa Mattei was built in 1830 by Charles Andrew Mills. However, excavations inside Palatine Hill had begun by the 19th century. The villa was demolished as Palatine Hill was declared an archaeological site.
Frequently asked questions about Palatine Hillt tickets
What is Palatine Hill?
Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills in Rome that has mythical, cultural, religious and historical significance. As it has ruins dating back to 753 BC, it is one of the important archaeological sites in Rome.
Should I book Palatine Hill tickets online or on-site?
You can buy Palatine Hill tickets at the Colosseum, at the entrance of Palatine Hill, or online. It is best advised to get your tickets online as the area is an important tourist attraction. You can buy your Palatine Hill tickets here.
Can I visit Palatine Hill with Colosseum tickets?
Yes, your Colosseum tickets include access to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.
Who built Palatine Hill?
The city of Rome was founded on Palatine Hill. Augustus first built his palace here, followed by Tiberius and Domitian.
Why was Palatine Hill so important?
It is believed that La Lupa, a she-wolf, raised Romulus and Remus. Romulus was the founder of Rome. Palatine Hill was also where Roman emperors like Augustus, Tiberius and Domitian built their palaces.
Where does Palatine Hill get its name from?
There are many variations of the origin of Palatine Hill’s name. Some say it is called so because of its number of palaces. It is also believed that the hill gets its name from early Arcadian settlers who came from Pallantium. According to the legend, the hill might also get its name from the Roman deity Pales.
What is the myth surrounding Palatine Hill?
In Roman mythology, La Lupa found Romulus and Remus in a cave at Palatine Hill. Romulus founded the city of Rome, and Palatine Hill became the centre of his empire. It is also believed that Hercules defeated Cacus at Palatine Hill.
Why was Palatine Hill abandoned?
The fall of Rome due to frequent invasions of Barbarian tribes caused the abandonment of Palatine Hill.
What can I expect to see in Palatine Hill?
You will find the House of Augustus, Domus Flavia, the Palace of Tiberius, Hippodrome Stadium of Domitian, Farnese Gardens, Aqua Claudia, Temple of Apollo, Casa di Livia, House of Livia and the Hut of Romulus.
How long does it take to climb Palatine Hill?
It takes about 2-4 hours to climb and thoroughly explore all the places on Palatine Hill.
Where is Palatine Hill located?
Palatine Hill is located near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. The official address is 00186 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy.
How can I get to Palatine Hill?
You can take the metro, bus and taxi to reach Palatine Hill. The closest metro station is Colosseo. You can take buses 87, 117, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810 and 850 and get down to the nearest bus stop. You will find a taxi from anywhere in Rome to Palatine Hill.
What are the timings of the Palatine Hill?
Palatine Hill is open every day from about 8:30am to 6:30pm. Entry is closed on public holidays of 25th December and 1st January.
Is there a dress code to enter Palatine Hill?
As Palatine Hill is not a religious site, there is no dress code. However, wearing comfortable clothes and footwear is advisable as you will have to climb the hill.
