Explore Ancient Ruins and Artifacts at the Palatine Museum in Rome

Located 40 meters above the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill is referred to as the nucleus of the Roman Empire. The centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome overlooks the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and Capitol Hill on one side and the Circus Maximus stadium on the other. It is also home to the Palatine Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of artifacts dating back to the Middle Paleolithic era. Read on to know more about why you should visit the museum and how you can make the most of it while on your trip to Rome.

History of the Palatine Museum

The first Palatine Museum was built in the late 19th century by Pietro Rosa on the ground floor of the Farnese building on Palatine Hill. The museum was home to sculptures found on the hill during Napoleon III’s reign. In 1882, Rodolfo Lanciani demolished the building to form a connection between the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill while Gherardo Ghirardini transferred the museum’s objects to the Museum of the Baths of Diocletian.

Italian archaeologist Alfonso Bartoli constructed a new site in 1868 on the remains of the razed Villa Mills. He transferred the sculptures and other objects from the Museum of the Baths of Diocletian (which, by then, had begun to be called the National Roman Museum) to this building, which was originally called the Monastery of the Visitation. Alfonso discovered and collected objects and artifacts found on the excavation site of Domus Augustana and exhibited them here.

However, the holdings of the museum were moved again during the Second World War and housed in the National Roman Museum. But only a small portion of the collections was returned because the museum wanted to display the beautiful works justifying the decision with the fact that tourists are more interested in seeing the ruins on Palatine Hill than the museum. Therefore, Palatine Museum is now home only to objects and artifacts directly associated with the history of Palatine Hill. The National Roman Museum was reorganized after the passing of a law on the archaeological heritage of Rome in 1981 following which sculptures belonging to Palatine Museum were returned to their rightful owners.

Visitor Tips

• Wear comfortable footwear because you’ll have to walk along rough terrain quite a bit.
• Palatine Hill is not recommended for those with reduced mobility due to the rough terrain. However, the museum is wheelchair friendly and accessible to people with disabilities.
• You’ll find archaeological ruins both indoors and outdoors, which is why it is recommended that you visit during the day.
• Avoid carrying large backpacks and bags because you won’t be allowed to carry them into the museum.
• Don’t forget to carry your camera because the hill offers breathtaking views of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and other important landmarks.
• Drinking water facilities and restrooms are available near the Palatine Museum in case you need to use them.