The Palatine Hill in Rome

I couldn´t wait to see Rome! It must have been one of the cities on my list that I have been dying to see for so many years. I studied Latin for 5 years at Secondary School and we have learnt all about the literature, poetry and culture. For so many years I formed a picture in my mind about this ancient city, the myths, Julius Ceasar, the Roman Empire and the Colosseum.

In fact in my final year of school our Latin teacher organized a Roman evening for us and I was Atalanta. We rented costumes and the “little ones” (who just started Secondary School had to serve us. Yes the Romans from those days were lying at the table when they were eating!)

The Palatine Hill in Rome
A group photo of all the Latin scholars. I am sitting in the middle in the front row.

So you can imagine my excitement when we finally arrived in Rome. I wanted to bring this ancient city to life. It was not to be….

There is very little left of the Rome as it was known in those days. Rome is a modern city and the ruins that are left are minimal. One of our excursions included a visit to the Palatine Hill.

The Palatine Hill in Rome
Walking amongst the ruins

We walked amongst the ruins and as the guide explained the history, I was shedding a tear or two. My life was in ruins…not quite, but you get the drift!

The Palatine Hill in Rome
The Palatine ruins

The Palatine hill overlooks the Roman Forum on the one side and the Circus Maximus on the other. The views overlooking these are beautiful. In ancient Rome this used the be the modern days “Beverley Hills” – the address for the rich and famous. Many of the Twelve Ceasars called the Palatine their home. One of them was Caligula, who was murdered in the tunnel “Cryptoporticus”. This tunnel is still standing.Others included Hortensius, Cicero, Catiline, Crassus, and Agrippa.

The Palatine Hill in Rome
View from the Palatine Hill

Many years ago skeptics believed that Romulus was a myth. In the romans mythology, Romulus and Remus were suckled by the famous she-wolf in a cave close to the Palatine Hill. This was also the place where the ancient Romans celebrated the festival of Lupercalia, honoring the saving of Romulus and Remus by the she-wolf. I remember a book that my grandmother had about myths and legends. It was one of my favourite books and I always asked to read it when I visited her.

The Palatine Hill in Rome
Romulus and Remus suckled by the she-wolf.

About a century ago Rome´s greatest archaeologist, Rodolfo Lanciani, excavated a site on the hill and remains of an Iron Age was discovered. This dated back to the 9th century BC and it supported the belief that Romulus, the founder of Rome, lived here.

In 2007 archaeologists discovered a sacred sanctuary dedicated to Romulus and Remus. It was found beneath the House of Augustus, near the Palatine Hill. This sanctuary is now being renovated and I am not sure when this project will be completed and available for the public to view.

While we were walking amongst the ruins we did see archaelogists working. Our guide told us that they are still in the process of discovering things. He also explained that the “new” Rome is built on other cities. City upon city!

You can easily combine a visit to the Colosseum and the Forum with a visit to the Palatine Hill. The buildings on the hill once included palaces of Augustus, Tiberius and Domitian, as well as other important Romans of the period, and a temple dedicated to Apollo.

      • Address: Entrances at Piazza del Colosseo and Via di San Gregorio 30, Roman Forum, Rome, 00184 
      • Phone: 06/39967700 
      • Cost: €12 (combined ticket with the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Imperial Forums, if used within 2 days), €4.50 Roman Forum and Palatine Hill only
      • Hours: Daily 8:30 -7:15 (6:15 last entrance)
      • Metro: Colosseo

      Visitor Tips: The main entrance of the Palatine Hill is where to go to buy tickets to the Colosseum when the line at the Colosseum is long. Audioguides and guided tours (in English, among other languages) for the Palatine Hill are available, just ask at the entrance. Guides may be useful to help you understand the ruins.

      I have been fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. By heart I am an adventurer and I love exploring new places, cultures and food. Travelling can become stressful and expensive. Over the years I have learnt to travel as cost effective as possible, simply by travelling more clever. Nelmitravel.com is a Adventure and Budget Travel site where I review Airlines, Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and give helpful travel information.

      34 Comments

      1. The pictures look absolutely stunning! And you certainly had great memory of that first picture there Nelieta! It's great to see that you shared a bit of history and some helpful info with us. But you had me felt envious again, my friend! I wish to see Rome too! Maybe, it will come true anytime sooner or later… Got to really visit this magnificent city..:) xoxoxo

      2. what an enjoyable trip visiting Palatine, plus reading great book for your grandmother.i'm always amazed with Roman history,its legends and myth.your article has certainly refresh my fond and hopefully one day i would get d chance to visit rome and understand more of its history. thanks for d visit entry information,its great to make plan.

      3. hi NELIETA…well I live in Rome and am totally surprised of your description…There are so many people that share my love for this enchanting city.. "Rome is a world, but it would take years to become a true citizen of it."…ROMAN culture is greatly appreciated!..The ancient legend of Romulus and Remus is well known in any part of the world. Therefore I would like to thank you for all the love you put in this description of ROME ♥

      4. What a beautiful city and what beautiful photos! I have to tell you that Roman mythology has always been a weakness of mine. How lucky you were to experience the ancient ruins firsthand.

      5. Hi Maria, thank you so much for your evry kind words. I absolutely love Rome and although I only spent 3 days there I totally fell in love with it! I had a 8 hour stop-over in Rome 3 years ago but unfortunately I couldn´t explore the city because I didn´t have a visa! So sad but for sure it is not my last visit!Ps. Much love did go into this post and I am so happy that you appreciated it. There will be more to follow 🙂

      6. Hi Jessy thank you for the visit. I will always remember this book! My grandmother was very strict when it came to books. You had to wash your hands and then sit at the table and read. She taught me great values and respect for books. I still love books and the smell. Glad you have enjoyed the blog entry 🙂

      7. Rome was a strange place full of modern buzz with ancient history dotted around it. Modern Rome built on top of ancient Rome. Its a fascinating place and your story and photos brought back lots of memories.

      8. How could I have missed this wonderful adventure in Rome??? You bring history to life with your words and photos. You capture the ambience of it all so magically. Bravo!

      9. Hi Jessy thank you for the visit. I will always remember this book! My grandmother was very strict when it came to books. You had to wash your hands and then sit at the table and read. She taught me great values and respect for books. I still love books and the smell. Glad you have enjoyed the blog entry 🙂

      10. Hi Maria, thank you so much for your evry kind words. I absolutely love Rome and although I only spent 3 days there I totally fell in love with it! I had a 8 hour stop-over in Rome 3 years ago but unfortunately I couldn´t explore the city because I didn´t have a visa! So sad but for sure it is not my last visit!Ps. Much love did go into this post and I am so happy that you appreciated it. There will be more to follow 🙂

      11. Hi Jorie, that was such a wonderful time in my life! We were a small group and had so much fun with a wonderful teacher who fuelled our imagination by transforming us to an ancient place. I really wish you would be able to go there very soon my friend!

      12. what an enjoyable trip visiting Palatine, plus reading great book for your grandmother.i'm always amazed with Roman history,its legends and myth.your article has certainly refresh my fond and hopefully one day i would get d chance to visit rome and understand more of its history. thanks for d visit entry information,its great to make plan.

      Thank you for visiting. Have a fabulous day!