The Palatine Hill in Rome: Origin of Roman Mythology and History

2 January - 28 February: 9:00 - 4:30
1 March - 26 March: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
27 March - 31 August: 9:00 a.m. - 7:15 p.m.
1 September - 30 September: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
1 October - 30 October: 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
31 October - 31 December: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Last admission always one hour before closing time. 

Closed: 25.12., 1.1. 

The Palatine Hills are open from January until December every from 8:30 am. These opening hours allow early birds to have an exciting start to their day. Last admission into the Palatine Hills always takes place an hour before the closing time of that season. Because the entirety of the Palatine Hills is open-air and have few light sources, opening hours of the Palatine Hills are adapted to the amount of hours of sun during each season. The winter season of the Palatine Hills starts from the last Sunday in October and continues until February 15 and is open until 4:30 pm. From February 16 until March 15, last admission is at 4 pm. From March 16 until last saturday of march, the Palatine Hills can be explored until 5:30 pm. From the Palatine Hills, you can enjoy a marvelous view of a large part of Rome because in the summer season last admission is at 6:15 pm. Because the days grow shorter as the summer ends, please take note of the Roman Forum's opening hours for changes. For example, visitors who come to the Palatine Hills in September can explore the hills well into the evening until 7 pm. However, from October 1 to the last Sunday of October, the Palatine Hills can only be explored until closing time at 6:30 pm.

Adult: 16 € (Colosseum, Forum Romanum & Palatine)
Children and young people (under 18 years): free
Reservation fee: 2€

With your convenient Rome City Pass, you can experience the Palatine Hills for FREE. You will receive your ticket into the Palatine Hills and also to other top attraction in Rome (in one complete package) well before you depart for Rome.

Your ticket is valid for the Colosseum, Forum Romanum and Palatine. The ticket is valid for one day only, so you have to visit the Colosseum, Forum Romanum and Palatine on the same day. You have the possibility to visit Forum Romanum and Palatin before your Colosseum time, though. You have the option of booking "without the Colosseum" during the course of your booking, e.g. if a reservation is not available on your desired date. 
Please note that the Roman Forum and the Palatine are on the same site and must be visited together.

From 1 May 2023, free tickets for children (0 - 17) must be collected at one of the following counters in Rome before admission:
-Box offices inside the Colosseum
-Ticket office at Largo della Salara Vecchia
-Ticket office at the Temple of Venus and Rome
Age must be proven by ID or passport. 

The Palatine Hills captivate its visitors through its quiet, but also central location in Rome. A special feature of its location is its fantastic view of Rome, which visitors of the Palatine Hills can enjoy. You can take a restful break and make more plans for your city tour in Rome on the Palatine Hills' beautiful grounds. With its manicured green areas and quiet location, the Palatine Hills are a relaxing haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. Because of the Palatine Hills' central location and close proximity to the public transportation system, you can easily visit other attractions and museums in the inner city of Rome after your visit to the Palatine Hills. You can reach the inner city of Rome in about 15 minutes. Therefore, you have the opportunity to travel comfortably (while also saving time) to other attractions in Rome after your visit to the Palatine Hills.

Direction:
Metro B or Tram 3 to Colosseo
Busse 60, 75, 81, 175, 271, 673, 204

The Palatine Hills are in very close proximity to the public transportation system, which means getting here is super easy! Because of the extensiveness and convenience of the public transportation system in Rome, you are able to plan your day in the Italian capital flexibly and to your needs. If you take Metro B or Tram 3 and get off at the station called „Colosseo,” you will already be only a short walk away to the Palatine Hills. Or you can use one of the bus lines to reach the Palatine Hills: 60, 75, 81, 175, 271, 673 or the 204. Whichever way you decide to get to the Palatine Hills, traveling to there will be easy and stress-free and the Palatine Hills will only be a short walk away from your bus or tram stop.

The Palatine Hills are closed on January 1st, May 1st, and on the 25th of December.

Please note that the security measures of the Palatine Hills has become stricter, which means that there will be delays at the security check points. The Rome City Pass and its „preferred access” feature does not apply to security checks and Pass Holders cannot bypass these lines. Bags, backpacks, coats and jackets could also be inspected and search through.

After a short walk, one can reach the Roman Forum after a visit to the Palatine Hills. The Roman Forum is the oldest Roman square, where the politics, economy, culture, and religion of Rome was once centered around. Here you can also find the impressive Colossus of Constantine- as well as the Arch of Titus. Both are impressive victory arches that are worth a visit! The Colosseum is also located nearby the Palatine Hills. The Colosseum is considered to be the largest amphitheater to be built in Roman antiquity, and it is especially famous for its gladiator fights and animal fights. The Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica is also located near the Palatine Hills. Here you can be amazed at the impressive master pieces and painting from the Renaissance, Baroque and the Mannerist period. 

Another entrance into the Palatine Hills is located at Via di S. Gregorio 30.

Already since 1000 BC, human settlements could be found on these hills. Legend says that the Palatine Hills are the birthplace of Rome. Romulus and Remus (who were brothers) were abandoned at the foot of these hills when they were small children. When plans to build a city on these lands were being made in 753 BC, the two brothers fought each other for governance of these lands. In order to decide who should be the owner of the city (and therefore have the right to name it), the two brothers competed in a bird watching competition. Both of the brothers had the opinion that they had won the game. However, Romulus had more supporters, and in the end, Romulus was deemed the winner and owner of Rome. And that's why the Palatine Hills (among which Romulus Hill also stands) is foretold by legends to be the birthplace of Rome. In 300 BC and 200 BC, the Palatine Temple was erected. However only partial remains of the temple exist today that can be viewed-- the Temple of Apollo, Victoria, and Magna Mater. At this point in history, the Palatine Hills became a residential area for the wealthy, upper-class citizens of Rome. 

In the past, many Roman Kaisers also lived in Palatine Hills. The government and representative building (Domus Flavia) as well as the residence of the Kaiser Domitian (81-96) (Domus Augustana) are still partially intact. You can view them from the Palatine Hills. An arena that was commission by Kaiser Domitian can also be partially viewed. 

Being able to see the excavation sites of ancient palace buildings, temples, and many other historical buildings isn't the only reason why you should visit the Palatine Hills-- the Farnese Gardens are also worthwhile to visit. In the 16th century, Cardinal Alessandro Farnese had given the order to build these gardens on top of the ruins of the Tiberius Palace. These gardens are supposed to be one of the first botanical gardens in Europe, and it is home to a variety of exotic plants. The Farnese Gardens are also home to a numerous amount of beautiful fountains, ponds, pavilions, and also a man-made grotto. All of this things are also enclosed by picturesque rose beds, orange trees, and pine trees. 

Experience the Palatine Hills for FREE with the Rome City Pass and have your ticket into the Palatine Hills already in your pocket before you even depart for Rome.