Palatino

About the museum

The Palatino is the most famous of Rome’s seven hills and one of the oldest nuclei of the city. Remains of Iron Age settlements have been found on the hill, and tradition placed the hut of Romulus there. The sanctuary of the Magna Mater stood here, and in the Republican era aristocratic families chose the hill for their residences.

With Augustus, the Palatino became the residence of the emperor. The House of Augustus and the House of Livia are its best-preserved remains, with frescoed rooms. His successors enlarged the complex, up to the great palaces of Domitian (Domus Flavia and Domus Augustana, with the stadium) and the imposing system of substructures of the Domus Tiberiana. The term “palace” in many modern languages derives from the name of the hill.

In the Renaissance the hill was turned into vineyards and gardens by noble families, including the Orti Farnesiani with the Loggia Stati-Mattei. Systematic archaeological excavations began in the 19th century and continue today. The Museo Palatino, housed in a building of former convent origin, holds finds from excavations carried out from the 16th century onwards.

Highlights

• House of Augustus and House of Livia with frescoed rooms
• Domus Flavia, Domus Augustana and Stadium of Domitian
• Criptoportico Neroniano, underground corridor
• Orti Farnesiani and Loggia Stati-Mattei, Renaissance gardens
• Museo Palatino with finds from excavations from the 16th century onwards

Permanent exhibition

• Museo Palatino – The museum displays finds from the excavations on the hill carried out from the 16th century onwards.

Operated by

Parco archeologico del Colosseo (Ministero della Cultura)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month, 25 April, 2 June and 4 November.

Access to the Palatino is included in the Colosseo, Foro Romano and Palatino ticket and in the Forum Pass SUPER (without the Colosseo, which cannot be used on the free first Sunday of the month). Tickets are named. Entry to the Foro Romano and Palatino is allowed once, within 24 hours before or after the booked visit to the Colosseo.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The three main entrances to the Foro Romano and Palatino (Largo della Salara Vecchia, Arco di Tito, Via di San Gregorio) are accessible by wheelchair. The climb to the top of the Palatino has steep sections and uneven paving. The Park plans to extend the accessible routes from 1.5 to 2 km. There are lifts and a platform lift at the Arco di Tito; the Museo Palatino has a lift and two stairlifts. All eight public toilets are accessible, and five wheelchairs are available on loan at the main entrances. Along the route there are three tactile panels on the Palatino and four in the Museo Palatino.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The entrance to the Palatino is at Via di San Gregorio 30.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Refreshment point and bookshop in the archaeological area.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit