Palatine Museum
One of the best places to visit in Palatine Hill is the Palatine Museum.
This archaeological museum is excellent. You’ll learn all about the history of the hill and the emperors that lived here. The museum is found within an old convent that was, before that, the Palace of Emperor Domitian.
It’s not the largest museum in Rome, but it does offer a fascinating insight into one of the city’s most important locations.
Stadium of Domitian
Emperor Domitian left an indelible mark upon Palatine Hill during his rule in the 1st century AD. As well as the palace, the Emperor also ordered the construction of a stadium.
Opened around 80 AD, the stadium was small by Roman standards, holding just 15,000 spectators. It was designed as an athletics stadium, so it was built on a much more modest scale than the nearby Colosseum or Circus Maximus, which could hold many thousands more in the stands.
The Stadium of Domitian now lies several meters below street level because the Piazza Navona was built above it on the ruins. You can explore the underground archaeological site on a guided tour, which is an incredibly atmospheric experience.
Flavian Palace
Also built by Emperor Domitian, the Flavian Palace was constructed towards the end of the ruler’s life, when he was unceremoniously assassinated.
Part of the wider Palace of Domitian, the Flavian Palace was where guests were entertained when the emperor threw lavish parties. Today, it’s a great example of Roman architecture, as much of the structure survived the fall of the empire and later years of neglect.
House of Augustus
The House of Augustus is usually the first thing that visitors see when they pass through the entrance to Palatine Hill.
This was the home that was built for Emperor Augustus, who ruled Rome as the first emperor from 27 BC until 14 AD. Much of the residence has been excavated, offering a unique insight into the palatial world of Roman rulers.
House of Livia
The House of Livia is another important Roman residence that has been extensively excavated to offer a deeper look into the world of antiquity and those who called Palatine Hill their home.
Excavations have shown that it’s likely that the house belonged to Livia, who was said to have been the wife of Emperor Augustus.
Baths of Septimius Severus
Emperor Septimius Severus ruled around the 2nd century AD and made extensive additions to the palaces on Palatine Hill.
One of the biggest additions was the construction of a huge bathing complex, which would be in use for hundreds more years after his death. The ruins of the Baths of Septimius Severus are some of the best preserved on Palatine Hill, and one of the best places to visit.