Palatine Hill Entry Tickets | Roman Forum & Colosseum Access

What is Palatine Hill?

Palatine Hill is one of the Seven Hills of Rome and is considered the birthplace of the city. Legend has it that Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were born in a cave on this hill. Throughout Roman history, it was the preferred residential area for the wealthy and powerful. Many Roman emperors, including Augustus, Tiberius, and Domitian, built their palaces on Palatine Hill.

Why visit the Palatine Hill along with the Colosseum?

While the Colosseum was a public space for action and spectacle, Palatine Hill offered a quiet retreat for ancient Roman royals. Its elevated location provides a unique perspective on the city's layout and the relationship between its iconic landmarks. Visiting Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum together offers a comprehensive understanding of ancient Rome's culture, politics, and daily life.

What can visitors see at Palatine Hill today?

Here are some highlights of these ruins:

✅ Hut of Romulus: The purported hut of Romulus has been reconstructed on Palatine Hill and is open to the public.
✅ House of Augustus and Livia: Explore the residences of the famed emperor and his wife Livia. You can still see remnants of frescoes on the walls.
✅ Farnese Villa and Gardens: Built by Alexander Farnese, a wealthy nephew of Pope Paul III, the Farnese Villa is now in ruins, but visitors can still catch a light show cast on its walls and ceiling, and the remnants of its flowering garden.
✅ Stadium of Domitian: Located on the eastern side of the House of Augustus, Domitian’s Stadium is about 10m below ground. While its exact purpose is unknown, it is believed to be a lavish private garden with a two-storey colonnade that protected users from rain or shine.

Step-by-step guide to booking Palatine Hill tickets

Tips for a smooth visit to Palatine Hill 

1. Pre-booking is the way to go — it guarantees you get the slot of your choice.

2. Entry to the Colosseum is timed, so you can visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill within 24 hours of your Colosseum visit.

3. Visiting on weekdays, particularly between Tuesday and Thursday, is recommended for fewer crowds. If you plan to cover all three sites on the same day, try to visit Palatine Hill during the hottest part of the day as it offers the most shade. The others are relatively open-air and exposed to more sun. 

4. Details and links to download the audio guide app will be mailed to you shortly after booking. Download the app beforehand to avoid network issues on the day of your visit.

Frequently asked questions

• Does my Palatine Hill ticket offer skip-the-line entry?
  No, your Palatine Hill entry ticket does not offer skip-the-line entry. However, visiting during the early morning hours or in the afternoon will mean fewer crowds. The lines move continuously, so you won’t spend too much time waiting compared to the Colosseum.

  
  

• In what languages is the audio guide available?
  Digital audio guides are available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Chinese.

  
  

• At the time of booking, you must choose a time slot for your Colosseum visit. If you choose a 10 am slot, your Colosseum tour will begin at 10 am. You have until 10 am the next day (24 hours) to also visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

  
  

• Do Palatine Hill tickets come with other benefits?
  You can upgrade your Palatine Hill ticket with additional options like access to the Arena floor or a multimedia video tour.

  
  

• Can I enter and exit these historical sites multiple times with the same ticket?
  No, once you use the ticket to enter, you cannot re-enter with the same ticket.

  
  

• Is there a recommended route to see the Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum?
  To encounter the fewest crowds, start by visiting Palatine Hill, then make your way to the Roman Forum, and finish your tour at the Colosseum by the end of the day.