Ed L.
Yelp
7 Sacred Hills in ancient Roma and Palatine Hill is the most sacred!
The ancient Roma mythology dictates that the birth of Roma stems from Palatine Hill and is considered the most sacred of all 7 hills. Even the name for the city was named after Romulous, after he killed his brother in a fight for control of the throne - or the story goes. Even during the reign of emperor Augustus, his wife occupied one of the houses within Palatine Hill and it was the place where divine interviention and the Roman Gods were to congregate and executre politics at their leisure. Palatine Hill is a large track of land that's really a plateau, with some uphill sections, overlooking Circus Maximus on the eastern side, while keeping tabs on the Foro itself. It was the pinnicle of Roma civilization in ancient times and where the political and economical centre of Roma was. The landscape itself is very dry and arid. You can tell that it doesn't rain all too much up here. Be prepared to walk a lot around the hill. You'll be surprised on what you'll find here. Just like the Roma Foro, the Palatine Hill has a mixture of old ruins from ancient Roma, a cemebetary ambiance, and just that feeling of it being empty.
Palatine Hill was also the residential headquarters for its emperors. I thought that was particularly interesting, but not uncommon. It's not an real attraction for kids, but quite educational if they're into it. Palatine Hill has some beautiful vistas after climbing the intital set of uphills. Be farewarned though, you will need a good pair of walking shoes and a bottle of water. Be prepared to spend at least 1-2 hours, if not half of the day here, along with the Colosseo and the Roma Foro. They probably do sell stuff at some parts of the Roma Foro, but best bet would be to just bring your own goods, so you don't get gyped for overpaying for water and food options. Palatine Hill is nestled among the Roma Foro, so do both at the same time, especially when you can get in for the price of 3 (Roma Foro, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseo). Admission price is just 12 euros, so that was a good bargain, I would say. Not sure if they accept credit cards, since I used cash that October 2014 day. I was here on the 110 red Open Sightseeing Bus tour, which stops at the Colosseo, but you would have to walk to the Roma Foro / Palatine Hill entrance, which was about 100 feet away from the Colosseo. Just be aware of the pickpockets in the vicinity of the Colosseo and you should be fine.
There is a garden within Palatine Hill, which was commissioned by one of the emperors and had been maintained through the centuries. Nowadays, it's part of the city of Roma and its upkeep is with the city and private entities. It's quite beautiful and quite surreal that you're in Roma and within divine upbringings. Best bet would be to come in the early morning or mid afternoon to avoid the heat and the crowds of tourists waiting to get in on the action. You might want to bring some sunblock too. I may get toasty out there, so you'd want some protection from the relentless rays of the sun. For me, it is a step back in time and I enjoyed my time here. The Roma Foro, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseo, along with Circus Maximus (similar to the Colosseo where they have sport and games), provides a glimpse into the past where the Roman empire had flourished under an imperial system. Get ready for an adventure in Rome. It's a definite spot to just reflect and remember how great a civilization Ancient Rome was, which gave humanity its greatest strengths as well as its greatest weakness.
Since the Palatine Hill is closed around 1800, you can check out the Colosseo at night. It will not be open, but the Colosseo will be lite up at night. Quite beautiful and a rare treat!
Support local!
A++