Palatine

Lonely Planet review

Overlooking the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill is where it all began. An area of majestic ruins and grand views, this is where the mythical she-wolf nursed Romulus and Remus before Romulus killed his brother and founded Rome in 753 BC. Indeed, archaeologists have unearthed evidence of human habitation dating to the 9th century BC.

The Palatine was ancient Rome's poshest neighbourhood; aristocrats lived here and successive emperors built increasingly opulent palaces. Eventually, it fell into disrepair, and in the Middle Ages churches and castles were built over the ruins. During the Renaissance, wealthy families established gardens on the hill.

The largest part of the Palatine as it appears today is covered by the ruins of Emperor Domitian's vast complex, which served as the main imperial palace for 300 years. The first recognisable construction is the Stadio (stadium). Then there are the ruins of the Domus Augustana, the emperor's private residence, and the Museo Palatino, home to a small but fascinating collection of archaeological finds from the Palatine. Other historic buildings include the ancient Casa dei Grifi (House of the Griffins), a temple to Asiatic goddess Cybele, and private royal residences.