The Palatine in Rome is the name of the seventh and one of the highest hills in the Italian capital. This forty-meter hill was inhabited since time immemorial. Legends say that the mythological she-wolf in this place nourished Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers who founded the ancient state, with their milk. This is where the story of the Eternal City began. Therefore, if you like ancient ruins and romantic legends, be sure to visit it. Moreover, almost all ancient mythical places were subsequently confirmed by archaeological excavations. Today we will take a virtual tour of these legendary places.
The history of the hill in ancient times
The Palatine in Rome is considered the place on which the "Eternal City" was built. Romulus and Remus grew up here and were raised by Faustulus. According to legend, the first stone was also laid on the Palatine. But historians believe that cattle were originally grazed on this ancient hill. No wonder the etymology of the name of the hill dates back to the goddess Palez. She was a cattle guardian. Perhaps, over time, altars for sacrifices to the goddess began to be erected here. The first Romans began to settle here, and lived on the other six hills later. In ancient times, the hill was the center of the empire, palaces and public buildings were erected here. But after the collapse of Rome and its capture by barbarians, almost all of the ancient buildings were destroyed.
Decline and rebirth
Oddly enough, even in the Renaissance, Palatine was overgrown with weeds. Only in the 17th century did the papal Farnese family acquire this land. It was landscaped, and even a rich villa was built, but the history of this place remained under wraps. Until the nineteenth century, trees grew on this hill and the Farnese gardens were located. Only in 1861, when the French emperor Napoleon the Third bought this land from the Roman government, he ordered archaeologists to do excavations on the hill. So the remains of ancient buildings were discovered. Since then, the name of the hill has become in different languages a synonym for the palace (chamber).
What did the Palatine look like?
In ancient Rome, this hill was also revered and considered sacred. Here was a sacred cave where a she-wolf fed the famous twins, and a tree under which a basket with babies was found. Back in the fourth century AD, then travelers were shown different sights. For example, the hut, where Faustul brought up Romulus and Remus, the house of one of the twins, the altar of Pan and the temple of Jupiter Stator. There were numerous relics here. This is the blackthorn that grew from the spear thrown by Romulus from the Aventine hill, and the rock where Hercules fought with the robber Kakom, as well as a monument erected in honor of this feat. The original “twin museum” was also located on the Palatine. It was called the “Saliyev’s chicken.” There was kept the rod of Romulus as the first Roman augur, as well as 12 famous shields of Mars. Whatever it was, but archaeologists believe that the hill was inhabited from the thousandth year BC. At the time of the legendary twins, the city was surrounded by a wall with two gates - Porta and Romanula - in the north and west. There was also held a mysterious ancient holiday - Lupercalia, when naked youths circled around the hill.
Palatine Palaces
The more Rome grew, the more buildings appeared on the hill. Since he was surrounded by the charisma of antiquity and holiness, the rich and aristocrats and eminent people settled here mainly. Therefore, the Palatine in Rome by the beginning of our era was built up with palaces. The future emperor Augustus was born here, and a house for his family was erected immediately. He built it in the center of the hill, made of marble. The palace was surrounded on different sides by the temples of Apollo and Vesta. This rich house burned down during a fire, but was restored in an even more luxurious form. Propylaea was added to it, and a colonnade with statues was erected between the palace and the temple of Apollo. There was also the house of Libya, the wife of Augustus. Palaces and other emperors built themselves on the Palatine, in particular, Tiberius, Caligula, Domitian and the North. They were all different. The Caligula Palace and the Capitol Hill were connected by a specially erected bridge. Domitian built himself the most luxurious and sophisticated house. There were fountains, columns, basilicas dedicated to the gods, in particular, to Jupiter, the Throne Hall and an audience room. There, the emperor often arranged field council meetings and received visitors. Domitian built a stadium near his palace, and the box from where he contemplated the competition was connected to his chambers. The North Palace was seven-story and was located at the foot of the hill.
Religious buildings on the Palatine
Ancient temples have been built here since ancient times. But now, from the many structures dedicated to pagan gods, only the remains of the altars of the Great Mother Cybele, Apollo and several other ruins have survived to our times. The most famous among them is the altar of the Unknown God, mentioned by the Apostle Paul. It was found in 1820. But the early, medieval and Renaissance Christian churches Palatine in Rome has preserved a lot. The most famous are the temples of Saints Sebastian and Bonaventure, Theodoro and Anastasia. The last church is one of the most interesting. It was built at the foot of the hill in the fourth century. At least her mosaic dates from this time. In the Renaissance, the so-called Florentine dome was built on top of it. Very ancient and the basilica of St. Anastasia, dedicated to one of the Christian martyrs. But it acquired a modern look after many reconstructions, especially in the seventeenth century.
How to get there
This hill is located in the heart of the city, between the Forum and the Circo Massimo (hippodrome). Therefore, if you look at the monuments of ancient Rome, the Palatine will be right on your way. You can enter there from the side of Via de Sant Gregorio, immediately behind the arch of Constantine. The easiest way to get to this place is by metro. To do this, take line B and get off at the Colosseo station. Then you need to walk a little.
Hill excursions
What does the Palatine look like in Rome these days? Now it is a grand archaeological reserve. You will discover the whole history of the ancient city. True, only the foundation has been preserved from the palace of Augustus, but there are frescoes in the house of Libya. Very large-scale and impressive ruins of the Caligula Palace. In the center of the hill, the Farnese Gardens, broken several centuries ago, still green. At the stadium near the palace of Domitian, archaeological finds are exhibited - fragments of statues, as well as modern sculptures. Many valuable artifacts were transferred to the Palatine Museum. It must be examined necessarily. It was created at the monastery and is located at the very top of the hill. Colorful photos of the monuments of ancient Rome (Palatine) are guaranteed to you. By the way, the hill itself is also a huge open-air museum. He works from eight in the morning until half-past six in the evening. Tickets cost 3.20 euros. If you combine a visit to the Palatine and the Coliseum, then it will cost you 8 Є. A ticket can be bought from the Arch of Titus. It is valid 24 hours from the date of purchase.
Palatine in Rome: reviews
People come here, regardless of the weather and season. Despite the abundance of tourists, this hill in the heart of the city is a quiet place, providing travelers with the opportunity not only to look at the remains of former greatness and glory, but also to think about the transience of being. By the way, among lovers and newlyweds, the Palatine in Rome is especially popular. Photos against the backdrop of its attractions are constantly taken during weddings. In addition, a beautiful view of Rome opens from the top of the hill, and you can take great panoramic pictures. Many tourists come here not only for the sake of ancient ruins and historical sights, but also to walk around the Farnese tangerine gardens and enjoy the wonderful aroma of citrus fruits.