The Palatine in Rome looks like: photo

The Palatine in Rome is the name of the seventh and one of the highest hills in the Italian capital. This forty-meter high hill has been inhabited since time immemorial. Legends say that the mythological she-wolf at this place nourished with her milk Romul and Rem, twin brothers who founded the ancient state. Hence the story of the "Eternal City" began. Therefore, if you love ancient ruins and romantic legends, be sure to visit it. Moreover, almost all the ancient mythical sites were subsequently confirmed by archaeological excavations. Today we will make 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 Faustule. 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 goes back to the goddess Pales. She was a guardian of cattle. Perhaps, in time, altars were built here for sacrifices to the goddess. The first Romans began to settle here, and on the other six hills lived later. In the ancient era, the hill was the center of the empire, here palaces and public buildings were erected. But after the collapse of Rome and the capture of it by the barbarians, almost all the ancient buildings were destroyed.

Decline and Revival

Strangely enough, but even in the Renaissance, Palatin became overgrown with weeds. Only in the XVII century this land was acquired by the papal family of Farnese. Her landscaped, and even erected a rich villa, but the history of this place remained under a runt. 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 instructed archaeologists to make excavations on the hill. Thus, remains of ancient buildings were discovered. Since that time, the name of the hill has become synonymous with the palace (chamber) in different languages.

What the Palatine Looked Like

In ancient Rome, this hill was also revered and considered sacred. There was a sacred cave where the she-wolf fed the famous twins, and the tree under which the basket with the babies was found. In the fourth century AD, then travelers were shown different sights. For example, a 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 also numerous relics. This is the bramble that grew out of the spear left by Romulus from the Aventine Hill, and the rock where Hercules fought with the robber Kak, and also the monument erected in honor of this feat. Was on the Palatine and a kind of ancient "museum of twins". It was called the Curia Saliev. There was stored the rod of Romulus as the first Roman augur, as well as the 12 famous shields of Mars. Whatever it was, but archaeologists believe that the hill was inhabited since the thousandth year before our era. In the time of the legendary twins, the city was surrounded by a wall with two gates - Porta and Romanula - in the north and west. It also hosted a mysterious ancient holiday - Lupercalia, when naked young men ran around the hill.

Palatine Palaces

The more Rome grew, the more buildings appeared on the hill. As he was surrounded by the charisma of antiquity and holiness, then the settlers were mostly rich people, aristocrats and eminent people. Therefore, the Palatine in Rome was already built up by palaces by the beginning of our era. Here was born the future Emperor Augustus, and immediately there was built a house for his family. He built it in the center of the hill, out of marble. The palace was surrounded from different sides by the temples of Apollo and Vesta. This rich house burned down during the fire, but was restored in an even more luxurious form. Propylaea was attached 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. The Palatine built palaces and other emperors, in particular, Tiberius, Caligula, Domitian and the North. All of them were different. The palace of Caligula with the Capitol Hill connected a specially erected bridge. Domitian built himself the most luxurious and refined house. There were fountains, columns, basilicas dedicated to the gods, in particular, to Jupiter, the Throne Room and the room for audiences. There the emperor often arranged visiting sessions of the council and received visitors. Next to his palace Domitian built a stadium, and the box from which he saw the competitions was connected to his chambers. The North Palace was a seven-story building and was located at the foot of the hill.

Religious buildings in Palatine

Ancient temples were built here long ago. But now from the numerous constructions dedicated to pagan gods, up to now, only the remains of the altars of the Great Mother of Cybele, Apollo and several other ruins have reached. The most famous among them is the altar of the Unknown God, which the apostle Paul mentions. It was found in 1820. But the early, medieval and Renaissance Christian churches Palatine in Rome preserved a lot. The most famous are the temples of saints Sebastian and Bonaventura, Teodoro 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, its mosaic dates from this time. In the Renaissance, the so-called Florentine dome was built above it. Very ancient and the basilica of Sant Anastasia, dedicated to one of the Christian martyrs. But the modern look she acquired after a lot of restructuring, especially in the seventeenth century.

How to get there

This hill is in the heart of the city, between the Forum and Circo Massimo (racecourse). Therefore, if you are visiting the monuments of ancient Rome, Palatine will be right in 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 the line B and get off at Colosseo station. Then you need to walk a little bit.

Trips along the hill

What does the Palatine in Rome look like today? Now this is a grandiose archaeological reserve. Before you open the whole history of the ancient city. True, only the foundation remained from the Augustus palace, but there are frescoes in the house of Libya. Very large and impressive ruins of the palace of Caligula. In the center of the hill, the Farnese gardens are still green, broken a few centuries ago. At the stadium near the palace of Domitian there are archeological finds - 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 at the very top of the hill. Colorful photos of 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. The ticket costs 3.20 euros. If you combine a visit to the Palatine and the Colosseum, then it will cost you 8 Є. The ticket can be bought at the arch of Titus. It is valid for 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, which gives travelers the opportunity not only to look at the remnants of their former greatness and glory, but also to think about the frailty of being. By the way, among the lovers and newlyweds the Palatine in Rome enjoys special popularity. Photos on the background of his sights are constantly being made during weddings. In addition, from the top of the hill offers a beautiful view of Rome, and you can make excellent panoramic shots. Many tourists come here not only for the sake of ancient ruins and historical attractions, but also to take a walk through the tangerine gardens of Farnese and enjoy the wonderful aroma of citrus.