The Palatine Hill

Walk through the cradle of Roman civilisation

Word to the wise: One of the best ways to experience this part of Rome is to take a guided tour. Many are reasonably priced and guides will take you through surrounding sights such as, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
Rome was founded on the Palatine Hill. According to legend, it was here that the two abandoned twin brothers Romulus and Remus were found and kept alive by a female wolf. The first settlers are believed to have built their dwellings here and as the years rolled on it developed into an exclusive neighbourhood, as many members of the nobility lived here. The area then gave way to the imperial palaces of the likes of Augustus, Caligula and Nero.

The grandeur and the opulence have long gone as only the ruins remain, but it's possible with a little imagination to picture what the area would have looked like when Rome was at the height of her powers. Today, the 'Emperor hill' is green with many pine trees. Here you will find the left-over of Europe’s first botanical garden, 'the Farnesina Gardens', founded in the 16th century.