Palatine Hill is not technically a part of the Roman Forum but, from the perspective of a tourist, they are effectively the same site, in that a ticket gives you entry to both and you’ll move between the two without realising exactly where one ends and the other begins.
Palatine Hill is the most central of Rome’s seven hills and, in many ways, it was the centre of Rome’s story.
The hill is at the core of the myth about the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. And, more tangibly, it was where the emperors built their homes from Augustus in 27 BC.
It’s surprisingly peaceful up on the hill and there’s also much more to see than I had expected. The remains of the majestic homes built by emperors are here, as is the enormous hippodrome and stadium.
Further around, the baths and aqueduct are impressive even so many years after they were built. There are also gardens that have been well maintained and have great views over the Roman Forum below.