The Hill of Palaces — The Palatine Hill in Rome

On Feb 14^th, the Valentine’s Day, the whole world celebrates LOVE. But, what does the Palatine Hill have to do with it? Well, the Valentine’s Day is said to have originated in the site of the legendary Lupercalia celebrations, a cave, found beneath the Palatine Hill in the recent years by archaeologists.

The Hill of Palaces---The Palatine Hill

What’s more is the executions by Emperor Claudius II of two men, both named Valentine, on Feb 14 ^th in different years whose martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine's Day.

Where the era of Roman Empires started

The same cave of legendary Lupercalia celebrations is believed to be the one mentioned in Roman Mythology where the she-wolf nursed Rome’s founder Romulus and his twin brother Remus. Growing up on this hill Romulus decided to build a new city here. Therefore, it was on this hill that the Roman Empire started.

The Hill of Palaces

It does justice to call the Palatine Hill “the Hill of Palaces” because of its many palaces dedicated to emperors or their wives and the luxurious houses of rich people. In fact, in many languages, the word ‘palace’ is derived from ‘palatine’.

It is here that you can get a complete vintage view of the Colosseum. So, it only makes sense that your private tours of Rome start here.