Private Guided Tour of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Super Sites

Exclusive Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Experience

Journey into the secret heart of Ancient Rome through our Roman Forum Super Sites Tour, discerning history from legends. Gift yourself with our private tour gaining exclusive access to some of the most fascinating and historically significant sites within the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Closed to the usual public and opened only to a limited number of visitors with special tickets, these remarkable locations provide an insider view and deeper understanding of Rome's history, culture, and architectural brilliance.

Our Private Tour of Rome's Super Sites is an invitation to walk in the footsteps of emperors, senators, and citizens who shaped the ancient world. With special access to extraordinary locations and a private engaging guide, you will uncover layers of history that few ever see, making this an unforgettable experience in the eternal city.

The Heart of Ancient Rome: Life and Politics in the Roman Forum

Discover the Roman Forum, the vibrant epicenter of public life in ancient Rome. As you stroll along the Via Sacra, the sacred road that once hosted triumphal processions, you will pass the imposing Arch of Titus, celebrating Rome’s victory in the Jewish War. Nearby stands the Temple of Saturn, one of the Forum’s oldest structures, a testament to Rome’s early dedication to the gods and their role in shaping the city’s destiny. The sprawling ruins of the Basilica Julia and Basilica Aemilia reveal the grandeur of Rome’s legal and commercial hubs, bustling with activity in their heyday. Here, you will be transported back to a world of senators, merchants and citizens, all vying for influence in the shadow of monumental architecture.

Step into the ancient heart of Roman political life entering your first Roman Forum super site: the Senate. Commissioned by Julius Caesar and completed by Augustus, this grand structure was the meeting place of the Roman Senate, where the most influential decisions of the Republic and later the Empire were debated and made. Restored to its former glory, the Senate offers an authentic glimpse into the civic life of ancient Rome. The walls once echoed with the voices of history’s greatest statesmen, and as you stand within its chambers, you can almost hear the impassioned speeches that shaped the policies and destiny of the Roman world. This building embodies the essence of Roman law and governance, a legacy that continues to influence modern legal systems.

Palatine Hill: From Rome’s Legendary Origins to Imperial Grandeur

Ascending the Palatine Hill, you will delve into the origins of Rome itself. This is the legendary site where Romulus founded the city in 753 BCE, and as you wander among the ruins, you will see remnants of early Iron Age settlements that predate the grandeur of the imperial palaces. The hill’s tranquil gardens and ancient ruins create a striking contrast, offering breathtaking views of the Roman Forum below. Among the highlights are the remains of the Domus Flavia and Domus Augustana, the grand residences of emperors, where you can imagine the opulent banquets and imperial ceremonies that once took place within their walls.

Nestled at the base of the Palatine visit with a special access the Church of Santa Maria Antiqua. This 6th-century church is a hidden gem, often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of the early Middle Ages. Its walls are adorned with a breathtaking array of frescoes, spanning several centuries and showcasing the evolution of Christian art during the Byzantine and early medieval periods. As you step inside, you will feel the weight of history and faith, marveling at the vibrant depictions of saints, angels, and biblical scenes that survived centuries of abandonment and earthquakes. This church also serves as a testament to the resilience of early Christianity in Rome, surviving transitions of power and the tumult of history to preserve its sacred art for modern eyes.

From christianity to imperial luxury, your private tour of the Super sites of Rome continues into the Domus Tiberiana. This expansive palace, built by Emperor Tiberius, was one of the first imperial residences, symbolizing the shift from Republic to Empire. Although much of the structure is now in ruins, its vast halls and terraces provide a rare opportunity to explore the grandeur of imperial architecture. The Domus Tiberiana also served as a hub of political intrigue and cultural refinement, housing not just emperors but also the art and treasures of the known world. From its terraces, enjoy sweeping views of the Roman Forum, imagining the splendor of ancient Rome as its emperors once did.

Delve deeper into the private lives of Rome’s first imperial family with a special visit visits to the super sites of House of Livia and the House of Augustus. The House of Livia, traditionally attributed to the wife of Emperor Augustus, is celebrated for its exquisite frescoes that depict lush gardens, mythological figures, and scenes of prosperity. These paintings reflect the opulence and cultural sophistication of the early imperial court. Nearby, the House of Augustus offers a more personal insight into the life of Rome’s first emperor. Modestly sized yet richly adorned, this residence contains vibrant frescoes and carefully designed spaces that blend luxury with Augustus’s political agenda of portraying himself as a man of the people. These houses together reveal the private ambitions and public personas of the imperial family, offering a rare glimpse into the lives behind the grandeur.

Your private guide will show you the masterpieces of the roman ruins in the Palatine Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts unearthed from this storied site. From intricately carved statues of gods and emperors to everyday objects like pottery and tools, the museum’s collection illuminates the daily life and spiritual beliefs of ancient Romans. Among its highlights are remnants of structures dating back to the Iron Age, linking the Palatine Hill to the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus. Each artifact tells a story, connecting visitors to the layers of myth and history that make the Palatine Hill such a pivotal part of Rome’s heritage.

Finally, step into the enigmatic world of the Aula Isiaca. This underground hall, named for its association with the Egyptian goddess Isis, features stunning frescoes that blend Roman, Hellenistic, and Egyptian motifs. Discovered beneath the imperial palaces, this space reflects the eclectic cultural and religious influences that thrived in Rome during the late Republic and early Empire. The vivid colors and intricate designs of the frescoes create a sense of otherworldly mystique, offering a rare glimpse into the spiritual and artistic diversity of ancient Rome. The Aula Isiaca is a hidden treasure that encapsulates the cosmopolitan spirit of the empire.