Palatine is where it all began. According to legend, it was here that Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC, and over time the hill became the most prestigious residential area of the ancient city. Walking around the Palatine, you step on the same paths that Roman emperors and aristocrats walked. This is where their luxurious residences were located, of which impressive ruins remain today.

One of the most interesting buildings on the Palatine is the House of Livia - the well-preserved residence of the wife of Emperor Augustus, where you can admire beautiful frescoes that have stood the test of time. Also worth noting is the Stadium of Domitian - the emperor's private racecourse, which was used not only for sports competitions, but also as a place of relaxation for the ruler and his guests. The Palatine also offers spectacular views of the entire city, especially the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.

Near the Palatine is the Roman Forum - the political, religious and commercial heart of ancient Rome. It was here that the most important events in the life of the city took place: political speeches, religious processions, triumphal parades and daily markets. Today we can admire the ruins of temples, basilicas and triumphal arches, which testify to the former splendor of the empire.

Among the most important monuments of the Forum, it is worth noting the Temple of Saturn - one of the oldest temples in Rome, whose imposing columns still tower over the square. An interesting fact is that the temple's basement housed the state treasury. Nearby is the Arch of Septimius Severus, erected in 203 AD to commemorate the emperor's victories over the Parthians. The richly decorated bas-reliefs depict scenes from war campaigns and are an excellent example of Roman propaganda art.

Also of great interest is the Basilica Julia, erected by Julius Caesar, which served as a venue for civil courts. On the floor of the basilica one can see engraved game boards that were played by bored citizens waiting for trials. Such details allow us to better understand the daily life of the ancient Romans.

Both the Palatine and the Roman Forum offer an unforgettable experience for history lovers. It is worth planning at least half a day to visit these places, so that you can absorb the atmosphere of ancient Rome in peace. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler and crowds of tourists are smaller. The cost of the tour can be described as average, but it's worth investing in a guide or audioguide to help you understand the significance of the various ruins and discover the fascinating stories behind them.

The Domus Aurea, or Golden House, is one of the most fascinating yet least known attractions of ancient Rome. This huge residence was built by Emperor Nero after the great fire of Rome in 64 AD. The name 'Golden House' is no coincidence - the palace was decorated with gold, jewels and precious materials, and its interiors were breathtaking in their splendor and grandeur.

Today the Domus Aurea is located underground, which makes a visit to the site even more mysterious and unusual. After Nero's death, his successors tried to erase the memory of the unpopular ruler - the palace was partially demolished, and Trajan's Thermae was built on its site. Paradoxically, it is thanks to this that some of the frescoes and decorations have survived to our time. During the tour you can admire the preserved wall paintings, which inspired Renaissance artists, including Raphael. It is interesting to note that it was here that the famous grotesques - fanciful decorative motifs that later became extremely popular in European art - were discovered.

Visits to the Domus Aurea take place in small groups under the supervision of a guide, allowing for an intimate and in-depth experience of this unique place. Protective helmets are used during the tour, which adds to the whole experience of a real archaeological expedition. The cost of the tour is average, but the experience is priceless.

Another fascinating but lesser-known site is Villa dei Quintili, located on Via Appia Antica. This luxurious residence originally belonged to the Quintili brothers, who were executed by Emperor Commodus, jealous of their wealth and influence. After their deaths, the villa became an imperial estate. The complex is impressive - it includes thermae, a circus and gardens, all on an area of more than 24 hectares.

Villa dei Quintili offers a unique glimpse into the life of the Roman elite outside the city center. Particularly impressive are the preserved floor mosaics and the therma system with its perfectly visible underfloor heating elements (hypocaustum). The site is much less crowded than Rome's main attractions, allowing for quiet sightseeing and contemplation. The cost of admission is low, making the villa an attractive alternative to more expensive sights.

Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini is another gem that allows you to peek beneath the surface of modern Rome. Beneath the Baroque palace, which is now the seat of Rome's provincial government, the perfectly preserved remains of the luxurious homes of Roman patricians from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD have been discovered. The tour is conducted in an innovative way - thanks to modern multimedia technologies, light projections and sound effects, the ruins 'come alive' before our eyes.

During the visit, you can see richly decorated mosaics, a heating system, private thermae and many other elements of the daily life of wealthy Romans. Particularly impressive are the colorful marbles brought from the farthest corners of the empire, which decorated the floors and walls of the houses. The tour is conducted in small groups, which ensures comfort and the opportunity to ask questions. The cost is average, but the experience is unique and definitely worth the price.

Santa Maria Nova Complex is a site that combines elements of ancient Rome and early Christianity. The complex is located in the Roman Forum and includes the church of Santa Francesca Romana and the remains of the ancient Temple of Venus and Roma. The latter was the largest temple in ancient Rome, designed by Emperor Hadrian himself, known for his architectural passions.

The Temple of Venus and Roma had an unusual design - it consisted of two cells (rooms with statues of deities) set back to back. In one was a statue of Venus, the mythical pre-mother of the Romans, and in the other was the goddess Roma, the personification of the city. Today you can admire the remains of this impressive structure, including fragments of the original colorful marble floor.

The Church of Santa Francesca Romana was built in the 9th century, partly using materials from the ancient temple. Inside is the tomb of St. Francesca of Rome, the patron saint of drivers, and valuable works of art, including mosaics from the 12th century. The cost of visiting the complex is low, and the site offers a fascinating insight into how Christianity adapted and transformed ancient buildings.

The Arches Severiane on the Palatine is a monumental structure erected during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severiane in the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries AD. These imposing arches were not merely ornamental - they served a practical function, supporting an expanded part of the imperial palace on the southeastern slope of the Palatine Hill. The structure allowed the palace to expand significantly, creating additional terraces overlooking Circus Maximus.

The Arches of Severia rise to a height of more than 50 meters and are an excellent example of Roman engineering. Their massive structure has lasted for centuries, demonstrating the durability of Roman construction. The upper level of the arches offers a spectacular view of the southern part of Rome, including the ruins of Circus Maximus, the largest stadium in the ancient world, which could hold up to 250,000 spectators. The cost of the tour is included in the Palatine entrance ticket.

Comparing all the described places, it is worth noting several aspects. In terms of crowding, the least amount of tourists will be encountered at the Villa dei Quintili and Santa Maria Nova Complex, making them ideal for those looking for a quiet experience with history. On the other hand, the Palatine and the Roman Forum, while more crowded, offer the broadest insight into the political and social life of ancient Rome.

When it comes to innovative presentation, Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini definitely leads the way with modern multimedia technologies that help you imagine what ancient interiors looked like. Domus Aurea, on the other hand, offers the most 'adventurous' experience, thanks to its underground location and the need to wear helmets.

In terms of preserved architectural and artistic details, each site has something unique to offer: The Roman Forum impresses with its variety of buildings, the Palatine with the grandeur of the imperial residences, the Domus Aurea with its frescoes, the Villa dei Quintili with its mosaics, and the Arches of Severia with its engineering craftsmanship.

Whichever of these places you choose, each offers a fascinating journey through time. By visiting them, you will not only see impressive ruins, but also gain a deeper understanding of the civilization that shaped modern Europe. After all, ancient Rome wasn't just an empire - it was a complex social, political and cultural organism whose legacy we can still discover in these fascinating sites.