{"id":23303,"date":"2025-05-07T11:21:08","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T10:21:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/?p=23303"},"modified":"2026-04-23T14:34:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T13:34:03","slug":"super-sites-of-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome","title":{"rendered":"Super sites of Rome &#8211; Top Things to Do in Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sight of a velvet rope and a closed door of VIP ONLY areas beckons us to go beyond. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same is true for Rome\u2019s ancient sites, both then and now. Two millennia ago, there were places where mere plebeians were forbidden to go. Caesar&#8217;s Palace, for example, has been off limits to the general public for decades. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But today, these places, called \u201c<\/span><b>SUPER Sites of Rome<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d are open to visitors, though still not as easily accessible as some of the more common tourist spots. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>The \u201cSuper\u201d in \u201cSUPER Sites\u201d stands for<\/strong> <\/span><em><b>Seven Unique Places to Experience in Rome<\/b><\/em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And these places truly are SUPER &#8211; giving visitors a rare chance to experience the past in a way that\u2019s often not available to the general public. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the best ways to visit these sites is through a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/vip-ancient-rome-tour-caesar-s-palace\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VIP Ancient Rome Tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This special tour not only gives you <strong>access to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill<\/strong> but <strong>it<\/strong> <\/span><b>opens the door to places like Caesar\u2019s original palace, <\/b>rarely accessible to anyone outside of a guided tour<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23312\" style=\"width: 1610px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23312\" class=\"wp-image-23312 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190927-Rome-Galdiators-Gate-0167_Web-Res.jpg\" alt=\"A person walking through a quiet corridor of the ruins while on a tour of the Colosseum in Rome.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190927-Rome-Galdiators-Gate-0167_Web-Res.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190927-Rome-Galdiators-Gate-0167_Web-Res-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190927-Rome-Galdiators-Gate-0167_Web-Res-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23312\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Walk through quiet corridors of legendary Roman ruins while on a SUPER sites of Rome.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For your next Roman adventure, read on to discover more about these essential Seven Super Sites of Rome that should definitely be on your list of places to see.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#What_are_the_SUPER_Sites_of_Rome\" >What are the SUPER Sites of Rome?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#The_House_of_Augustus\" >The House of Augustus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#House_of_Livia_Casa_de_Livia\" >House of Livia \/ Casa de Livia\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Santa_Maria_Antiqua\" >Santa Maria Antiqua<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Domus_Tiberiana\" >Domus Tiberiana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Imperial_Ramp_Scalae_Imperiales_of_Domitian\" >Imperial Ramp (Scalae Imperiales of Domitian)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Criptoportico_Neroniano\" >Criptoportico Neroniano\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Palantine_Museum\" >Palantine Museum<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Other_Places_of_Interest\" >Other Places of Interest<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Aula_Isiaca\" >Aula Isiaca<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Loggia_Mattei\" >Loggia Mattei<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Temple_of_Romulus\" >Temple of Romulus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Places_of_Religious_Heritage\" >Places of Religious Heritage\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Take_a_Tour_to_the_SUPER_Sites_of_Rome\" >Take a Tour to the SUPER Sites of Rome:\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_SUPER_sites_of_Rome\" >FAQs &#8211; SUPER sites of Rome<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Do_I_need_separate_tickets_for_the_ColosseumRoman_ForumPalatine_Hill\" >Do I need separate tickets for the Colosseum\/Roman Forum\/Palatine Hill?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#What_is_included_with_standard_tickets_and_which_are_SUPER_Sites\" >What is included with standard tickets, and which are SUPER Sites?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Are_any_parts_of_the_Palatine_or_Forum_only_accessible_on_guided_tours\" >Are any parts of the Palatine or Forum only accessible on guided tours?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#What_are_the_opening_hours_for_the_ForumPalatine_Hill_and_Museum\" >What are the opening hours for the Forum\/Palatine Hill and Museum?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#Is_a_guided_tour_worth_it_for_visiting_these_sites\" >Is a guided tour worth it for visiting these sites?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/super-sites-of-rome\/#What_is_the_best_way_to_see_the_SUPER_Sites_of_Rome\" >What is the best way to see the SUPER Sites of Rome?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_SUPER_Sites_of_Rome\"><\/span>What are the SUPER Sites of Rome?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"538\" data-end=\"561\">From imperial palaces to hidden Christian sanctuaries, Rome\u2019s past comes alive in seven extraordinary sites, known as the <em>SUPER sites of Rome.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"538\" data-end=\"561\"><strong>The House of Augustus<\/strong> and the <strong>House of Livia<\/strong> offer an intimate glimpse into the private world of Rome\u2019s first imperial family, while the <strong>Temple of Romulus<\/strong> and the Oratory of the Forty Martyrs reveal layers of pagan and early Christian history.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"538\" data-end=\"561\">Step inside the beautifully preserved <strong>Santa Maria Antiqua,<\/strong> once a vibrant crossroads of faith and art, then walk the <strong>Ramp of Domitian<\/strong>, where emperors once ascended the Palatine.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"538\" data-end=\"561\"><strong>The Palatine Museum<\/strong> brings these stories together, and the mysterious <strong>Neronian Cryptoporticus, <\/strong>an underground passage steeped in intrigue, provides a haunting finale to this unforgettable journey through ancient Rome.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23318\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23318\" class=\"wp-image-23318 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Super-Sites-of-Rome_-Roman-Forum.jpg\" alt=\"Super Sites of Rome include the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum. \" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Super-Sites-of-Rome_-Roman-Forum.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Super-Sites-of-Rome_-Roman-Forum-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23318\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Discover the Super Sites of the Roman Forum as few have ever seen it before.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_House_of_Augustus\"><\/span>The House of Augustus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known as Domus Augusti in the parlance of ancient Rome, <\/span><b style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/colosseo.it\/en\/marvels\/the-house-of-augustus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the House of Augustus<\/a> is located on Palatine Hill.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FUN FACT: The name of this hill\u00a0 &#8211; Palantine &#8211; is where we get the English word for \u201cpalace.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The House of Augustus was, in fact, <strong>the home of Rome\u2019s first emperor,<\/strong> <strong>Emperor Augustus<\/strong>. <\/span>He was the grand-nephew of Julius Caesar, who battled Mark Anthony to see who would rule Rome. Augustus won and immediately established himself, as new emperor or Caesar, atop Palatine Hill.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This move was an important symbol of a historical transition in the history of Rome, Palatine Hill went from a mere residential area to the center of power in Rome. It became <strong>the place where the Roman elite lived in their plus-sized mansions, and the heart of political and symbolic power in ancient Rome.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The house sits next to the Hut of Romulus, supposedly the modest residence of one of Rome\u2019s founders. This is also symbolically important as it puts Augustus in the sphere of greatness, next to a co-founder of one of the greatest cities in the history of humanity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The House of Augustus blends modest scale with elegant design, a symbolic representation of Augustus\u2019s political message regarding restored Roman virtues and stability. Visitors can see original <strong data-start=\"859\" data-end=\"883\">frescoes and mosaics<\/strong> that offer rare insight into elite domestic life in the late 1st century BCE.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23327\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23327\" class=\"wp-image-23327 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190710-Rome-Caesar_s-Palace-0032-HIGH-RES-1.jpg\" alt=\"Intricate frescos painted on The House of Augustus in Rome.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190710-Rome-Caesar_s-Palace-0032-HIGH-RES-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190710-Rome-Caesar_s-Palace-0032-HIGH-RES-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23327\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The ruins are filled with colorful frescos that really give you a feel for how opulent the interior spaces were<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"House_of_Livia_Casa_de_Livia\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">House of Livia \/ Casa de Livia\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While Augustus\u2019 original home on Palatine Hill was relatively modest, he also built <strong>a home that was extraordinary in its greatness: high ceilings, monumental arches, and marble clad floors. <\/strong>All the architectural design elements that suggest luxury and power. This is <a href=\"https:\/\/colosseo.it\/en\/marvels\/the-house-of-livia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>the House of Livia.<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FUN FACT: Livia was Augustus\u2019 third wife, or some say, his mistress, it depends on which historian you ask! Whoever you believe, he spared no expense creating this house for his muse.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This house is <strong>adjacent to Augustus\u2019s residence<\/strong> and although modern archaeology suggests it may have been a wing of the same imperial estate, <strong>the House of Livia stands out for its richly decorated interior. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thanks to the remarkable work of archaeologists, <\/span><b>these sites have been uncovered and preserved,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and are available for visitors to experience first hand.<\/span><\/strong> In this house, you can see <strong>frescoes which depict lush gardens, floral motifs, and mythological scenes<\/strong> that would have created a tranquil indoor environment, a Roman attempt to bring nature inside. These decorations reflect elite tastes and the importance they placed on visual storytelling.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Insider Tip:<\/strong>\u00a0Some of these Super Sites, like the Houses of Livia and Augustus, are only accessible with a guide on tours such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/vip-ancient-rome-tour-caesar-s-palace\/\">VIP Colosseum, Caesar\u2019s Palace &amp; Roman Forum Super Sites Tour.<\/a> This is where guided tours truly shine!<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_23314\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23314\" class=\"wp-image-23314 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Casa-de-Agusto_Rome.jpg\" alt=\"Ancient ruins with large arched doorways that make up the House of Livia.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Casa-de-Agusto_Rome.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Casa-de-Agusto_Rome-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23314\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">House of Livia truly was an impressive home fit for a Roman empress.<a style=\"font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/alternative-things-to-do-rome\">\u00a0<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Santa_Maria_Antiqua\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Santa Maria Antiqua<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set at the base of Palatine Hill, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Santa_Maria_Antiqua\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Santa Maria Antiqua<\/a> was built in the 5th century and is <\/strong><\/span><strong>arguably one of Rome\u2019s oldest Christian monuments.<\/strong> Once part of the imperial palace complex, it became a church in the early Christian period.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>FUN FACT: It was buried and preserved by an earthquake in the 9th century, and rediscovered centuries later with extraordinary frescoes dating from the 6th to 8th centuries CE. <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>The murals withing this church provide a rare, uninterrupted view of early Christian art<\/strong>, a vivid tapestry of saints, martyrs, and ecclesiastical figures that reflects Rome\u2019s transition from pagan Empire to Christian capital. It even <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contains the earliest known example depicting the Virgin Mary as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Santa Maria Regina<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (the Queen Virgin Mary).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From 1980 until 2016 the Santa Maria Antiqua was off limits, as archaeologists and preservationists were working on restoring the interior to its former glory as much as possible. And now, we are lucky enough to be able to marvel at this SUPER site of Rome once again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23320\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23320\" class=\"wp-image-23320 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Santa-Maria-Antiqua.jpg\" alt=\"Large columns and Santa Maria Antiqua church make up the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, one of Rome's Super Sites.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Santa-Maria-Antiqua.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Santa-Maria-Antiqua-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23320\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Santa Maria Antiqua is one of the most revered churches in Rome.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Domus_Tiberiana\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Domus Tiberiana<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set on the northwestern slope of Palatine Hill, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/colosseo.it\/en\/area\/domus-tiberiana\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Domus Tiberiana<\/a> was built in the first century AD and was one of the first real palaces constructed on the hill.<\/strong> I<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t\u00b4s position on this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side of Palatine overlooking the Forum, was favored by the powerful because of its easy access to the action down below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historians speculate that, <strong>besides Tiberius, a few different Roman emperors have likely resided here, namely Caligula, Claudius, and Nero.<\/strong> And each emperor who took up residence here added to the palace.\u00a0<\/span> It became a core residence for successive emperors and was adorned with lavish frescoes, grand halls, and courtyards.<\/p>\n<p>Excavations and later development (including Renaissance Farnese Gardens) altered much of the original site, but the surviving remains reveal an elite complex that underscored the imperial presence above the Forum below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>FUN FACT: Archaeologists have been challenged to find more clues about Domus Tiberiana<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> since the aristocratic Farnese family built a terrace garden here in the 16th century and wiped out a large swath of the archaeological record.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_23321\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23321\" class=\"wp-image-23321 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190710-Rome-Caesar_s-Palace-0012-HIGH-RES.jpg\" alt=\"Ancient Roman brick ruins that make up the Super Sites of Rome with arched doorways and weathered walls.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190710-Rome-Caesar_s-Palace-0012-HIGH-RES.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190710-Rome-Caesar_s-Palace-0012-HIGH-RES-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23321\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Walking around the ancient ruins of the Super Sites of Rome is truly a mind-blowing experience<\/p><\/div>\n<h3 data-start=\"2507\" data-end=\"2560\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Imperial_Ramp_Scalae_Imperiales_of_Domitian\"><\/span>Imperial Ramp (Scalae Imperiales of Domitian)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2561\" data-end=\"3239\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turismoroma.it\/en\/places\/domitians-imperial-ramp-roman-forum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"2565\" data-end=\"2582\">Imperial Ramp<\/strong> <\/a>is an impressive feat of Roman engineering commissioned by Emperor Domitian (r. 81\u201396 CE) to link his expansive palace on the Palatine Hill down to the <strong data-start=\"2735\" data-end=\"2750\">Roman Forum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2561\" data-end=\"3239\">This monumental ramp once ascended in gentle curves across seven levels, allowing for ceremonial or practical movement between the palace and the civic heart of the city.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2561\" data-end=\"3239\">Its vaulted walls and dramatic scale embody the shift from Republican Rome to the centralized power of the empire. Also noteworthy are later frescoes found near its base, depicting the martyrdom of Christian soldiers, adding layers of history from both pagan and Christian Rome.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>FUN FACT: Walking the ancient entrance via the Imperial Ramp today connects visitors with the route emperors themselves would have taken nearly two millennia ago. <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Y<\/span><\/strong><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ou\u2019ll\u00a0 also get to wander inside where there are various relief sculptures and murals on the wall, making the House of Tiberius one of the greatest Roman Forum Super Sites. <\/span><\/strong><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only a select handful can visit the Domus Tiberiana each day and your best bet is to do it on a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/vip-ancient-rome-tour-caesar-s-palace\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0guided tour of Caesar&#8217;s Palace.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_24508\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24508\" class=\"wp-image-24508 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Imperial-ramp-of-Domitian-open-to-public-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Imperial-ramp-of-Domitian-open-to-public-2.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Imperial-ramp-of-Domitian-open-to-public-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Imperial-ramp-of-Domitian-open-to-public-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-24508\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Part of the re-opened Imperial Ramp of Domitian. Photo credit : The History Blog<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Criptoportico_Neroniano\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Criptoportico Neroniano\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turismoroma.it\/en\/places\/neronian-cryptoporticus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Neronian Criptoporticus,<\/a> <strong>this 425-foot (or 130-meter) tunnel is an extension of the Domus Tiberiana<\/strong>. Designed as a sheltered corridor,<strong> it allowed emperors to move discreetly and comfortably between different sections of their palaces,<\/strong> protected from both the weather and the public gaze.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FUN FACT: Steeped in drama and intrigue, the cryptoporticus is infamous as the site where the volatile Emperor Caligula was assassinated by his own guards in AD 41, a moment that changed the course of Roman history.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>The long hallway was also used by Emperor Nero to walk from Palatine Hill to his lush palace the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Domus_Aurea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Domus Aurea<\/a>.<\/strong> T<\/span>ime has stripped the passage of much of its original decoration from 2000 years ago, but visitors can still imagine its former splendour.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The walls and vaulted ceiling were richly adorned with frescoes of cupids and elegant decorative motifs<\/strong>, creating an atmospheric and surprisingly luxurious space beneath the heart of ancient Rome.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7274\" style=\"width: 1695px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7274\" class=\"wp-image-7274 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/IMG_8185_small.jpg\" alt=\"Domus Aurea, Rome\" width=\"1685\" height=\"1123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/IMG_8185_small.jpg 1685w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/IMG_8185_small-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/IMG_8185_small-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1685px) 100vw, 1685px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7274\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Domus Aurea &#8211; Emperor Nero&#8217;s house newly opened to the public in Rome.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Palantine_Museum\"><\/span>Palantine Museum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4636\" data-end=\"5064\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/colosseo.it\/en\/area\/museums\/the-museo-palatino\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"4640\" data-end=\"4659\">Palatine Museum, <\/strong><\/a>located on the Palatine Hill above the Roman Forum, is a treasure trove of artifacts that reveal the artistic and domestic worlds of ancient Rome\u2019s elite. Housed within part of a former monastery, the museum displays a remarkable collection of sculptural fragments, decorative elements, frescoes, mosaics, and everyday objects unearthed during centuries of excavation across the Palatine and Forum archaeological areas.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4636\" data-end=\"5064\">These finds help bridge the gap between monumental ruins and the lived experiences of emperors, aristocrats, and artisans who shaped Rome\u2019s history.\u00a0The museum\u2019s galleries provide context for the sprawling archaeological landscape outside, explaining how lavish imperial palaces were designed, decorated, and lived in, from the Augustan era through the time of Constantine and beyond.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15021\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15021\" class=\"wp-image-15021 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Roman-Forum-Hero.jpg\" alt=\"Roman Forum\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15021\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Imagine the amount of artifacts that have been found in the sprawling archaeological gem of the Roman Forum over the years!<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Places_of_Interest\"><\/span>Other Places of Interest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Aula_Isiaca\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aula Isiaca <\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a vaulted hall that was once part of Augustus\u2019 palace. <\/span><em>It wasn\u2019t until archeologists discovered it in 1912 that the world got to see this lavishly decorated chamber from around 30 BCE.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Loggia_Mattei\"><\/span>Loggia Mattei<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>An adjoining room is the<a href=\"https:\/\/turismoroma.it\/en\/places\/aula-isiaca-loggia-mattei\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Loggia Mattei<\/a>,<\/strong> a room bedecked in colorful wall frescoes that are attributed to the workshop of Baldassare Peruzzi from the 1520s. It\u2019s named for the aristocratic Mattei family who built a palace here in 1561.\u00a0<\/span>The frescos represent mythological subject matter such as \u201cVenus between Cupid and the Muses\u201d and the \u201cWedding of Hercules and Hebe.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23322\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23322\" class=\"wp-image-23322 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/frescos.jpg\" alt=\"Ancient frescos painted on vaulted ceiling in the House of Augustus in Rome.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/frescos.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/frescos-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23322\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">It&#8217;s hard to believe these colorful wall frescoes still exist today.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Temple_of_Romulus\"><\/span>Temple of Romulus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Based on the name of this temple, <strong>one would assume it is dedicated to the mythical co-founder of Rome, Romulus<\/strong>. But as the story goes, when Valerius Romulus died at a young age in the year 309 CE, his father, Emperor Maxentius turned an already existing structure into <strong>a temple dedicated to Valerius, thus deifying the son of the emperor.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>FUN FACT: Some historians now think this temple might not be dedicated to Rome\u2019s founder or Maxentius\u2019s son after all, it could actually be the Temple of the Penates or even Jupiter Stator.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The faded murals on the interior walls, a trompe l\u2019oeil that are meant to evoke curtains or an awning, date from the middle of the 13th century. A half a century later, painter Jacopo Torriti added an enthroned Madonna and Child.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23323\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23323\" class=\"wp-image-23323 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190710-Rome-Caesar_s-Palace-0025-HIGH-RES.jpg\" alt=\"A digital image of the exterior of The House of Augustus in Rome with columns and multiple levels. \" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190710-Rome-Caesar_s-Palace-0025-HIGH-RES.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks-20190710-Rome-Caesar_s-Palace-0025-HIGH-RES-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23323\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Digitalized images in the interior show how opulent the House of Augustus was in its prime. Just unbelievable!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Places_of_Religious_Heritage\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Places of Religious Heritage\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When exploring Rome\u2019s most spectacular sites, it\u2019s worth looking beyond the obvious landmarks to uncover the city\u2019s layered religious and cultural heritage. One standout is <strong>the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore,<\/strong> one of Rome\u2019s four major basilicas, dating back to the 5th century and famed for its golden ceiling, ancient mosaics, and sacred relics.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re planning your visit, don\u2019t miss the chance to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/santa-maria-maggiore\">visit Santa Maria Maggiore<\/a> and experience its grandeur first-hand. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, this is just one of many remarkable churches in the city! <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rome is packed with breathtaking religious sites, as highlighted in this guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/the-most-jaw-dropping-churches-in-rome-that-arent-called-st-peters-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-guide\">best churches in Rome<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insider tip : For travellers keen to go beyond the typical tourist trail, there are also plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/alternative-things-to-do-rome\">alternative things to do in Rome<\/a> that reveal a more authentic side of the Eternal City. <\/span>And for a truly tailored experience, consider booking one of the expertly curated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/attraction\/private-tours-in-rome\">private tours in Rome<\/a> which can bring these historic sites to life with insider knowledge and local insight.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_a_Tour_to_the_SUPER_Sites_of_Rome\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a Tour to the SUPER Sites of Rome:\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you imagine the layers of history waiting to be uncovered in places like this? That\u2019s why having an expert guide with you is so valuable\u2014<\/span><b>it\u2019s the key to unlocking the fascinating stories hidden within<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You\u2019ll also get the rare opportunity to step into the House of Augustus, a site usually closed off to most visitors, giving you a unique glimpse into a place rich with history and significance. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, with a guided tour, you can <strong>understand the history of the<\/strong><\/span><b>\u00a0Colosseum<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as you explore this majestic symbol of Rome. The small-group setting keeps things intimate, and with an experienced guide, you\u2019ll gain deeper insight into the fascinating details that make these sites unforgettable. It\u2019s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Rome\u2019s past and discover the true stories behind the Roman Super Sites.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23325\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23325\" class=\"wp-image-23325 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/colosseum.jpg\" alt=\"Interior view of the Colosseum with ruins, visible passageways, and an open arena floor.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/colosseum.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/colosseum-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23325\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Seeing the interior of the Colosseum away from the hordes of crowds is a great experience.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_SUPER_sites_of_Rome\"><\/span>FAQs &#8211; SUPER sites of Rome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"433\" data-end=\"520\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_separate_tickets_for_the_ColosseumRoman_ForumPalatine_Hill\"><\/span>Do I need separate tickets for the Colosseum\/Roman Forum\/Palatine Hill?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"521\" data-end=\"936\">No. A standard Colosseum ticket includes entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, including the Palatine Museum. These sites are part of a single archaeological park and can be visited over one or two consecutive days, depending on the ticket type. Entry to the Colosseum itself requires a timed reservation, while the Forum and Palatine Hill can be entered at any point during opening hours.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"943\" data-end=\"1027\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_included_with_standard_tickets_and_which_are_SUPER_Sites\"><\/span>What is included with standard tickets, and which are SUPER Sites?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1028\" data-end=\"1579\">Standard tickets allow access to the outdoor ruins of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Palatine Museum. However, certain exceptional spaces, referred to as \u201cSuper Sites of Rome\u201d, such as the House of Augustus, House of Livia, Domus Tiberiana, Santa Maria Antiqua, and parts of Caesar\u2019s Palace are not always open to the general public or may require special access tickets or a guided tour. Availability can change due to conservation work, so access is never guaranteed without booking in advance.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1586\" data-end=\"1667\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_any_parts_of_the_Palatine_or_Forum_only_accessible_on_guided_tours\"><\/span>Are any parts of the Palatine or Forum only accessible on guided tours?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1668\" data-end=\"2027\">Yes. Some of the most significant and best-preserved areas, particularly imperial residences and restricted archaeological zones, are often accessible only with a guided tour. These tours provide skip-the-line entry where applicable and ensure access to spaces that are either closed to independent visitors or open only in limited numbers each day.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2550\" data-end=\"2637\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_opening_hours_for_the_ForumPalatine_Hill_and_Museum\"><\/span>What are the opening hours for the Forum\/Palatine Hill and Museum?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2638\" data-end=\"2996\">The Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Palatine Museum generally open daily at 8:30 AM and close one hour before sunset, with later hours in summer and earlier closures in winter.<br data-start=\"2822\" data-end=\"2825\" \/>Opening times vary by season and holidays, and Roman forum Super Sites may have shorter or irregular hours, so checking ahead, or booking a guided tour, is strongly recommended.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3003\" data-end=\"3064\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_guided_tour_worth_it_for_visiting_these_sites\"><\/span>Is a guided tour worth it for visiting these sites?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3065\" data-end=\"3460\">Absolutely. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are vast and largely unlabelled, which can make them overwhelming on a self-guided visit. A guided tour not only provides historical context, but also simplifies logistics, secures special access where possible, and helps you understand how the Forum, Palatine palaces, and imperial residences connect into a single historical narrative.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_way_to_see_the_SUPER_Sites_of_Rome\"><\/span>What is the best way to see the SUPER Sites of Rome?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best way to see the SUPER sites, and learn about their history, is through a tour such as our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/vip-ancient-rome-tour-caesar-s-palace\/\">VIP Ancient Rome Tour: Caesar\u2019s Palace.<\/a> Here, you&#8217;ll gain access to places like Caesar\u2019s original palace and the Santa Maria Antiqua church, typically off-limits to most visitors. You&#8217;ll also get a priority pass to enter the Colosseum as part of the tour. Check out the short video below to get a taste of the SUPER sites of Rome&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"VIP Colosseum &amp; Roman Forum SUPER Sites Tour Video\" src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/hu647ou46c?dnt=1#?secret=b1JGubcxz6\" data-secret=\"b1JGubcxz6\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Just when you think you&#8217;ve seen all that Rome has to offer\u2014the Vatican, St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, etc., turns out there are more amazing Roman sites to see. If you are ready to explore the remarkable Super Sites of Rome, make sure to sign up for our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/vip-ancient-rome-tour-caesar-s-palace\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VIP Ancient Rome Tour of <\/span>Caesar\u2019s Palace<\/a>. In just under 4 hours, you&#8217;ll visit Rome\u2019s most restricted ruins, which have been closed off to tourism for years. Don&#8217;t miss out!<\/p>\n<p>With an expert Walks of Italy guide leading the way, you\u2019ll explore rarely seen spaces, uncover the stories behind Rome\u2019s most powerful figures, and experience the Forum and Palatine from a whole new perspective.<\/p>\n<p><strong data-start=\"436\" data-end=\"494\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Book now and see Ancient Rome as few visitors ever do!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Pssst! Don\u00b4t just take our word for it&#8230; Here is a review from a recent customer who joined <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/vip-ancient-rome-tour-caesar-s-palace\/\">Rome\u2019s Most Exclusive Colosseum Tour + VIP Super Sites of Rome<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"tour-box-reviews tour-box-reviews-detail\" data-v-690d4d84=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon icon-star_active\" 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src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,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\" width=\"24px\" height=\"24px\" name=\"star_active\" data-v-690d4d84=\"\" \/><span class=\"review-rating-text\" data-v-690d4d84=\"\">Sulagna <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tour-box-reviews tour-box-reviews-detail\" data-v-690d4d84=\"\">Grand experience. We enjoyed our tour. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Highly recommend this tour. This tour covers multiple attractions in detail.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tour-box-reviews tour-box-reviews-detail\" data-v-690d4d84=\"\"><span class=\"review-verified-text\" data-v-690d4d84=\"\">Tripadvisor customer: <\/span><span class=\"review-date\" data-v-690d4d84=\"\">May 16, 2025<\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div data-v-690d4d84=\"\">\n<div class=\"review-box review-box-detail\" data-v-690d4d84=\"\">\n<p class=\"review-box-descr\" data-v-690d4d84=\"\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The sight of a velvet rope and a closed door of VIP ONLY areas beckons us to go beyond. The same is true for Rome\u2019s ancient sites, both then and now. Two millennia ago, there were places where mere plebeians were forbidden to go. Caesar&#8217;s Palace, for example, has been off limits to the general [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":23315,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[275,276,18,277],"ppma_author":[181],"class_list":["post-23303","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art-culture","tag-forum","tag-palatine-hill","tag-rome","tag-super-sites"],"authors":[{"term_id":181,"user_id":0,"is_guest":1,"slug":"david-farley","display_name":"David Farley","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Farley_AuthorPhoto.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Farley_AuthorPhoto.jpg"},"user_url":"","last_name":"Farley","first_name":"David","job_title":"","description":"David Farley is a West Village-based food and travel writer whose work appears regularly in the New York Times, National Geographic, BBC, and Food &amp; Wine, among other publications. He\u2019s the author of three books, including \u201cAn Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church\u2019s Strangest Relic in Italy\u2019s Oddest Town,\u201d which was made into a documentary by the National Geographic Channel. You can find Farley\u2019s online homes at https:\/\/dfarley.com\/index.html and https:\/\/www.tripout.online\/"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23303"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/73"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23303"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23303\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25256,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23303\/revisions\/25256"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23315"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23303"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23303"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23303"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=23303"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}