A walk through greenery spanning more than 1500 years of history and almost one kilometre (0.6 mile) long. After 18 years, the path along the Palatine slopes leading down towards the Circus Maximus has been reopened. The Parco archeologico del Colosseo has increased the archaeological area open to visitors by upgrading a strongly symbolic route: the hillside where Romulus founded the city in 753 BCE and where, even earlier, according to myth, the she-wolf nursed the twins.
Along the way you will pass the imperial residences, from the House of Augustus to the Severan complex dating from the 3rd century AD. The massive arches of the Severan palace are landmarks in the urban landscape of the capital and characterize the profile of the southern slopes of the Palatine. It was here, in the Renaissance, that the Horti Farnesiani extended.
It was a particularly representative place in ancient times, according to the Virgilian legend which relates that Aeneas, after escaping from Troy, climbed this hillside to be welcomed by old king Evander. Along the way there is also the Temple of the Magna Mater, its position today marked by imposing holm oaks.
The itinerary unfolds in a fascinating natural landscape. The acanthus bushes with serrated leaves which were reproduced on the Corinthian capitals of the monuments, the broom, rambler roses, mallow, rosemary, mint and capers all are the characteristic vegetation, today as in the past, near the paths shaded by pines and cypresses. Recreation areas are available for lingering and enjoying the striking views.
In this project, myth, history and nature accompany the visitor along a path that finally unites the valley of the Roman Forum with the outer hillside of the Palatine: the Murcia valley separating it from the Aventine.