Stadio Palatino (Palatine Stadium), Rome

Stadio Palatino (Palatine Stadium), Rome

The Palatine Stadium was an integral part of Domitian's palace complex situated on the Palatine Hill. It was the last structure to be constructed, following the completion of the Domus Flavia and the Domus Augustana, which respectively served as the public and private areas of the palace. Built during the late 1st century AD, the expansive complex replaced earlier buildings that dated back to the Republican period and Nero's reign. The architect Rabirius oversaw the construction of the stadium, beginning shortly after Domitian's rise to power in 81 AD and concluding in 92 AD. However, the building suffered extensive looting after its discovery and excavation in the 18th century, resulting in irreparable damage.

Constructed primarily using bricks, the Palatine Stadium featured brick stamps that corresponded to the end of Domitian's principality, with some renovations carried out during the Hadrianic and Severian periods. The remaining small oval enclosure in the southern part of the arena likely dates to the time of Theodoric and may have been used as an amphitheater, rather than a training ground for gladiators, as such spectacles had been abolished since the reign of Honorius.

The stadium primarily served as a garden and private riding school, known as a Viridarium, similar to those found in contemporary private villas, according to accounts from Pliny the Younger. The stadium resembled a circus in shape, with an elongated rectangular layout and one of the shorter curved sides measuring approximately 160 by 48 meters. It occupied the entire eastern side of the Domus Augustana, covering a total length of around 88 meters.

The perimeter of the stadium featured a two-story portico adorned with brick pillars covered in marble on the lower level (only the bases remain), while the upper level showcased marble columns, as partially reconstructed in the northern corner. In the center of the eastern side stood a hemicycle-shaped tribune, situated slightly protruding at the upper level of the portico. Below the tribune, three open spaces supported its structure. The central area of the stadium contained the arena itself, which was divided by the "spina." Only the semicircular terminal elements of the spina remain visible today.

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Stadio Palatino (Palatine Stadium) on Map

Sight Name: Stadio Palatino (Palatine Stadium)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

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Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Food Tasting Walking Tour

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Whether it’s a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy’s most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caffès are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.

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Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.

In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age...  view more

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Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

The historic center of Rome is packed with numerous landmarks and genuine works of art, to see all of which may take days if not weeks. This Rome Introduction Walk II highlights some of the key sights emerged during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, comprising some truly magnificent marvels of architecture. Among the featured landmarks here are the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome

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Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.

Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Palatine Hill Walking Tour

Palatine Hill Walking Tour

Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city – a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word “palace” – indicating the emperor’s residence (“Palatium”), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles

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