Domus Tiberiana

Begun under Tiberius (1st century AD), this is the first true imperial palace and the architectural prototype that gave us the word 'palace.' Massive arched substructures support terraces with commanding views over the Roman Forum, and the surviving walls are honeycombed with corridors, audience halls, and baths. Closed for nearly 50 years, the complex was reopened in 2023 after extensive restoration — meaning it's still relatively crowd-free for a major Palatine site.