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Toggle7 Hills of Rome – We are all familiar with the history and cultural landscape of Rome, which is founded on the hills that are situated in the east of the Tiber River. That’s why Rome is often called the “City of Seven Hills” or Sette Colli di Roma.
Archaeologically, each one of the 7 hills of Rome had its worth, but the most important is Capitoline Hill. Despite the foremost city being established upon Palatine Hill, Capitoline stands higher – regarded as the center of Roman religion. Furthermore, this hill became the figurative heart of Rome, where the city’s commandments and decrees were pronounced.
1. Palatine Hill (Palatino)
This hill is more like a 4-sided, scenically gorgeous highland with attractively landscaped vegetation and multi-story towers:
- 131 feet to the south of the Forum in Rome
- A perimeter of 5,700 feet
- 168 feet above sea level
Palatino is steeped in significance, particularly in the legendary story of twin sons of Mars named Romulus and Remus – one of the establishers of Rome. According to myth, they were sent away as newborns on the swamping Tiber River. Carried by the waves to the foot of the Palatine, they were miraculously saved and brought up by a she-wolf in a cavern. This marks the first reason for Palatine Hill’s importance.
Later, Romulus killed Remus with the aim of becoming the sole ruler. He established the city on Palatine Hill on April 21st, 753 BCE, to be the FIRST king of Rome, providing another explanation for its historical significance.
In the Republican period, several wealthy Romans, including Emperor Augustus, made majestic houses here. Moreover, architect Rabirius successfully modernized the city’s geography under Emperor Domitian.
Things to Explore
- Circus Maximus
- Casa Di Livia
- Palatine Museum
- Domus Augustana
- The Flavian Palace
- The Farnese Gardens (1st Botanical Garden of Europe)
- Domitian Hippodrome Stadium
- Roman Forum
- Lupercal (52 feet deep, buried inside Palatine Hill)
2. Aventine Hill (Aventino)
Among all 7 hills of Rome, it is a place for the remembrance of Remus (a twin brother to Romulus)! He envisioned creating a city in Aventino along with setting up a special place for his foretellers.
In the era of the Roman Republic, a temple for the Aventine Triad of Ceres, Liber, and Libera was made by the council. This hill soon became a sanctuary for the inferior classes and outsiders seeking residence in Rome. Sooner, these new settlers changed Aventino into a wealthy housing area.
Things to Explore
- Basilica di Santa Sabina all’Aventino (one of the oldest basilicas in Rome)
- Baths of Caracalla
- The Orange Garden
- The Rose Garden
- Aventine Keyhole (for a framed view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica)
- Parco Savello
- Saint Alessio Basilica Church
3. Capitoline Hill (Capitolino)
According to the myth, this hill dates back to the early Bronze Age (approx. 1300 BC). It has been termed after the Capitoline Triad, which encompasses three of the most imperative divinities in the ancient city: Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. The Tabularium and several other stately buildings were built here. The highlight of the hill is the Piazza del Campidoglio redesigning project by Michelangelo in the 16th century.
In 700 – 500 BC of the Archaic Period, Capitolino was declared a holy site for a citadel. Later, it became Rome’s chief religious center with numerous temples.
Things to Explore
- Capitoline Museum (03 palazzi filled with 20 galleries)
- Piazza del Campidoglio
- Palazzo Senatorio
- Palazzo dei Conservatori
- Palazzo Nuovo
- Basilica of St Mary in AraCoeli
- The Fountain of the Rome Goddess
- Vittoriano monument/Altar of the Fatherland or Victor Emmanual II Monument
4. Caelian Hill (Celio)
Pronounced “Chellian,” Caelian Hill was originally covered in oak trees before turning into a rich neighborhood by the 1st century B.C. Named after the Etruscan leader Caelius Vibenna – who made Rome his home in the earliest times – the Celio extends from the Colosseum to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano. This hill echoes the history of Christianity knotted into the city’s essence.
Besides, out of all 7 hills of Rome, this place is prized for giving birth to the emperor Marcus Aurelius as well as having an aqueduct of Emperor Nero. Moreover, Celio was home to the world’s oldest recorded public hospital.
Things to Explore
- The Via Claudia
- Case Romane del Celio
- Basilica di San Clemente (three-story)
- Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo
- Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo (a rare circular architecture)
- Basilica Santi Quattro Coronati
- Villa Celimontana
- Baths of Caracalla
5. Esquiline Hill (Esquilino)
Named as the largest of the Seven Hills of Rome, it is nestled between the Termini station and the Colosseum. Initially a cemetery in the early Republic, Esquilino soon became a well-sought residential district for aristocrats with contemporary buildings in the 1st century B.C. All credit goes to the efforts of the Etruscan patrician named Maecenas.
Geographically and historically, the hill accommodated people from all social classes and various cultures, including Suburra, the labor class of the ancient city.
Things to Explore
- Arch of Gallienus (one of the original Republican city gates)
- Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli
- Palazzo Massimo
- Parco del Colle Oppio
- Church of Santa Prassede
- Santa Maria Maggiore (one of the four papal basilicas of Rome)
- Golden House – Domus Aurea (underneath the remains of Trajan’s Baths)
6. Viminal Hill (Viminale)
No offense to Romans, but Viminale has been the most unheeded of the 7 hills of Rome. Well, it is quite easy to miss, too. Why? Viminale is not only the smallest finger-shaped ridge but also lacks super special historical landmarks. Comparably!
Archeology says: its name may be derived from Jupiter’s cult name, Viminus. But per other sources, it was termed due to massive willow trees (vimana) that once grew there.
It was the last hill added to the list of the seven hills, making it more urbanized and less historical. Viminale is found between the Quirinal Hill and the Esquiline Hill featuring modestly curved palaces and apartment buildings. Notably, it has Rome’s main train hub, Termini Station.
Things to Explore
- Palace of Viminale
- Rome’s Opera House
- Teatro dell’Opera di Roma (for opera performances)
- Giant fountain at Piazza della Repubblica
- Baths of Diocletian
7. Quirinal Hill (Quirinale)
Quirinale, the highest of 7 hills of Rome, has served as the abode of popes, Italian rulers, and heads of state. It was fused into Rome during the rule of Servius Tullius in the 6th century B.C. The hill is named after the early god Quirinus, worshiped by the Sabine people. It was formerly enlisted with Collis Latiaris, Mucialis, and Salutaris Hills.
The last thermal baths in Rome, created by Constantine, were sited here but ruined during the city’s redevelopment. Presently, Quirinal Hill is a respected area and the home of the Italian president. Visitors can find an exotic art display and stunningly landscaped gardens.
Things to do
- Piazza del Quirinale (Dioscuri or horse-tamer marble statues)
- An Egyptian obelisk taken from the Mausoleum of Augustus
- Scuderie del Quirinale (former papal stables)
- Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica
- Sant Andrea al Quirinale
- Palazzo Barberini, along with the famous Trevi Fountain
- San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane
It is time to book your ticket to “City of Seven Hills” and explore from age-old sanctuaries, palaces, and dwellings to recent political centers and markets in Rome.
