Hills of Rome

The seven hills of Rome designate the traditional hills on which the city developed from its beginnings. They are: the Palatine hill, the Capitolium, the Aventine hill, the Esquiline hill, the Viminal hill, the Caelian Hill and the Quirinal hill. Under the Republic, from the 6th century BC, they were included inside the Servien wall. But subsequently the city expanded far beyond, encompassing higher mountains like Monte Mario or the Janiculan hill on the other side of the Tiber.
On each of the seven primitive hills, festivities take place during the festival of Septimontium.

Palatine, the hill of power

Populated at least since the 10th century BC, the Palatine hill is the hill where according to legend Romulus founded Rome. Under the republic the patricians were settled there. Today the place is known for the remains of the palaces of the first Roman emperors, who gave its name to the hill, starting with Augustus.

Capitolium

It was the first citadel of Rome, the heart of the city’s cults. From its famous Tarpeian Rock the traitors were thrown into the void. Legend has it that the sabines were installed there.
Stood several temples, including the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus which was the most important of Rome. Today the square created by Michelangelo houses the palaces with museums and its antique collection [read Capitoline Hill].

Aventine, the hill of the plebeians

The hill with its two peaks integrated Rome at the time of the kings. Near the port on the Tiber, a merchant colony developed there and foreigners often settled here, with temples of distant cults. Under the Republic, it was the traditional seat of the plebeians, the small people. Under the empire aristocratic mansions were built, razed during the sacking of Rome in the 5th century. Nowadays is a quiet area with monasteries and churches.

Quirinal hill

This hill was traditionally occupied by the sabines, then rich neighborhood with several temples.
Today is the Palace of the Presidency of the Italian Republic.

Caelius hill

Under the Republic it was the district of the rich Romans, and under the empire the Temple of Claude was built, then at its feet Caracalla built the great baths. Nowadays, there are parks, churches and hospitals.

Esquiline hill

Part of this hill, the Oppius, was occupied by the majestic residence of Nero with its golds that he built after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, near the Colosseum below. Trajan beat thermal baths there. A large part now extends to the vicinity of Termini.

Viminal hill

Small hill, there were temples and baths. It was separated from the Esquiline by the Suburra district, considered as the slums of ancient Rome

Panoramas of Rome

From the Aventine Hill, The garden of Oranges

The various panoramas and viewpoints of the city of Rome: Hill of Janiculan hill, Aventine hill, Pincio terrace or Monte Mario. Visit, access and photographs.

Capitoline Hill

The Capitolium is one of the seven primitive hills of Rome, and one of the most important in history, although it was the smallest of them. Indeed, it was the religious center during antiquity, dominated by the temple of Jupiter which disappeared long ago.

Rome Visit

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