The Seven Hills of the Eternal City
The Seven Hills are a key part of Rome's history, just as they are an integral part of the morphology of the land that the Eternal City sits on. Even if you don't know their names and locations, during your Roman walks it's likely that you'll end up on some of them, if not all of them, without even knowing it. So here is a review of the main attractions on each hill, so you always know where you are!
Palatine Hill
The most famous and most touristy hill, since it houses the symbol of Rome, the Colosseum, and the beautiful street full of ancient ruins, the Imperial Forums. We also recommend that you visit the Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano.
Aventine Hill
A peaceful hill, located near the Circus Maximus and populated with villas and green spaces. On this hill you can take a break in places like the Municipal Rose Garden and the Orange Tree Garden, as well as admiring the dome of St Peter's through the famous keyhole in the door of Santa Maria del Priorato.
Caelian Hill
Located further south of Rome, the Caelian Hill is one of the largest and probably one of the most lively, with its bustling neighbourhoods full of restaurants and bars of every kind. As for monuments to visit, we can certainly recommend the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, San Clemente and the delightful Villa Celimontana.
Capitoline Hill
Now home to the Palace of the Senators, this was once the actual Roman acropolis. On this hill you can also admire the grandeur of the Vittorio Emanuele national monument, as well as visiting the famous Capitoline Museums.
Esquiline Hill
The highest and most extensive hill, which embraces several districts of Rome, including Monti. Don't miss the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colle Oppio Park, where the Terme di Traiano and the Domus Aurea di Nerone are hidden.
Viminal Hill
Viminal Hill is the smallest of the seven but it's still full of beautiful places to see, including the Palazzo del Viminale, the Baths of Diocletian Museum, Piazza della Repubblica and the Opera House.
Quirinal Hill
The most political hill in Rome, given that it houses the Quirinal Palace, the seat of the Presidency of the Italian Republic, and the Constitutional Court Palace. Despite being a political location, the Quirinal Palace and its gardens are beautiful to look at. The Trevi Fountain is also on this hill – one of the main attractions of the whole capital.
