Campidoglio, aka “Monte Capitolino”, is historically the most important hill of Rome. In ancient times, it served as the religious and political centre of the city and it was redesigned by Michelangelo, who gave it a harmonious and monumental appearance.
Nowadays, it hosts the Musei Capitolini and the headquarter of Rome City Counsil.
It owes its name, derived from the Latin “Capitolium”, to the discovery of a human head during the first Etruscan excavations.
In ancient times, it was the site of the Temple of Zeus “Ottimo Massimo”, the most sacred and majestic temple of the Republic and Empire eras. Nearby stands the “Rupe Tarpea”, a rock where the traitors of the state were thrown from.
In 1471 Pope Sisto 4th inaugurated the Musei Capitolini, and this hill became the most ancient Public Museum of the world.

WHAT TO VISIT
Musei Capitolini: they are housed within the two palaces that border Piazza del Campidoglio. Here we can admire the famous Lupa Capitolina and the original equestrian statue of Marco Aurelio.
Palazzo Senatorio: today it is the headquarter of the Rome City Council.
Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli: it can only be reached by a steep staircase, as it is located at the highest point of the hill. It is famous for the sculpture of the “Santo Bambino”.
Cordonata Capitolina: it is the monumental staircase designed by Michelangelo, that leads to the square starting from Piazza Venezia.
Terrazza di Via Monte Tarpeo: from here visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the Roman Forums.

The Campidoglio represents, maybe more than all the other hills, the soul and the essence of the eternal city.

Viminale is the smallest of the 7 hills of Rome, whose name derives from the willow groves that covered it. Today, it is home to the headquarters of the Italian Ministry of the Interior, the majestic palace of Viminale. Around the hill there are some important cultural attractions, as Piazza della Repubblica and Teatro dell ‘opera. In the Roman era, it was a residential area and at the end of the 3rd century it was partially occupied by the famous Baths of Diocleziano.

WHAT TO VISIT

Palace of Viminale: it was designed by the architect Manfredo Manfredi and it is the headquarter of Ministry of the Interior from 1925. It consists of five floors and hundreds of rooms; it is monumental and fascinating.

Baths of Diocleziano: they are the biggest and majestic baths of the ancient Rome, and they accommodated more than 3000 people. Today they are part of the National Roman Museum.

Basilica di Santa Maria degli angeli e dei martiri: it was designed by Michelangelo and set in the frigidarium of Baths of Diocleziano. It is a Catholic Church, where official cerimonies of Italian Republic take place.

Teatro dell’opera: it is the temple of opera and ballet, and it was inaugurated in 1880. It has hosted legendary world premieres, including Tosca. As regard to summer schedule, it moves many of its events in the wonderful setting of Circo Massimo.

Viminale hill combines the ancient history of the city with the strength of the institutions, it is the place where past and present come together.

Quirinale is the tallest of the seven hills of Rome and it represents the political and historical centre of the city. The name derives from the sabine god “Quirino”: according to the legend, a community of Sabines settled on the hill, after concluding a peace agreement with the Romans. After his death, Romolo was associated with God Quirino, and a temple was built to celebrate this union. Also the term “Quirites” derives from the name of the god: it was a civil and ceremonial endonym for Roman citizens in times of peace. During the imperial period, the hill was incorporated into the city walls, and then it became the official residence of popes and kings, eventually becoming, in modern time, the site of the Quirinal Palace and the residence of The President of Italy.

WHAT TO VISIT

Palazzo del quirinale: the Residence of the President of Italy, with historical apartments and magnificent gardens.

Fontana di Trevi: the most famous Baroque fountain of the city, inspired to the theme of the sea and known all over the world for the coin ritual (it is just a few steps away from the hill).

Scuderie del Quirinale: this is where we can see international art exhibitions.

Baroque masterpieces: close to the palace, there is the “crossroads of the four fountains” where we can admire the Church of “san Carlo alle 4 fontane” and the Church of “Sant’Andrea al quirinale”, designed respectively by artists Borromini and Bernini.

Palazzo della consulta: the official site of the Constitutional Court.

Therefore the quirinale is a manifesto of architecture and power, where people can admire the works of the most important and magnificent artists of the Renaissance and Baroque.

The Colle Palatino can be defined as the “cradle of Rome”, the ultimate historic hill and it is located between the Roman Forums and the Circo Massimo. The legend has it that on Aprile 21st 753 b.C. Romolo drew the holy furrow here, which marked the foundation of the city. According to the myth, the she-wolf breastfed Romolo and Remo in the cave under this very hill, and that makes it even more evocative.

In the Republican Era, the Palatino represented the most popular among politicians and aristocrats, because of his panoramic view; later on the various emperors, Augusto, Tiberio, Nerone and Domiziano, built their homes there and today we can still admire their fascinating ruins.

WHAT TO VISIT TODAY

The DOMUS FLAVIA and the DOMUS AUGUSTANA represent the majestic historical structure of the Palace of Emperor Domiziano, designed by the architect Rabirio in 92 b.C. The first one was the seat of public administration, the second was the Emperor’s private residence.

HOUSE OF AUGUSTO

The Private Residence of the First Emperor of Rome, with perfectly preserved frescoes.

HORTI FARNESIANI

One of the most ancient botanical garden of 16th century, built on the ruins of Palatine Hill and it overlooks the Roman Forum: it offers a fantastic view.

PALATINO MUSEUM

It contains archeological finds, sculptures and frescoes form the hill itself. Here you can enjoy the “Capanne del Germalo” : dating back to the 8th century, they prove the existence of the first pre-roman village.

That why the Colle Palatino is the perfect mix of history, art and legend.

The Caelian Hill: The Secret Soul Between the Arena and the Silence

The Caelian Hill is one of the least celebrated of Rome’s seven hills, yet it holds a surprisingly rich soul. Its quiet streets tell an ancient story of gladiators, aristocratic villas, and millennia of silence.

Just a short walk from the Colosseum once stood the Ludus Magnus, the largest gladiator training school in ancient Rome. An underground corridor connected it directly to the arena, allowing fighters to enter the scene away from the crowd. Today, beside the road, the remains of the training arena can still be seen—silent testimonies of a spectacular past. Beneath the nearby Caelian Park, very ancient archaeological traces emerge, exactly where the gladiators’ quarter once stood. Now the area is filled with pine trees, shaded benches, and an unexpected sense of peace.

From Gladiators to Patrician Villas: A Journey into the Heart of Ancient Rome

During the imperial era, the Caelian Hill was an elegant district dotted with richly decorated patrician villas. After the barbarian invasions of the 5th century, it was rapidly depopulated, but beneath many basilicas perfectly preserved Roman houses still survive.

Under the Basilica of Saints John and Paul stretches a complex of rooms dating back to the 2nd–3rd centuries: according to tradition, two Roman officers who had converted to Christianity were martyred here. The pagan and Christian frescoes that coexist on the walls tell the story of a delicate transition between eras.

Not far away, in front of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, rises the Lateran Obelisk, the tallest Egyptian obelisk in Rome. Brought from Egypt in the 4th century, broken during the Middle Ages and buried for centuries, it was raised again in 1588 by order of Pope Sixtus V.

The Caelian Hill is not just a hill: it is a hidden Rome waiting to be discovered.

Even from its name, the Aventine Hill is full of mystery. Its origin is not known with certainty. According to one tradition, the name comes from Aventinus, an ancient king of Alba Longa, who was said to have been buried on this very hill.

Another story recalls the legend of Romulus and Remus: while Romulus watched the flight of the birds from the Palatine Hill to decide where to found the city, Remus is said to have chosen the Aventine to take his auspices. Hence the possible connection with the Latin word aves, meaning “birds.” Some also link the name to adventus, referring to the gatherings of the plebeians that took place here in honor of the goddess Diana.

Unlike the nearby Palatine Hill, the center of imperial power, the Aventine has always been considered the people’s hill. Here the plebeians withdrew when they wished to protest injustices and demand greater rights. For this reason, it became a symbol of freedom and civic participation.

The Aventine Hill is one of Rome’s most enchanting neighborhoods, famous for its quiet elegance and secret corners. If you are looking for things to do in Rome off the beaten path, this historic hill offers some of the city’s most unique experiences.

The Famous Knights of Malta Keyhole

The most popular curiosity on the Aventine is the Keyhole of the Priory of the Knights of Malta. Looking through this tiny aperture, visitors are treated to a magical sight: the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica perfectly framed by a lush garden alley. It is widely considered one of the most iconic “secret” views in the world.

Sunset at the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci)

Just a short walk away lies the Orange Garden, built on the site of an ancient medieval fortress. This park is a favorite for locals and travelers alike, offering one of the best panoramic views of Rome. From its terrace, you can admire the Roman skyline stretching from the Tiber River to the Janiculum Hill.

The Basilica of Santa Sabina and the “Devil’s Stone”

The Aventine is also home to the Basilica of Santa Sabina, a masterpiece of early Christian architecture. Inside, you can find the mysterious “Devil’s Stone” (Lapis Diaboli).

The Legend: According to local folklore, the devil became so frustrated by the persistent prayers of Saint Dominic that he hurled a heavy black stone at him—luckily, he missed.

According to the story, the attack failed to break the saint’s concentration, and he continued praying undisturbed. For this reason, the stone has become a symbol of faith and resistance to temptation.

The Aventine is not only one of the seven hills of Rome, but also a place rich in stories, silence, and views waiting to be discovered.

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According to tradition, Rome was founded on seven hills overlooking the eastern bank of the Tiber. This is where history and legend intertwine: it is said that Romulus founded the city on April 21st, 753 BC, choosing the Palatine Hill — the most central and symbolic hill — destined to become the beating heart of ancient Roman civilisation.
Around this first urban nucleus, six more hills gradually developed, each with its own identity and role in the city’s growth: the Aventine Hill, Caelian Hill, Capitoline Hill (formerly known as the Capitoline), Esquiline Hill, Quirinal Hill, and Viminal Hill. Together, they formed the city’s earliest perimeter, giving rise to what would become one of the most influential civilisations in history.
Today, the Seven Hills are fully integrated into the modern urban landscape, yet they still preserve archaeological remains, panoramic views, and unique atmospheres that tell over two thousand years of history. Walking across these heights means travelling through different eras — from kings and emperors to contemporary Rome.
This is just the beginning of the journey. In the coming weeks, we will explore each hill in detail, uncovering curiosities, landmarks, and lesser-known stories along the way.