7 hills of Rome โ names, description and sights
Based on seven hills, the Eternal City attracts tourists with its traditional attractions, including the Colosseum, unique Roman fountains, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo and many other equally famous tourist sites of the Italian capital. At the same time, tourists undeservedly pay less attention to visiting the Roman hills than to famous sights. However, the hills of Rome should not be ignored, as each of them is characterized by its own unique history, unique energy, and also has its own no less significant sights.
Capitol
Despite its insignificant height and not very vast territory, it is rightfully considered the heart of Ancient Rome, since it was this part of the city that was considered the center of the political and religious life of this ancient state. In those distant times, temples towered on the territory, in which they worshiped the ancient Roman gods: Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, as well as Juno Moneta. For many centuries of its existence, most of the temple buildings have fallen into disrepair. Therefore, in the 16th century, the dilapidated architectural complex of the Capitol began to be rebuilt.
The design of many famous architectural structures of this part of Rome was carried out by the famous Michelangelo. According to his project, a marble staircase was created, on both sides of which equestrian sculptures of the mythical twin brothers Castor and Pollux were installed, which amaze visitors of these places with their beauty even today. Michelangelo did his best, creating a unique image of the Capitoline Square and designing the magnificent palaces of the Palazzo Nuovo and the Palace of the Conservators, as well as the facade of the Palace of the Senators, erected on the site of the ancient Roman state archive that had fallen into disrepair. Most visitors to the hill tend to admire the statue of the goddess Minerva, which adorns the fountain and towers in front of the Senators' Palace.
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Guests are in a hurry to visit the Palace of the Conservatives in order to see with their own eyes the huge statues of the head and hand of Constantine โ fragments of a huge 12-meter sculpture of this emperor. In the center stands a copy of the sculpture of the famous Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, created back in 176 by an unknown master. This work miraculously escaped destruction in those troubled times when pagan idols were destroyed indiscriminately, since the sculpture of Marcus Aurelius was tritely confused with the statue of Constantine. And the original of this legendary statue is carefully kept in the Capitoline Museum.
In the Palace you can see the symbol of Rome โ a bronze statue of the legendary Capitoline she-wolf, who brought up the founders of the Eternal City, the brothers Romulus and Remus. Visitors to the art gallery will not remain indifferent to the paintings of famous Italian artists. If you climb up another rather steep staircase, you can find yourself at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracheli. The luxurious decoration of its interior will not leave anyone indifferent. Not far from the basilica there is an observation deck and a cafe, whose visitors not only admire the magnificent views of the city from here, but also do not miss the opportunity to feed the seagulls. Feathered cafe regulars are happy to pose for the cameras and enjoy the delicacies offered by tourists.
Quirinal
It ranks second in importance. Its name is associated with the name of the god of war Quirinus. Unlike the warlike Mars, it is believed that Quirin sought to resolve serious conflicts through diplomacy. Roman patricians built holiday villas here, as here one could hide from the summer heat and feel the breath of a refreshing light breeze.
Perhaps that is why the creator of the Gregorian calendar, Pope Gregory XIII, liked the hill, who ordered the construction of the Quirinal Palace on this site. Construction work stretched for two whole centuries. During this time, many famous Italian masters had a hand in the creation, among which it is worth mentioning Lorenzo Bernini, Martino Longhi and Domenico Fontana. The palace remains to this day the most imposing and most important building erected in the Baroque style.
Nearby are luxurious gardens created in a classic style. On Sundays, access is open to certain interior rooms of the palace, in particular to the Royal Hall, decorated with amazingly beautiful frescoes. On the Quirinal hill you can see the famous fountains, elegant antique sculptures, exotic flowering plants and beautiful pavilions created back in the 16th century. In addition, many modern boutiques, cafes and comfortable hotels give this place a modern look and give tourists the opportunity to relax after numerous excursions.
Viminal
This place during the Empire was mostly inhabited by commoners. Perhaps that is why this hill was covered with willow thickets, and among the Romans it was called โWillow Hillโ. A camp was located on its territory, in which the Praetorians lived โ the personal guards of the emperor. In addition to residential houses of ordinary citizens, the Baths of Diocletian functioned here, accommodating more than 3 thousand people.
In addition to water procedures in the vast territory of Thermae, one could visit the library, stroll through the gardens and admire the fountains. Today, on the site of the former Thermae, there is the Termini railway station. Time did not spare most of the ancient buildings, but the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century, has survived and is today the main decoration of the forecourt of Rome.
Esquilin
On the Esquilino you can see many interesting historical and cultural monuments. In ancient times, ordinary Romans and rootless beggars were buried here. Later, by order of Augustus, the Maecenas gardens were arranged on the site of the cemetery. On the territory of the Esquiline Hill is one of the main Catholic churches โ the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, decorated with mosaics of stunning beauty, a gilded ceiling and magnificent chapels. In the reliquary of the local basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli, the chains are kept, which, according to legend, fettered St. Peter and fell apart when the angel Savior appeared in the place of his imprisonment.
Palatine
It is considered the birthplace of the ancient Roman state. Here was the legendary cave near the fig tree, near which, according to legend, they found a basket with the newborn brothers Romulus and Remus, fed by a she-wolf and raised by the shepherd Faustul. While much of this story is fictional, some artifacts have survived. Among them are the house of Romulus, the aqueduct of Claudius and a number of other historically valuable objects.
Caelius
For a long time it served as a place where the plebeians mainly lived, but later this part of Rome attracted aristocrats. Of interest to visitors are the dilapidated temple of the Divine Claudius, the ruins of the insula โ an apartment building, mysterious underground corridors and the amazingly beautiful frescoes of the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Many of these objects are little studied and require close research by specialists.
Avetin
It is famous for its unique objects, among which it is worth noting the Mouth of Truth, known from the movie โRoman Holidayโ. In addition, on the territory of this hill is the residence of the Maltese Order of the Knights. Interestingly, the order is endowed with the status of a separate state. The orange garden of Aventina completes the peaceful picture of this amazing place. The garden is equipped with an observation deck from where you can admire the breathtaking panorama of the Italian capital.
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Book in advance a transfer from Rome airport to the hotel. You will be met by a driver with a sign on which your name will be indicated, will help you with your luggage and will comfortably deliver you to your destination. The price is indicated for a car of a certain class (from economy to Minibus for 19 seats) and does not depend on the number of passengers and the address within the city. You can additionally order a child seat.