Seven Hills of Rome Map

Discover the legendary seven hills that shaped the foundation and history of Rome

Seven Hills of Rome Guide

The Seven Hills of Rome are the foundation upon which the Eternal City was built. According to Roman mythology, Romulus founded the city on the Palatine Hill in 753 BC, and the settlement gradually expanded to encompass all seven hills. These hills — Palatine, Capitoline, Aventine, Caelian, Esquiline, Viminal, and Quirinal — sit on the east bank of the Tiber River and form the geographic heart of ancient and modern Rome. Use our seven hills of Rome map to locate each hill and plan a walking route connecting them.

The Seven Hills

Palatine Hill (Palatino)

The most famous and historically significant of Rome's seven hills, the Palatine is where legend says Romulus founded the city. It became the exclusive residential neighborhood for Rome's emperors, and the ruins of the imperial palaces of Augustus, Tiberius, and Domitian still crown its summit. The word "palace" derives from Palatine. Today it is an archaeological park offering sweeping views over the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus.

Coordinates: 41.889300, 12.487500

Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio)

The smallest but most important of the seven hills in political and religious terms. In ancient times, it held the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, the most sacred temple in Rome. Today it is crowned by Michelangelo's magnificent Piazza del Campidoglio, flanked by the Capitoline Museums — the world's oldest public museum collection. The hill also serves as the seat of Rome's city government.

Coordinates: 41.893200, 12.482800

Aventine Hill (Aventino)

A peaceful, residential hill known for the famous Keyhole of the Knights of Malta at the Priory of the Knights of Malta, through which you can see a perfectly framed view of St. Peter's dome. The Aventine also features the beautiful Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) with panoramic views, the ancient Basilica of Santa Sabina, and the serene Rose Garden. One of the quietest and most romantic areas in central Rome.

Coordinates: 41.882200, 12.479500

Caelian Hill (Celio)

A tranquil, green hill that was once home to wealthy Roman families. Today it is known for the stunning Basilica of San Clemente, built on three levels spanning 2,000 years of history — from a 4th-century church down to a 1st-century Mithraic temple. The hill also features the ancient church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, the Villa Celimontana park, and beautiful medieval streets far from tourist crowds.

Coordinates: 41.884300, 12.494300

Esquiline Hill (Esquilino)

The largest of the seven hills, home to the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome's four major papal basilicas. The Esquiline neighborhood today centers around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Rome's most multicultural area with a vibrant daily market. The hill also includes the Domus Aurea (Nero's Golden House), the Auditorium of Maecenas, and the church of San Pietro in Vincoli housing Michelangelo's Moses sculpture.

Coordinates: 41.896000, 12.499400

Viminal Hill (Viminale)

The smallest of the seven hills, located between the Esquiline and Quirinal. Today it is home to the Palazzo del Viminale, which serves as the headquarters of the Italian Ministry of the Interior. The Viminal also includes the area around Termini Station, Rome's main railway hub. In ancient times, it was a residential area, and remnants of ancient Roman baths have been found beneath the streets.

Coordinates: 41.901000, 12.497500

Quirinal Hill (Quirinale)

The highest of the seven hills, named after the Sabine god Quirinus. It is crowned by the Quirinal Palace, the official residence of the President of Italy and one of the largest palaces in the world. The hilltop piazza features a Roman obelisk and ancient statues of Castor and Pollux. The surrounding streets include the charming Via del Quirinale with Bernini's and Borromini's rival churches, and the scenic Quattro Fontane intersection.

Coordinates: 41.899100, 12.486900

Exploring the Seven Hills

What to See on Each Hill

Walking Route Connecting the Seven Hills

You can walk all seven hills in a single day following this suggested route, covering approximately 8 kilometers:

Each Hill's Historical Significance

In ancient Rome, each hill served a distinct purpose. The Palatine was the seat of imperial power, while the Capitoline was the religious and political center. The Aventine was traditionally associated with the plebeian class, the Caelian with wealthy families, and the Esquiline with the common people. The Viminal and Quirinal were primarily residential. The original city boundary, the Servian Wall built in the 4th century BC, enclosed all seven hills within its circuit.

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