Rome Italy History, Facts, Regions

Rome

The Seven Hills of Rome

Although archaeological discoveries suggest that settlements in and around Rome date back to 1000 BC, historians have agreed that Rome was founded on one of the 7 hills in 753 BC.

For centuries, the term “Seven Hills” was used to describe the Capitoline, Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline, Caelian, Aventine, and Palatine hills surrounding the ancient community. In Latin: "Septimontem" or "Septem Montes Urbis Romae". Each hilltop about 50 m (165 feet) high.

Monte Capitoline (Capitoline Hill) was long the seat of Rome’s government, and the Palatine Hill was the site of such great structures as the Palace of the Flavians, built by emperor Domitian.

In modern days, however, most of the hills are not distinguishable from the adjacent plain. Other hills of Rome include the Pincian (Pincio) and the Janiculum.

Palazzo Chigi - Seat of Italian's Government

Monte Capitolino (Capitoline Hill) was long the seat of Rome’s government, and the Palatine Hill was the site of such great structures as the Palace of the Flavians, built by emperor Domitian.

Rome is arguably the most beautiful and fascinating city in the world and retained its title as the most visited destination in Italy for decades. Named the ‘Eternal City”, in 2019, Rome welcomed over 15 million tourists of which over 9 million were international travelers.

The Vatican and the Colosseum are the main destinations. With up to 20,000 visitors per day during the summer, the Vatican hosts visitors from around the world of virtually every religion and faith. Although, rumor has it that visits to the Sistine Chapel will soon be limited due to the negative impact to the art and buildings mass tourism causes.