Rome is the capital city traditionally said to have been built on seven hills.
The traditional hills are the Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal and Viminal. Together they form the historic geographical heart of Rome, east of the Tiber River. The phrase “City of Seven Hills” has therefore become one of Rome’s most enduring nicknames.
Roman tradition connects the city’s foundation with Romulus and Remus on 21 April 753 BC, with Romulus associated especially with the Palatine Hill. In reality, early settlements developed separately on and around the hills before gradually joining into a larger urban community. Valleys between the hills were drained and turned into public spaces and markets.
The number seven is also a source of confusion. Hills such as Vatican Hill, Janiculum and the Pincian are associated with modern Rome but are not part of the traditional list. Another early grouping, linked to the festival called Septimontium, used a different set of peaks.