THE BEST WAY TO SEE ROME FROM ABOVE
The Palatine Hill and the birth of luxury
If you’re looking for the ‘ground zero’ of civilisation, this is the place. This is where archaeology confirms it all began. As the holiest and highest point overlooking the Forum, the emperors chose it as the site for their sumptuous residences.
- The legacy of the name: The very word ‘palace’ derives directly from this hill (Palatium).
- Imperial views: Its gardens offer an unbeatable panoramic view of the Circus Maximus.
- Key fact: Here you can visit the House of Augustus and the best-preserved frescoes from the 1st century BC.
The Capitoline Hill: the brain of the ancient city
It is the smallest hill, but historically the most important. During the Republic, it served as the last refuge against invasions and was a religious centre, home to the Temple of Jupiter.
The Miracle of the Capitoline Geese
In 390 BC, the sacred geese of the Temple of Juno warned of a night-time Gallic invasion with their cackling. Thanks to these birds, the Romans were able to react and save the city from disaster.
Today, the square designed by Michelangelo is a Renaissance masterpiece that houses the Capitoline Museums. It is the perfect place to see how ancient and modern architecture blend into a single space.
The Aventine Hill
In ancient times, it was the hill of the ‘common people’, but today the reality is very different: it is one of Rome’s most exclusive and peaceful residential areas. It is the ideal destination for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- The Orange Garden: A magical spot scented with orange blossom and offering a direct view of St Peter’s dome.
- The Keyhole Enigma: In the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, if you look through the keyhole of the main door, you will see three states lined up: the Order of Malta, Italy and the Vatican.
The Quirinal Hill
Originally ruled by the Sabines, this hill has evolved from a site of pagan temples to become the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. Its palace is one of the largest buildings in the world, a symbol of the continuity of power in Rome throughout the millennia.
Which hill suits your travel style?
| Traveler Profile | Ideal Hill | What You Will See |
| Historian | Palatine | Palace ruins and Iron Age huts |
| Romantic | Aventine | Sunsets, orange trees, and keyhole secrets |
| Architect | Capitoline | Michelangelo’s perfect symmetry |
| Bohemian | Esquiline | Art galleries, vintage shops, and local neighborhood life |
| Peace Seeker | Caelian | Circular churches and hidden medieval villas |
The Esquiline
It is the largest of the hills and is divided into three peaks (Cispius, Fagutalis and Oppius). Here lies the Monti district, where modern Rome blends with the ruins of Trajan’s Baths.
- Faith: Home to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, whose mosaics are masterpieces of early Christian art.
- Gold: It is said that its ceiling is decorated with the first gold brought back from the Americas.
- Life: Monti is the perfect place for an aperitif after a morning spent visiting museums.
The Caelian: a green haven behind the Colosseum
Located just behind the Flavian Amphitheatre, this hill is often overlooked by the hordes of tourists. This makes it a peaceful spot with a mystical atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere in the city centre. Its crowning glory is the church of Santo Stefano Rotondo, whose circular layout transports you straight back to the Middle Ages.
The Viminal
It is the smallest and most practical hill, situated next to Termini Station, where you can now find our lockers facility so you can get around without the burden of your bags. In ancient times it was famous for its wickerwork (viminia), but today it has established itself as a transport hub.
Don’t miss what was once the largest thermal complex in the Empire, the Baths of Diocletian, and the Opera House, the heart of today’s cultural life.
The mystery of the ‘impostor’ hills
Don’t be fooled by the quick guides. There are some famous hilltops that aren’t part of the original seven:
- Vatican: It’s on the other side of the Tiber.
- Gianicolo: It offers the best view, but technically it was outside the ancient city.
- Pincio: Although it overlooks Piazza del Popolo, it lay outside the original walled enclosure.
Discover Rome and its unique views from the highest
Rome is a city best explored on foot, but its terrain can be treacherous. Moving from the elegance of the Quirinal to the mystery of the Aventine involves constantly climbing and descending cobbled slopes that don’t go well with wheeled suitcases.
Whether you’ve just arrived in the city via Termini (Viminal) or are passing through Tiburtina, don’t let your luggage become an eighth hill to drag along. With Lock Here Now’s lockers, we offer you the freedom to explore every viewpoint and hidden corner with the lightness of an ancient Rome.
Your journey through Rome begins where your luggage ends. Free your hands and enjoy the Eternal City step by step!
