L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2023 www.italoamericano.org 12 L'Italo-Americano R ome, the Eter- n a l C i t y , i s a living painting made of histo- ry, where every stone whispers a tale of the past. This ancient metropo- lis, with its timeless charm, is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered. Its history, culture, and legends are deeply entwined with its iconic Seven Hills, which have borne witness to the rise and fall of one of the world's greatest civilizations. These hills, each with its unique character and narra- tive, have been the stage for some of the most significant events in Italy's past. They h a v e s e e n t h e b i r t h o f a r e p u b l i c , t h e r i s e o f a n empire, and the dawn of the Renaissance. They have been the home of emperors and popes, the battleground of gladiators, and the inspira- tion for poets and artists. From the grandeur of the Palatine to the charm of the Aventine, from the sacred Capitoline to the bustling E s q u i l i n e , e a c h h i l l c o n - tributes to making Rome the amazing place it is. They are t h e s i l e n t c u s t o d i a n s o f R o m e ' s p a s t , s t a n d i n g a s timeless sentinels over a city t h a t h a s e v o l v e d a r o u n d them. S o , l e t u s v e n t u r e o n a journey back in time through t h e S e v e n H i l l s o f Rome to unravel layers of history and legend, a journey that brings us face-to-face with the soul of the Eternal City. Our first stop is the Pala- tine, which is considered the birthplace of Rome. Accord- i n g t o l e g e n d , i t w a s h e r e that Romulus founded the city in 753 BC. Over the cen- t u r i e s , t h e P a l a t i n e H i l l became the preferred resi- dence of the emperors, who b u i l t t h e i r m a g n i f i c e n t palaces here. Today, it is an a r c h a e o l o g i c a l l a n d m a r k , offering a glimpse into the g r a n d e u r o f I m p e r i a l Rome. Walking through the ruins, one can almost hear the echoes of the past, of emperors and citizens going about their daily lives. The Aventine Hill was once the domain of the ple- beians, Rome's common cit- izens, but it transformed over time into a neighbor- hood of aristocratic resi- dences. Today, it is a testa- m e n t t o R o m e ' s s o c i a l e v o l u t i o n , r e f l e c t i n g t h e city's dynamic and diverse character. The Aventine is a l s o h o m e t o t h e f a m o u s keyhole view of St. Peter's Basilica, a hidden gem that perfectly encapsulates the magic of Rome. Let's move to the Capi- t o l i n e H i l l , o r C a m p i - doglio, the ancient religious a n d p o l i t i c a l h e a r t o f Republican and Imperial Rome. Today, it continues t o b e a s y m b o l o f p o w e r , h o u s i n g R o m e ' s c i t y h a l l and the iconic Capitoline Museums, known for their vast collection of art and artifacts about the capital throughout its history, from i t s a n c i e n t o r i g i n s t o t h e present day. T h e C a e l i a n H i l l - C e l i o i n I t a l i a n - o n c e a prestigious residential area, is now a fascinating destina- tion for history enthusiasts, due to its proximity to the Colosseum. The hill is also h o m e t o s e v e r a l a n c i e n t c h u r c h e s , i n c l u d i n g t h e Basilica of San Clemente, k n o w n f o r i t s s t u n n i n g mosaics and layers of histo- r y . T h e E s q u i l i n e , t h e largest and highest hill, is divided into two main dis- tricts, each with its unique charm and character, This hill is also home to the mag- nificent Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the f o u r p a p a l b a s i l i c a s i n Rome. The Quirinal Hill, origi- nally part of a group of now- disappeared hills, is home to t h e o f f i c i a l r e s i d e n c e o f the President of the Ital- i a n R e p u b l i c , w h i l e t h e V i m i n a l H i l l , t h e smallest of the seven, is part of the vibrant Monti Dis- trict, an area known for its l i v e l y a t m o s p h e r e , w i t h numerous bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Beyond the traditional s e v e n h i l l s , R o m e a l s o e n c o m p a s s e s t h e h i l l s o f G i a n i c o l o , P i n c i o , and Vaticano. These hills have seen several changes in their classification, depend- ing on the expansion of the city's historic center. The G i a n i c o l o , i n p a r t i c u l a r , o f f e r s o n e o f t h e b e s t panoramic views of Rome, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. As they are part of the historic center of the city, it's not surprising to find out that the Seven Hills host some of the attractions that make Rome a jewel of extra- ordinary beauty known all over the world. From the Celio Hill, for instance, you can admire the Colosseum and also Via dei Fori Impe- riali. On the Viminal Hill, you'll find the eponymous palace, the seat of the Presi- dency of the Council of Min- isters, and the Italian Min- istry of the Interior. You can also visit the Baths of Dio- cletian here, a symbol of the grandeur of Roman archi- tecture and engineering. T h e A v e n t i n e H i l l , which in ancient times host- ed numerous temples dedi- c a t e d t o R o m a n d e i t i e s , t o d a y a l l o w s y o u t o v i s i t t h e C i r c u s M a x i m u s a n d enjoy, from the Garden of t h e O r a n g e s , o n e o f t h e most romantic views of the city of Rome. The hill is also home to the famous Mouth of Truth, a marble mask that, according to legend, bites off the hands of liars. The Seven Hills of Rome are not just geographical l a n d m a r k s ; t h e y a r e t h e heart and soul of the Eternal City. They embody Rome's p a s t a n d p r e s e n t , i t s t r i - umphs and tribulations, its l e g e n d s a n d r e a l i t i e s . T o explore these hills is to delve into the essence of Rome, understand its spirit, and appreciate its timeless beau- ty. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a curious traveler, discover- ing Rome through its Seven Hills offers a unique and unforgettable journey into t h e h e a r t o f o n e o f t h e w o r l d ' s m o s t f a s c i n a t i n g cities. Aerial view of Rome from top of the Aventine hill on a sunny day. © Pavel Kavalenkau | Dreamstime.com GIULIA FRANCESCHINI A journey through the Seven Hills of Rome ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES

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