The Aventine Hill
The hill where Remus once intended to found his city, before being thwarted by his brother, the Aventine was an important residential area throughout the days of antiquity. Today it houses churches monasteries and delightful public gardens, with amazing views over the city of Rome and across to St. Peters.
The Oppian Hill
One of the summits of the Esquiline, the Oppian was once the site of the Emperor Nero's sprawling opulent palace, the Domus Aurea or Golden House. Today it is mostly covered with a park, which encloses some of the scant remains of this palace.
The Janiculum Hill
Although not considered one of the seven hills of Rome, the Janiculum has played an important part in Roman history since antiquity. As well as being a natural defense for the city, it was also the site of Caesar's gardens. Much later it set the scene for the pitched battle between Garibaldi and the Papal States in 1847. The park on top of the hill provides a welcome escape from the bustle of the city, and the panoramic views are breathtaking.
Attractions:
San Pietro in Montorio and the Tempietto
The church was built in the 16th century, as was the masterpiece it houses, 'the Tempietto'. This minute chapel was the early Renaissance prototype of Donato Bramante, the first architect to work on St. Peter's basilica. This very important building shows clearly Bramante's interest in the philosophy of architecture, taking what is best of the classical world and reinterpreting it for the Christian faith.
NB: More hills to be added soon! |
