Viminal Hill: what to see, seven hills of Rome, location, definition

Address	Viminal Hill, Roma

Viminal Hill (or Viminale) is considered to be the smallest and the latest added to the seven Roman hills. Although this might be true, the area of the mountain is full of shopping places and historical sites.

By immersing into the vibrant atmosphere of this district, tourists will be able to see how, despite being greatly affected by urbanization, Viminal Hill still retained its historical charm.

Contents

History

There is a belief that the Viminal hill received its name from the cult title of Jupiter – Viminus. However, other sources state that the hill was named so due to a large number of willow trees (vimana) growing on its territory. The area of Viminal Hill was inhabited by artisans, who placed their shops at the ground level of the apartment buildings while living above them. Compared to other Roman hills, during ancient times, the Viminal hill has been given the least importance. For this reason, there are not many historical sites that remain these days.

Modernity

Today, Viminal Hill is a residential district in the center of Rome. Tourists taking a walk in this district can benefit from an array of restaurants and shops. The latter displays not only modern brand clothing and accessories but also goods from local Italian designers.

What to see

Following is the list of must-visit places and the instructions on how to get to the Viminal hill.

Teatro Opera di Roma

Teatro Opera di Roma, originally named Teatro Costanzi, was opened to the public in 1880 with the inaugural performance of Semiramide by Gioachino Rossi. Today, Teatro Opera di Roma has a seating capacity of 1600 people. The acoustics of the theatre allow its audience to fully immerse in the richness of sound from every corner of the opera hall. During the summer, Teatro Opera di Roma hosts several performances on the ancient ruins of Bath of Caracalla.

Book private guided tour to ancient Baths of Caracalla

Address: Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 7
Metro: Repubblica Teatro Dell’opera stop on the A-Line
Official website: www.operaroma.it
Buses:
to Via Nazionale – H, 40, 60, 64, 70, 71, 170, 116T
to Via Depretis – 70, 71
to Via Cavour – 16, 75, 84, 150 (festivo), 360, 590, 649, 714
to Stazione Termini (Train Station) – 16, 38, 75, 86, 90, 217, 310, 360, 649, 714

Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica was constructed in the shape of a semi-circle at the beginning of the Viminal hill. The piazza della Repubblica is also located at the beginning of Via Nazionale street that leads all the way to piazza Venezia.

Right at the center of the square, tourists can see a fountain of the Naiads (or Nymphs). The construction of the fountain was commissioned by Pope Pius IX in 1870 and was initially named the fountain of Acqua Pia. In 1901, previously plastered lions were replaced by the sculptures of Naiads, each representing different waters (lakes, rivers, oceans, and underground waters). In the center, you can see a central figure of the composition – Glauco (Greek prophetic sea god, born mortal and turned immortal), symbolizing the dominion of man over nature.

Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 44, 00185

Baths of Diocletian

One of the first public bath complexes in ancient Rome, the construction of the baths of Diocletian was started in 289 AD and finished in 306 AD. The construction work was commissioned by the emperor Maximian in honor of co-emperor Diocletian. Made open to the public, the bath of Diocletian took almost 120,00 square meters. The complex included a bath with cold and hot water, as well as a library and gymnasiums.

During the Papal Rome, Pope Pius IV ordered Michelangelo to build the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli right on the remains of the bath so as to commemorate all Christian slaves who died during the construction of the bath complex. Today, the Bath of Diocletian is a part of the National Museum of Rome. During the summer, the exhibitions of the museum might become a good way for true lovers of antiquity to escape from hot Roman weather.

Address: Viale Enrico de Nicola, 79
Metro station: Termini, lines A and B.
Buses: C2, H, 36, 38, 40, 64, 86, 90, 92, 105, 170, 175, 217, 310, 360, 714 and 910.
Schedule: Tuesday – Sunday: 9 am – 7:30 pm; Monday – closed
Price:
Adults: €13
EU citizens (ages 18 – 24): €2
EU Citizens under 17 and Seniors (over 65): free entrance
The entrance is valid for the four buildings of the National Roman Museum.

How to get

Viminal Hill is located between the Quirinal Hill to the northwest and the Esquiline Hill to the southeast. Tourists will be glad to hear that it is relatively easy to get to the Viminal hill. You can get there by taking a bus or metro to Termini station (Stazione Termini), the central Roman station.

Nearby Attractions

Church of st Peter in Chains

8 min 1250 ft 380 m

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

8 min 1250 ft 380 m

St. Paul's Within the Walls

9 min 1480 ft 450 m

Esquiline Hill

9 min 1510 ft 460 m

Piazza della Repubblica

12 min 1970 ft 600 m

Fountain of the Naiads

12 min 2000 ft 610 m

Oppian Hill

12 min 2030 ft 620 m

Termini Central Train Station

13 min 2100 ft 640 m

Quirinal Hill

14 min 2300 ft 700 m

Baths of Diocletian

14 min 2330 ft 710 m

Author: Kate Zusmann

I have lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every angle of Rome has its history, and I'm here to tell you about the most intriguing historical facts and city legends. :)

Viminal Hill