Moneycontrol PRO
HomeTravelThe City of Seven Hills: A Journey Through Timeless Landscapes

The City of Seven Hills: A Journey Through Timeless Landscapes

Discover why several historic cities, from Rome to Mumbai, are called the “City of Seven Hills” and how their geography shaped culture, mythology, and urban identity.

October 18, 2025 / 14:27 IST
The City of Seven Hills: A Journey Through Timeless Landscapes

The term City of Seven Hills has been applied in the global world to describe cities which were constructed on or around seven different elevations. One of the most famous is Rome, whose ancient town was well known to be founded on the seven hills, which were Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, and Viminal. The geographical feature of these hills is not merely that: it is the source of the mythology of Rome, their culture, and political strength. These landscapes, which influence Western civilisation, are closely connected to the legend of Romulus and Remus, twin founders of Rome.

Nevertheless, Rome is not the only city that can call this title. Some other ones, following its example or topography, are referred to as the City of Seven Hills. The same phrase has been used in describing Lisbon, Istanbul, Jerusalem, Edinburgh and even in Mumbai. All these cities have a combination of history, religion and architecture stretched through their hilly landscapes. The challenge of seven highs is as often symbolised in the domed or minaretted skyline of Istanbul as in the medieval surviving Edinburgh, as a sign of perseverance, spirituality, and power.

Similarly, in India, Mumbai was also an old-time development containing seven islands that have developed to become one of the busiest metropolises in the world. Even though a large part of its ancient hilly geography was reconquered, remnants of the ancient geography are still present in parts such as Malabar Hill and Worli.

The term City of Seven Hills does not just denote a geographical location today, but a city that has emerged out of the terrain to become the symbol of tradition, determination, and identity in the world. It may be the ruins of Rome, the mosques of Istanbul, the fortresses of Edinburgh, but whatever it is, these seven hills still have the power to remind us that civilisation may well start at the summit.

Nivritti Khatri
first published: Oct 18, 2025 02:27 pm

Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Subscribe to Tech Newsletters

  • On Saturdays

    Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

  • Daily-Weekdays

    Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347
CloseOutskill Genai