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“IN HOC SIGNO VINCES”

“IN THIS SIGN CONQUER”

Yes, you probably have heard about Rome: the city of seven hills. But did you know that there are nearly 50 towns and villages of varying sizes around the world who claim the title? In this week’s photo essay, let’s explore those destinations who are worth of a visit, whether there are seven hills (more or less in most cases).

Rome, Italy

I’m not sure we can say Rome is the original city of seven hills (other cities with this claim are older) but it’s certainly the most well known.  The seven hills are Aventine Hill, Caelian Hill, Capitoline Hill, Esquiline Hill, Palatine Hill (the hill which myths say is the city’s true foundation), Quirinal Hill, and Viminal Hill.

Edinburgh, Scotland

As I’ve lived there, I can definitely agree that it’s pushing it to call Edinburgh a city of seven hills, because there are named hills all around.  However, the classic definition says that Arthur’s Seat (the highest point), Castle Rock (that’s the one the castle is built on – often overlooked as a hill), Calton Hill, Corstorphine Hill, Braid Hills, Blackford Hill, and Craiglockhard Hill are the seven.  You should hike up at least a couple should you find yourself on one of my recommended Edinburgh trips.

Seattle, Washington USA

Seattle’s claim for city of seven hills is a real mess.  During my Seattle sightseeing trip, it was clear there are some very steep hills, but the whole seven thing is confusing.  There’s First Hill, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne Hill, and Beacon Hill which are also popular neighbourhoods to explore.  There used to be a Yesler Hill (now in First Hill), Denny Hill (was razed) and Renton Hill (now Capitol Hill).  But, you could say that Magnolia and Crown Hill are in, but they weren’t part of the original Seattle. But Seattle is awesome, seven hills or not.

Richmond, Virginia USA

Union Hill, Church Hill, Council Hill, Shockoe Hill, Gambles Hill, Navy Hill and Oregon Hill make up the seven hills of Richmond.   If you haven’t been, you should – Richmond is the capital of Virginia and a hotspot for arts culture; they also have some yummy food.

Prague, Czech Republic

One of Europe’s prettiest capitals, Prague too is another city of seven hills contestant.  Or nine.  Nobody seems to agree on which one. The hills include Hradčany, Vítkov, Větrov, Skalka, Vyšehrad (where the castle is), Karlov and Petřín.  the nine version includes Opyš and Emauzy.    If you have the opportunity to visit Prague, be sure to do some Czech Republic sightseeing across the country – superb.

Moscow, Russia

We all know of the Red Square – perhaps one of the world’s most emotionally iconic spots.  But did you know that Moscow also suffers from city of seven hills syndrome?  It’s complicated business here, though, as the list includes  Borovitsky Hill (Kremlin Hill),the “Three Mountains” (Presnya and Vagankovo), Tver Hill   (Pushkin Square), Sretensky Hill (Sukharevskaya Square), Tagansky Hill, Vvedenskiye Mountains (Lefortovo), and Vorobyovy Hills.  But there’s also Krutitsy, Krasniy Hill , and Naprudniy Hill, so take your pick.

Asunción, Paraguay

Any visitor to Paraguay’s capital city will remember the city’s iconic architecture and buildings, such as the Lopez Presidential Palace – the city is one of the oldest in South America.  But don’t forget those damn seven hills – they’re everywhere these days!   The hills here are gentle and so harder to spot, but a few of them include Cabará,  Cerro Lambaré, Clavel, Tarumá, Cachinga, and Tacumbú.