The Caelian Hill (Celio in Italian) is not only the natural setting where you can admire the green parks and historical sites, fantastic basilicas, medieval or poignant paintings of the roman period. The Celian hill is, above all, one of the famous Seven Hills of Rome, where the ancient city was built and developed, becoming the Caput Mundi. Come with me to discover more about the origins of the Caelian Hill.

Imagine how already Romulus, the first King of Rome, included part of the Celian Hill in the pomerium, the border of the city to the sacred made, according to tradition, by two oxens (one white and one black) that were pulling a plough. That land removed from other animals represented the beginning of the long history of Rome! Thus, already at the time, the hill was taken into consideration, although in the course of the centuries was for the Romans a sort of nice suburbs where it was possible to build their villas enjoying the beauty of the woods. Yes because it seems that the ancient name of the hill was Querquetulanus Mons, meaning “Mount of Oaks”. In a land full of gorges the hill was completely covered with these beautiful plants. Imagine the show!

Not only that, because even today some of the small springs of pure water are able to get up to the surface. Among them, according to the poet Juvenal, there is the famous Source of Camene, ancient god who personified the sources. And in one of them dwelt the famous Egeria, the nymph who fell in love with Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome! Among the legends and traditions, let me tell you that one that concerns the very name of the hill. In fact it seems that Celio was a latinization  form of Caile Vipinas (latinized in Celio Vibenna), an etruscan general who, it seems, did the history of Rome. We need to go back to the dawn and the sixth king of the city, Servius Tullius (VII – VI century b.C.). Having etruscan origins, he was adopted by the previous King, Tarquinius Priscus. But according to a famous speech in the Senate made by the Emperor Claudius, Servius Tullius took the throne by force, helped by his friend Celio Vibenna, who camped with his army at the...Celio! As always, when it comes to Rome, the truth and legend blend, creating a perfect mix of history and mystery. Something similar happens with another famous and historical hill of Rome: the Capitoline Hill.