My favourite vacation part is walking in Rome and its seven hills. In my posts today I choose my favourite watercolor paintings that I did in different years and different seasons, but always with LOVE for Rome!
The Seven Hills of Rome—it is like seven sisters or brothers , they are together from ancient time . Palatine, Aventine, Capitoline,Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline and Caelian .Palatine is the posh trendsetter where emperors liked their views,
Aventine is the chill, slightly rebellious hill of outsiders and secret clubs, Capitoline is the dramatic overachiever packed with temples and power politics, Quirinal is the respectable neighbor who went from quiet hill to high-end address, Viminal is the cozy introvert and smallest of the bunch, Esquiline is the artsy hill that mixed gardens, grand houses, and the occasional creepy cemetery, and Caelian is the leafy, underrated friend with old elites and ancient mansions.
Together they formed the historic core of Rome, starting as separate hilltop hangouts that eventually merged and were wrapped inside the ancient Servian Walls.
Capitolini Hill is my favorite—probably because it makes me feel fancy just saying the name. Honestly, it sounds like the kind of place where you’re required to stroll instead of walk, dramatically gaze into the distance for no reason, and pretend you’re on your way to an important art auction even if you’re just hunting for gelato.
Each hill has its own mood: early mornings on the Aventine feel quiet and secret, while evenings on the Pincian glow with golden light and long, soft shadows. In spring the city smells of blossoms and fresh rain on stone; in summer the colors grow bright and sharp; in autumn the facades turn deeper and warmer; even in winter there is a gentle, silver light that makes every dome and rooftop look poetic.
As I walk, I stop often to sketch, letting the rhythm of my steps guide my brushstrokes later, when I turn quick impressions into full watercolor scenes. I layer transparent washes to catch the light on ancient walls, add small, careful details to the windows and cobblestones, and try to keep the feeling of movement and wandering in every painting, so each one carries a little piece of my heart and my endless passion for Rome. What about you—where does your own passion lead you, and which cities do you love to return to again and again?
All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.
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