Geography of Rome

Geography of Rome is characterized by the Seven Hills and The Tiber River. Rome city situated on the eastern banks of river Tiber has a geographical position of 41° 54′ N and 12° 29′ E. Rome lies to the west of the Apennine Mountains that forms the backbone of peninsular Italy. Being close to the Tyrrhenian Sea, Rome experiences a Mediterranean climate.

Rome is popularly called ‘the city of seven hills’. These seven hills namely, Viminal, Quirinal, Palatine, Esquiline, Capitoline, Caelian, and Aventine were separated by marshy land and the River Tiber. Of these seven hills, the Caelian, Esquiline, Quirinal and Viminal hills were portions of a volcanic ridge. The Aventine, Capitoline, and Palatine hills formed the western group of hills. In ancient Rome each of the seven hills had separate walled cities.

The Tiber River flows from the Apennine Mountains south-westwards to the Tyrrhenian Sea after passing by Rome. This river of length 405 km has played a significant role in shaping Rome’s history and culture.

 

Rome climate very broadly is of the ‘Mediterranean’ variety. The summer months are warm to mild, and the winters are cold. The rainfall occurs during the winter months between October to January. The summer season lasts from June to September with temperatures ranging between a maximum of 30° C to a minimum of 14° C. The daily range of temperature averages at 14° C. The winter season extends from December to March with temperatures varying between 3° C to 16° C. The months of April, May, October and November are very pleasant with temperatures varying between 7° C and 23° C.Rome being in the Mediterranean climatic region receives moderate rainfall throughout the year. Rainfall is heavy between October to January, which is about 40 cm. Rome Mediterranean climate being conducive to travel throughout the year is always thronged by visitors.