Visitors’ guide to Viminale Hill, Rome. Best things to see, best hotels, Viminale map and facts.
Viminale is one of the seven hills of Rome.
Located in the city center, between modern Termini Station and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Viminale Hill is often mentioned as the seat of the Ministry of the Interior, which has its headquarters in the area.
Less rich of attractions than others, it is a place visitors tend to skip or overlook. However, Viminale is an interesting area to visit.
Here you find, among other things, the Baths of Diocletian, Rome’s Opera house, many hotels and Santa Maria Degli Angeli e dei Martiri, a beautiful church designed by Michelangelo.
This is all you need to know about Viminale Hill.
Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.
Where is Viminale? Viminale Hill Map
Viminale is in Rome City center.
In ancient Roman times, its boundaries were Vicus Longus (now Via Nazionale), the Suburra and Vicus Patricius (now Via Urbana, in the Monti District).
Nowadays, locals use the term ‘Viminale’ for the area on the ancient hill and Piazza della Repubblica, immediately beside it.
The closest metro stations are Termini and Repubblica.
Good to know: To plan a visit, I recommend you use this guide in conjunction with that of the Esquiline (Guide coming soon) and the Monti district. The two hills are beside each other and are best visited as one big area.
Viminale fun facts
The name Viminale comes from the Latin word Salix Viminalis, a type of tree covering the hill’s slopes in ancient times.
It is the smallest of all Roman hills and has a maximum high of 57mt.
As you walk around the Viminale Hill, you may be excused for not realising you are, in fact, on a hill!
Unlike the Capitoline and Palatine Hill, Viminale won’t be too hard on your legs. However, like everywhere in Rome, you will need good walking shoes to enjoy it.
Find here >>> my recommended shoes for Rome
Things to see on Viminale Hill, Rome
The Baths of Diocletian
The baths of Diocletian are one of the biggest thermal complexes of the ancient world.
Built between 298 and 306 AD by order of Emperor Diocletian, the baths are colossal and used to host swimming areas, hot and cold chambers, libraries, gyms and common areas.
Nowadays, the baths are part of the Rome National Museum and are one of Rome’s most beautiful archaeological sites.
As well as ancient chambers, they host the epigraphic museum and two Renaissance cloisters, one designed by Michelangelo.
Address: Via Enrico de Nicola, 78 In front ot Termini Station.
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 2 pm – 7.45 pm; Saturday and Sunday: 10.30 – to 7.45 pm Last Entrance: &pm
Tickets and Guided tour: click here
Find here >>> My complete guide to the Baths of Diocletian’s
Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
The church of Santa Maria Degli Angeli e dei Martiri is unique.
Built inside the Baths of Diocletian, the church has an outside that still looks like the ancient monument.
The facade is simple and a streamlined cross decorates the otherwise plain brick facade.
The internal decor, however, dates from the Renaissance and Baroque era.
The design of the church is by Michelangelo, who worked on it during his old age.
During Baroque times the church was restructured, and it is the elaborate decor of these years that now dominates its appearance.
Find here >>> all the locations of Michelangelo’s works in Rome.
The church is worth seeing because of the clever use of the ancient space, the magnificent decorations and the peculiar sundial carved on its floor!
Not to be missed is also the beautiful front door of the church, with stunning sculptures of female figures that seem to emerge from the material of the gate (author: Igor Mitoraj; year 2005)!
Address: Piazza della Repubblica. Access: free
Piazza della Repubblica (Piazza Esedra)
Piazza Della Repubblica, aka Piazza Esedra, is a monumental Rome piazza on the Viminale Hill.
It is a busy roundabout with cars, buses and metro stations.
However, it has peculiar architecture and a stunning fountain that makes it one of the most important piazzas in Rome.
On one side, you din the already mentioned church of Santa Maria Degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
On two of its sides, you find two exedras, semi-circular porticoes with columns, under which you find shops, cafes, and a cinema. Here you also have the main entrance to one of Rome’s most luxurious hotels: Palazzo Naiadi.
In ita center, you see Fontana delle Naiadi.
This is a large, monumental fountain with water sprays and a marine theme.
The fountain was created by the architect Alessandro Guerrieri in 1888 and gained four statues of Naiads in 1901 and one of Glaucus in 1912, by sculpture Rutelli.
The fountain is beautiful and one of the best examples of Art Nouveau in Rome.
You can find here >>> our guide to the most beautiful fountains in Rome.
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
The Viminale hill hosts Rome’s Opera House.
This is a beautiful theater with a rich musical program you can find here.
Address: Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 00184 Rome
Palazzo del Viminale (outside)
Palazzo del Viminale is the seat of the Italian Ministry for the interior.
If you read Italian news, you often see Viminale used as a synonym for it!
The palazzo is beautiful and worth seeing from the outside; however, it is not open to the public.
You are likely to notice it if you walk in this area towards Santa Maria Maggiore, on the Esquiline hill, visible from the palace.
Address: Palazzo del Viminale, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome
Where to stay on Viminale hill
Viminale has many hotels and restaurants serving the area of Termini station nearby.
The area is not among the most charming, but it is convenient for the station and central.
Some of the best hotels near Termini train station are here. Some we like are:
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi – 5 star hotel with stunning interior and an upscale outdoor pool on its rooftop
NH Hotel Palazzo dei Cinquecento – beautiful, upscale hotel just beside Termini
Hilton DoubleTree Rome Monti – 4-star hotel in perfect position on the Viminale Hill, with nice interiors and one of the best rooftop bars in Rome.
I hope you enjoyed this overview of the Viminale Hill and it helped you plan your visit. Safe travel planning!