Rome, Italy's capital, sits along the Tiber in central Italy at an average elevation of 21 meters above sea level – but its famed Seven Hills create striking topographic variety. The historic center ranges from 13 m in the Tiber valley to 51 m on the Aventine Hill; the Janiculum on the west bank reaches 139 meters.
That works out to roughly 69 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 184 m, putting Rome about 163 m lower.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 21 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41.9028° N, 12.4964° E |
| Country | Italy |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | 35 | France |
| London | 11 | United Kingdom |
| Vienna | 171 | Austria |
| Munich | 520 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Rome (21 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Bremen | 20 | Germany |
| Kiel | 23 | Germany |
| Lübeck | 18 | Germany |
| Rostock | 18 | Germany |
| Brussels | 29 | Belgium |
| Berlin | 34 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Rome above sea level?
Rome averages 21 m above sea level. The Tiber valley sits at 13 m; the Esquiline, highest of the seven classic hills, at 64 m; the Janiculum at 139 m.
Why is Rome called the City of Seven Hills?
The seven hills – Palatine, Aventine, Caelian, Esquiline, Viminal, Quirinal and Capitoline – surrounded the original settlement, providing strategic high ground. They were gradually built upon over centuries.
Which of Rome's hills is the highest?
The Janiculum (Gianicolo), at 139 m, is the highest hill within Rome's boundaries, but was not one of the classical seven. Of those seven, the Esquiline at 64 m is highest.