Monte and Stella
The Roman symbol of three hills and a star is known as the Monte and Stella. This specific symbol, representing the Chigi family coat of arms, is found in various locations in Italy, including within the Vatican Museums complex. The three rounded stone elements (monte) symbolize the three hills featured prominently on the coat of arms of the Chigi family, a prominent Italian noble family. The eight-pointed star (stella) sits above the hills, also a key element of the Chigi crest. (Kremer, 2025) Photo from Vatican City, 2025.