Audio Guide Rome – The Campidoglio

The Capitoline Hill has been an important site since ancient times. It was the religious and political center of ancient Rome and home to some of the city’s most important temples, including the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus.

During the Renaissance

Michelangelo Buonarroti was commissioned by Pope Paul III to redesign the square at the top of the hill, known as the Piazza del Campidoglio. Michelangelo’s vision included an elegant trapezoidal square with a harmonious layout, which he achieved through the careful placement of buildings and the design of the beautiful Cordonata staircase leading up to the square.

Notable Structures
Palazzo Senatorio: This building serves as the seat of the Roman city council. It was built on the ruins of the ancient Tabularium and features a grand double staircase designed by Michelangelo.

Palazzo dei Conservatori: Located on the right side of the square, this building houses a part of the Capitoline Museums, which contain a remarkable collection of ancient Roman statues, inscriptions, and other artifacts.

Palazzo Nuovo: On the left side of the square, this building is also part of the Capitoline Museums and showcases classical sculptures and other important works of art.

Statue of Marcus Aurelius: At the center of the square stands an equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The original bronze statue, which dates back to the 2nd century AD, is preserved in the Capitoline Museums, while a replica stands in the square.

Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are among the oldest public museums in the world, established in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of important bronzes to the people of Rome. The museums’ collections include ancient Roman sculptures, medieval and Renaissance art, and various other historical artifacts.