About Campidoglio
Explore Campidoglio
The public square in Campidoglio was designed by Michelangelo in 1536, and is often regarded as one of his most beautiful works. It is located on top of the Capitoline Hill Rome, and is home to numerous landmarks of the city including the Palazzo Senatorio, the seat of the Italian Senate and the Palazzo Nuovo. The Campidoglio square is also the site of the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, which is considered one of the most important sculptures from the Roman period.
Dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries is the Senator Palace, located on the ancient Roman Tabularium, and one of the most popular attractions of the Piazza del Campidoglio. The building is made of travertine, a type of limestone that is found in the area around Rome. The exterior of the building is decorated with a number of statues and reliefs, including a statue of Marcus Aurelius. The interior of the building is just as impressive as the exterior, with a number of ornate rooms and chambers.
The Palazzo dei Conservatori is one of the most important and beautiful buildings in Campidoglio with a grand entrance and a large garden. Inside, the Palazzo is full of art and antiques, and a coat of arms can be seen on the walls. It is two storeys high, and boasts of Corinthian columns. The palace also has the lodge Michelangelo, which is designed in a similar theme and structure.
The New Palace in Piazza del Campidoglio was built in 1603, as a means to close the space of the Campidoglio square. It is located next to the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, and was opened to the public in the year 1734. The façade of the new palace replicates that of the Palace of the Conservatives. The New Palace is a much smaller building and is built of white marble, and its facade is adorned with statues of Roman gods and goddesses.
The Balustrade in Campidoglio is designed in such a way that it closes the space of the square. It is home to two huge sculptures of Castor and Pollux, but isn’t a part of the design created by Michelangelo. It is made of white marble and is adorned with statues of Roman gods and goddesses. The balustrade is a great place to take in the view of the city and to get a glimpse of the Roman Forum.
The Cordonata in Piazza del Campidoglio is a massive stairway and is considered one of the grandest staircases in all of Europe. The staircase was designed by Italian artist and architect, Michelangelo Buonarroti. It was completed in 1536 and is made of white marble. The Cordonata in Campidoglio is located in front of the Palazzo Senatorio, which is the seat of Rome's city government. At the base of the stairs, you can see the statues of two Egyptian lions made of black basalt.
The Monument of Vittorio Emanuelle II, also known as the Vittoriano, is a monument located in Capitoline Hill Rome. It was built to commemorate the first king of a unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuelle II. The monument is composed of a central column with a statue of the king on top, surrounded by a series of lower reliefs that depict important moments in his life and reign. The entire monument is built of white marble, and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Rome.
The Church of Santa Maria, built in the 12th century in Aracoeli is located on Capitoline Hill Rome, which was built in the 12th century and is known for its Romanesque architecture and its beautiful interior. It sits atop a long staircase on a site that was once the home of the Temple of Juno. The church is also home to a number of important works of art, including a painting by Raphael, as well as frescoes by Pinturicchio and Cavallini.
The Capitoline Museums in Campidoglio are housed in two palaces, Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo. In the former Tabularium, they display a collection of art and artifacts that date from Antiquity to the present day. The museums are home to masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo, Giovanni da Bologna, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, as well as a collection of Roman sculptures and inscriptions. The Capitoline Museums also house a library and a conservation laboratory.
History of Campidoglio
The history of Piazza del Campidoglio dates all the way back to the Middle Ages, when the Capitoline Hill and the Palazzo Senatorio or the Town Hall became headquarters of the municipal government. Owing to the dilapidated state of the Capitoline Hill during that time, Pope Paul III commissioned a reformation of the piazza. This was in 1536, which also coincided with the visit of Roman king Charles V. The reformation work was commissioned to Michelangelo, the world-renowned artist.
Michelangelo completely transformed the piazza, thereby making it a focal point of Rome, making it face St. Peter’s Basilica, with the Roman Forum located behind it. He also added a new entrance and double staircase to the Palazzo Senatorio, thereby aligning it with the Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo. An access staircase was added to the piazza, and it was named the Cordonata, which would connect Campidoglio with Piazza d’Aracoeli at the base of the hill. A lot of the works at the piazza were completed almost an entire century after the death of Michelangelo, thereby making Campidoglio one of the last masterpieces he ever created.
Plan Your Visit
Opening Hours: Piazza del Campidoglio is open between 09:00 a.m. to 07:30 p.m. from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Location: Piazza del Campidoglio, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
By Bus: You can easily reach Campidoglio from different parts of Rome. Some of the buses that operate to this route include bus numbers 30, 44, 44F, 81, 83, 85, 87, 130F, 160, 160F, 170, 175, 628, 781 and C3.
By Tram: You can also avail a ride on the tram, on Line 8, and get off at the Venezia stop, which is located a short walk away from Campidoglio.
The best time of day to visit Campidoglio is in the early morning. The view from the top of the hill during this time is breath-taking, and you can see all of Rome stretched out before you. The air is still and the city is quiet, and it's the perfect time to take some photos or just enjoy the view.
If you're looking to avoid the crowds, another good time to visit Campidoglio is in the late afternoon. The sun is starting to set, and the view of the city is just as beautiful as it was in the morning.
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There is no shade available at Campidoglio, so it is best to wear a cap or hat, along with sunscreen, to protect yourself from the heat.
Campidoglio is also accessible for tourists on wheelchairs or those with babies in strollers, owing to the well-paved streets here.
It is best to bring a camera when visiting Campidoglio, since you can enjoy some of the best views from the Capitoline Hill here.
While there are no cafes or restaurants in the piazza itself, you can go to the rooftop café in the museum for a delicious meal.
FAQ's
What can we see at Piazza del Campidoglio?
Tabularium: It is a network of buildings in Campidoglio, which has two facades that face the Forum and the Piazza. It once served as a public archive, and currently lies in ruins.
Palazzo dei Conservatori: The Palazzo dei Conservatori is a building on the Capitoline Hill in Rome, which has housed the Conservators, the municipal officers of Rome, since the 15th century. The Palazzo dei Conservatori is also a good example of Michelangelo's work in the High Renaissance style.
Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli al Campidoglio: Also known as the Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven, this is a church built on the site of an ancient Roman temple, and is also one of the oldest churches in Rome.
What is unique about Piazza del Campidoglio?
Piazza del Campidoglio is the first modern square that was ever designed in Rome. It is a unique square in that it is symmetrical and has a central focus point. The square is also surrounded by important buildings, including the Palazzo Senatorio, the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and the Capitoline Museum.
Is Piazza del Campidoglio worth visiting?
Yes, Piazza del Campidoglio located on Capitoline Hill is surely worth visiting as this is also the last remaining Renaissance-era square in the city. It is also home to several monuments that cover almost 2000 years of Roman history.
What is the best time to visit Piazza del Campidoglio?
The best time to visit Piazza del Campidoglio is in the morning when the sun is shining and the streets are relatively empty. You can enjoy the views of the ancient Roman Forum without the crowds and take some time to explore the Capitoline Museums.
If you're looking for a livelier atmosphere, visit in the evening when the piazza is lit up and there are often street performers and musicians.
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What are the visiting hours of Piazza del Campidoglio?
The visiting hours of Piazza del Campidoglio is from 09:00 a.m. to 07:30 p.m. between Tuesday to Sunday. The piazza remains closed on Mondays.
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How long does it take to visit Piazza del Campidoglio?
It takes around 2 to 3 hours to visit Piazza del Campidoglio and explore all of its landmarks and attractions.