Capitoline Hill, Italy

The history of the Capitoline Hill, known as Campidoglio in Italian, stretches back over 2,500 years and is closely intertwined with the founding and development of ancient Rome.

• The Capitoline Hill was the most important of the seven hills of ancient Rome. According to legend, the Sabines, a neighboring Italic tribe, first settled on the hill before it was incorporated into the growing city of Rome.
• A temple dedicated to Jupiter, the king of the Roman gods, was built on Capitoline Hill in the sixth century BCE. This temple, known as the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, became one of the most important religious and political centers of the Roman Republic.
• The Capitoline Hill was adjacent to the Roman Forum, ancient Rome's thriving center of political, social, and economic activity. As such, it played a significant role in the city's political and public life.
• Under the patronage of Pope Paul III in the 16th century, Capitoline Hill underwent a major transformation during the Renaissance period. The renowned Italian artist and architect Michelangelo was commissioned to redesign the hill and create a new piazza, now known as the Piazza del Campidoglio. He designed the piazza and its buildings, including the Palazzo Senatorio (Senatorial Palace), which now houses the Rome City Hall.
• The Capitoline Museums, which were founded in 1471 and are among the world's oldest public museums, are located on Capitoline Hill. The museums house an extensive collection of ancient Roman sculptures, artifacts, and artworks, including well-known pieces such as the Capitoline Wolf and the Marcus Aurelius statue.

The Capitoline Hill, located in Rome, Italy, offers a wealth of historical, cultural, and artistic attractions. Here are some notable features and attractions you can find on Capitoline Hill:

1. Piazza del Campidoglio: The Piazza del Campidoglio, a magnificent Renaissance square designed by Michelangelo, is the focal point of Capitoline Hill. The piazza has a trapezoidal shape, harmonious architectural elements, and an equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius in the center.

2. Capitoline Museums: The Capitoline Museums are housed in three locations surrounding the piazza: the Palazzo dei Conservatori, the Palazzo Nuovo, and the Palazzo Senatorio. The museums house a large collection of ancient Roman sculptures, paintings, archaeological artifacts, and historical exhibits.

3. Marcus Aurelius Statue: One of Capitoline Hill's most recognizable features is the bronze equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, which stands in the center of the piazza. It is a replica of the original statue, which is now housed in the Palazzo dei Conservatori.

4. Palazzo dei Conservatori: Part of the Capitoline Museums, this palace houses a large collection of ancient Roman sculptures, including the well-known Dying Gaul and the Capitoline Venus. It also offers panoramic views of the Roman Forum from its terrace.

5. Palazzo Nuovo: The Palazzo Nuovo, located within the Capitoline Museums, houses a collection of classical sculptures, ancient Greek and Roman artworks, and historical artifacts. Notable exhibits include the iconic She-Wolf suckling the twins Romulus and Remus.

6. Palazzo Senatorio: The Palazzo Senatorio serves as Rome City Hall and is located at the top of Capitoline Hill. It has a grand staircase, a clock tower, and a balcony with views of Rome. Enjoy the magnificence of the Palazzo Senatorio. 

7. Santa Maria in Aracoeli: The Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli is a medieval church known for its stunning interior, beautiful mosaics, and notable artworks. It is located adjacent to Capitoline Hill.

Opening Hours and Tickets

Make sure to verify the Capitoline Museums' opening hours prior to your visit. Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended if you want to avoid the crowds and maximize your time on the hill.

The museum is open daily. The museum opens at 9.30 AM and closes at 7.30 PM. Last admission is one hour before closing time.

Comfortable Attire and Footwear

There is some walking on Capitoline Hill, so dress comfortably and wear appropriate shoes. In this manner, you can unhinderedly and comfortably explore the museums and take in the beautiful views.
 

Due to its handy location in the heart of Rome, Capitoline Hill is easily accessible to tourists. The hill is a short stroll from well-known sites like the Roman Forum if you are exploring on foot. If you prefer, you can quickly get to this historic site using public transportation, such as buses and metro. 

Capitoline Hill is still an important historical and cultural site in Rome today. Its architecture, museums, and strategic location continue to draw visitors from all over the world, providing an insight into ancient Rome's rich history and lasting influence on art and architecture that adds charm to our Italy honeymoon packages. Customize your trip to enrich your vacation with PickYourTrail.