The Capitoline Hill was a seat of power in ancient Rome and remains a center of government even today. The crown jewel of the Capitoline Hill is its Piazza Campidoglio, which is surrounded by the majestic buildings of the Capitoline Museum. In the center of the Piazza is a statue (a reproduction) of Marcus Aurelius, emperor of the Roman Empire in the later half of the 2nd century. The original of the statue is now in the Capitoline Museums.The statues at the top of the Cordonatta represent Castor and Pollux, the twins from Greek and Roman mythology who are believed to have aided the Romans in a significant battle. Santa Marie in Aracoeli, up the 124-step stairway to the left of the Cordonatta, is the official church of the Italian Senate.
The Piazza reflects its mid -15th century architecture. The stately building in the middle is the Palazzo Senatorio and it features a famous double staircase designed by Michelangelo. On the left is the Palazzo Nuovo and to the right is the Palazzo dei Conservatori, constructed according to plans developed by Michelangelo.
Getting There: About 25 minute walk from Roma Termini.
Timings: For Capitoline museums- Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 to 20:00, December 24 and 31 9:00 to 14:00 (ticket office closes one hour earlier)
Closed on Monday, December 25, January 1, May 1
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