The hill of Campidoglio has always been the political and religious centre of Rome called “Caput Mindi” that means “the capital of the world”. Its political function has survived since today becoming the seat of the Rome Government. The square of Campidoglio is one of the most interesting architectonical spaces in Rome and it was planned by Michelangelo Buonarroti with the aim of welcoming the most important international authorities of that age.

The Campidoglio hill is placed between the Roman Forum and the  “Campo Marzio”. Beside this trapezoidal square you can admire three palaces: on the left there is the “Palazzo Nuovo” added by Michelangelo and part of the Capitolini Museums, the most important Civic Museum in Rome. This palace offers a beautiful collection of classic sculptures. In front of the “Palazzo Nuovo” there is the Palazzo del Senato, the current seat of the Rome municipality. This palace’s access step, always created by Michelangelo, is particularly impressive just like the fountain characterized by the ancient statue of Minerva. Here you can also admire the Tower of Campidoglio built during the XVI century. On the right there is the Palazzo dei Conservatori.

At the middle of the square you can see the famous gilt bronze equestrian statue of Marco Aurelio.

On the left side of the Palazzo del Senato, there is the famous bronze sculpture of the Rome she-wolf suckling the twins Romolo and Remo.

Museums of Campidoglio: Opening Hours

Tuesday – Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m., on the 24th and on the 31th of December from 9.00 a.m to 02.00 p.m. (the ticket-office closes an hour before). Closed on Monday, on the 25th of December, on the 1st of January, on the 1st of May.

How to arrive there

The Campidoglio square is accessible by foot coming from Piazza Venezia where you can arrive thanks to several bus lines. From Termini: lines 40, 64 or 170, otherwise you can arrive there using the subway: catch the Line B to wards Laurentina since the Coliseum Station. Out of the underground station you should go by foot thorough Street of the Imperial Forums, towards Venezia Square, by doing that you will admire all the beautiful ancient Forums. If you would like to shorten the route, from the Coliseum you can also catch the bus lines n.85, 87, 810 and 850. From Barberini : lines 63 or 95.  From San Pietro : lines 40, 62 or 64.

Places that deserve special attention in this area:

Imperial Forum, The Coliseum, the Markets of Traiano, the Traiano Column, the Vittoriano.

Where to eat in the area

After having visited the Campidoglio, you can choose one of the several restaurants placed in the Esquilino zone.

Overnight stay in the area

You can choose one of the several hotels and b&b placed around Roma Termini near the Campidoglio.

Amusements

You can choose one of the several pubs and clubs placed in Rione Monti, a local district near the Campidoglio.

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