Welcome to the world’s first museum! The Capitoline Museums (plural because it's in four buildings atop one of Rome's famous Seven Hills) has a fascinating collection of art and artifacts all telling the fascinating history of Rome.
What Makes This Tour Special
Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the Roman Forum and the city of Rome from the museum's terrace. The museums also offer temporary exhibitions that feature works from other prestigious institutions, enhancing the visitor experience.
A chance to view one of the most important collections of ancient Roman art in the world.
Access to the beautiful Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo.
The opportunity to explore multiple buildings that each offer unique perspectives on Roman history.
Historical Background
The Capitoline Museums were founded in 1471, making them the world's first public museum. They are located on the Capitoline Hill, which has been a center of political and religious life in Rome for centuries. The museums are housed in several historic buildings, showcasing an extensive collection of art and antiquities that reflect the city's storied past.
What's Included
Entry ticket
Admission to temporary exhibition
Is This Tour Worth It?
This museums & culture activity is highly rated at 4.5/5 across 1058 reviews, priced from $23 per person.
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See the 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente, an archaeological wonder near the Colosseum. Descend through three levels of subterranean mystery, each layer revealing over 2,000 years of intriguing history. The basilica boasts a gold mosaic that adds a shimmering glow to its central aisle. Initially shrouded in mystery, the depths of San Clemente were uncovered in 1860 when a flood prompted an Irish Dominican priest and archaeologist to see below. Ongoing excavations still see new secrets. Descend a hundred feet, and the first level reveals a forgotten 4th-century basilica, overshadowed by the 12th-century basilica built above it. Go deeper and find relics of an ancient Mithraic temple with its intact altar. See the skeletal remains of Roman houses, preserving a long-gone era. At the bottom, see the underground spring that sparked the initial discovery.
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Enjoy a full experience of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Houses of Celio. Start your experience with a 25-minute Multimedia video, which graphically illustrates how Rome today was thousands of years ago in the times of the Roman Empire. Allow the video to take you back in time to Ancient Rome. You will appreciate this experience when you walk through the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and enter the magnificent Colosseum. After the video, you will be accompanied by dedicated staff to the entrance of the Roman Forum. After approximately two hours of visiting the Archeological Area, step inside one of the world's most famous monuments: The Colosseum. Le Case Romane del Celio (Roman Houses of The Celio) is a very flexible experience, where you will not have entrance times, and will be able to decide with complete autonomy when to go.
Just footsteps away from the awe-inspiring Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano - the head of all Roman and world churches - stands the magnificent Lateran Palace. This resplendent palace served as the Pope's residence for centuries. Despite being damaged by earthquakes, raids, invasions, and even decimated by a fire in 1308, the palace has always been meticulously restored. When the papacy returned to Rome in 1377, they chose Vatican as their residence. However, the Lateran Palace, although no longer inhabited, has continued to retain its unique status as the Patriarchium or the "Seat of the Bishop of Rome" over the centuries. Indeed, all newly elected Popes have always celebrated their inauguration at the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano.
See Vatican City's history and art in Rome with a tour that fits your schedule. Choose from early access, daytime, or evening tours to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. See history and masterpieces with experts in art and religion. Admire the Vatican's artistic legacy, from statues to maps, and Michelangelo's iconic frescoes. Gaze at the celestial beauty of the Sistine Chapel and its profound symbolism.
Experience the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica with this express guided tour that includes reserved entrance, allowing you to bypass long lines and make the most of your time. As you step inside one of the world’s largest and most important churches, your expert guide will lead you through its awe-inspiring interior, rich with centuries of history, art, and religious significance. Admire the magnificent dome designed by Michelangelo, the ornate bronze Baldachin by Bernini, and the world-famous Pietà sculpture, also by Michelangelo.
See the 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente, an archaeological wonder near the Colosseum. Descend through three levels of subterranean mystery, each layer revealing over 2,000 years of intriguing history. The basilica boasts a gold mosaic that adds a shimmering glow to its central aisle. Initially shrouded in mystery, the depths of San Clemente were uncovered in 1860 when a flood prompted an Irish Dominican priest and archaeologist to see below. Ongoing excavations still see new secrets. Descend a hundred feet, and the first level reveals a forgotten 4th-century basilica, overshadowed by the 12th-century basilica built above it. Go deeper and find relics of an ancient Mithraic temple with its intact altar. See the skeletal remains of Roman houses, preserving a long-gone era. At the bottom, see the underground spring that sparked the initial discovery.
Visit the Bioparco in Rome, a long-standing zoo in the heart of the city, located in Villa Borghese. This green space combines nature and science. See a wide range of animals and learn about biodiversity conservation. Enjoy a Roman tramezzino at one of the park’s food spots during your visit.
