Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio) stands as the smallest yet most historically significant of Rome's Seven Hills. As the religious and political heart of ancient Rome, this sacred hill has witnessed over 2,500 years of history, from the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus to Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece piazza. Today, visitors can visit the Capitoline Museums, walk through Michelangelo's architectural triumph, and stand at the very spot where Roman civilization was governed for centuries. Art enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking one of Rome's best viewpoints will find a rich journey through the layers of Roman history.
Visiting Capitoline Hill: A Traveller's Guide to Rome
📚
Part of our comprehensive guide
Spanish Steps in Rome: An Italian Landmark — Check our complete guide for more tips and insights.
The History and Significance of Capitoline Hill
Capitoline Hill's importance in Roman civilization cannot be overstated. In ancient times, this hill served as the spiritual center of Rome, crowned by the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, where victorious generals would process in triumph and consuls would begin their terms of office. The Romans considered it so sacred that it was known simply as "The Capitol" (Capitolium).
The hill's strategic position made it a natural fortress. The steep Tarpeian Rock on its southern side was the legendary site where traitors were thrown to their deaths. During the Gallic siege of 390 BC, the sacred geese of Juno supposedly saved Rome by alerting defenders to a nighttime attack, cementing the hill's place in Roman mythology.
In the Renaissance, Pope Paul III commissioned Michelangelo to redesign the hilltop square in 1536 for Emperor Charles V's visit. Michelangelo created the Piazza del Campidoglio, considered one of the most beautiful public squares. His geometric pavement design creates a three-dimensional effect, and his placement of the three palaces creates architectural harmony. The grand Cordonata staircase, flanked by ancient Egyptian lions and the colossal statues of Castor and Pollux, provides a dramatic ascent to the piazza.
The hill's strategic position made it a natural fortress. The steep Tarpeian Rock on its southern side was the legendary site where traitors were thrown to their deaths. During the Gallic siege of 390 BC, the sacred geese of Juno supposedly saved Rome by alerting defenders to a nighttime attack, cementing the hill's place in Roman mythology.
In the Renaissance, Pope Paul III commissioned Michelangelo to redesign the hilltop square in 1536 for Emperor Charles V's visit. Michelangelo created the Piazza del Campidoglio, considered one of the most beautiful public squares. His geometric pavement design creates a three-dimensional effect, and his placement of the three palaces creates architectural harmony. The grand Cordonata staircase, flanked by ancient Egyptian lions and the colossal statues of Castor and Pollux, provides a dramatic ascent to the piazza.
"Capitoline Hill represents the continuity of Roman power and culture from ancient times through the Renaissance to today. Standing in Michelangelo's piazza, you are at the geographical and spiritual center of what was once the world's greatest empire."
Capitoline Hill, Rome
Capitoline Hill and Piazza del Campidoglio
6 hotels within 10 min walk
The Capitoline Museums: Art and Ancient Treasures
The Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini), established in 1471, hold the distinction of being the world's oldest public museum. Spread across three palaces around Michelangelo's piazza, these museums house an extraordinary collection of ancient Roman statues, Renaissance paintings, and archaeological artifacts.
The Palazzo dei Conservatori displays the bronze she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, symbol of Rome's mythical founding. Here you'll also find the colossal fragments of Emperor Constantine's statue, including the massive head and hand that once belonged to a 40-foot statue. The museum's painting gallery features masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, Rubens, and Tintoretto.
Across the square, the Palazzo Nuovo contains the famous equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius (the original, with a replica standing in the piazza outside), the sensual Capitoline Venus, and the haunting Dying Gaul sculpture. The Hall of Emperors displays busts of every Roman emperor, providing a journey through imperial history.
An underground tunnel connects the two palaces, passing through the ancient Tabularium, the Roman state archive. From the Tabularium's arched galleries, you'll enjoy views over the Roman Forum, allowing you to see the ruins from the perspective of the ancient officials who once worked here.
The Palazzo dei Conservatori displays the bronze she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, symbol of Rome's mythical founding. Here you'll also find the colossal fragments of Emperor Constantine's statue, including the massive head and hand that once belonged to a 40-foot statue. The museum's painting gallery features masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, Rubens, and Tintoretto.
Across the square, the Palazzo Nuovo contains the famous equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius (the original, with a replica standing in the piazza outside), the sensual Capitoline Venus, and the haunting Dying Gaul sculpture. The Hall of Emperors displays busts of every Roman emperor, providing a journey through imperial history.
An underground tunnel connects the two palaces, passing through the ancient Tabularium, the Roman state archive. From the Tabularium's arched galleries, you'll enjoy views over the Roman Forum, allowing you to see the ruins from the perspective of the ancient officials who once worked here.
"The Capitoline Museums contain some of the finest examples of Roman sculpture ever discovered. The Marcus Aurelius equestrian statue is the only bronze equestrian statue of a Roman emperor to survive intact, making it invaluable for understanding Roman imperial imagery."
Michelangelo's Piazza del Campidoglio
Michelangelo's Piazza del Campidoglio represents one of the Renaissance master's greatest architectural achievements. Designed when Michelangelo was in his seventies, the square demonstrates his genius for creating harmonious public spaces that honor antiquity while embracing Renaissance ideals.
The trapezoidal piazza is framed by three palaces: Palazzo Senatorio (now Rome's City Hall), Palazzo dei Conservatori, and Palazzo Nuovo. Michelangelo oriented the square away from the Forum and toward St. Peter's Basilica, symbolizing Rome's shift from ancient pagan power to Christian authority. The geometric star pattern in the pavement creates an optical illusion, with the twelve-pointed design radiating from the central statue of Marcus Aurelius.
The Cordonata, the gradual ramp-like staircase leading up to the piazza, was designed for Emperor Charles V to ride his horse to the top. At its base, two ancient Egyptian lions guard the entrance, while at the summit, massive statues of Castor and Pollux with their horses frame the entrance to the square. These 5th-century sculptures were discovered in the Ghetto area and moved here in the 16th century.
Visit at different times of day to experience the piazza's changing character. Morning light illuminates the detailed facade carvings, while evening transforms the square into a romantic setting, with golden illumination highlighting Michelangelo's architectural genius. The view from the back balustrade overlooking the Forum is particularly striking at sunset.
The trapezoidal piazza is framed by three palaces: Palazzo Senatorio (now Rome's City Hall), Palazzo dei Conservatori, and Palazzo Nuovo. Michelangelo oriented the square away from the Forum and toward St. Peter's Basilica, symbolizing Rome's shift from ancient pagan power to Christian authority. The geometric star pattern in the pavement creates an optical illusion, with the twelve-pointed design radiating from the central statue of Marcus Aurelius.
The Cordonata, the gradual ramp-like staircase leading up to the piazza, was designed for Emperor Charles V to ride his horse to the top. At its base, two ancient Egyptian lions guard the entrance, while at the summit, massive statues of Castor and Pollux with their horses frame the entrance to the square. These 5th-century sculptures were discovered in the Ghetto area and moved here in the 16th century.
Visit at different times of day to experience the piazza's changing character. Morning light illuminates the detailed facade carvings, while evening transforms the square into a romantic setting, with golden illumination highlighting Michelangelo's architectural genius. The view from the back balustrade overlooking the Forum is particularly striking at sunset.
The Santa Maria in Aracoeli Church
Adjacent to the Piazza del Campidoglio stands the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, reached by climbing 124 steep marble steps. Built on the site of the ancient Temple of Juno Moneta (the Roman mint, from which we get the word "money"), this medieval church contains extraordinary artistic treasures often overlooked by tourists rushing to the Capitoline Museums.
The church's 22 ancient Roman columns, no two alike, were salvaged from various imperial buildings. The gilded Renaissance ceiling commemorates the naval victory at Lepanto in 1571. The floor is a masterpiece of medieval Cosmatesque mosaic work. Most notable are the frescoes by Pinturicchio depicting the life of San Bernardino in the Bufalini Chapel, considered among his finest works.
Legend says that Emperor Augustus, standing on this hilltop, had a vision of the Virgin Mary and Child appearing in the sky, prompting him to dedicate an altar "Ara Coeli" (Altar of Heaven) on this spot. The church's position high above the city makes it feel like a bridge between earth and heaven.
The church's 22 ancient Roman columns, no two alike, were salvaged from various imperial buildings. The gilded Renaissance ceiling commemorates the naval victory at Lepanto in 1571. The floor is a masterpiece of medieval Cosmatesque mosaic work. Most notable are the frescoes by Pinturicchio depicting the life of San Bernardino in the Bufalini Chapel, considered among his finest works.
Legend says that Emperor Augustus, standing on this hilltop, had a vision of the Virgin Mary and Child appearing in the sky, prompting him to dedicate an altar "Ara Coeli" (Altar of Heaven) on this spot. The church's position high above the city makes it feel like a bridge between earth and heaven.
Practical Information for Visiting
- Getting There: Capitoline Hill is centrally located and easily walkable from most major sites. From the Colosseum (10-minute walk), head west through the Forum area. From Piazza Venezia, you'll see the grand Cordonata staircase leading up to the hill. The nearest metro station is Colosseo (Line B).
- The museums can be crowded on weekends, so weekday mornings offer the best experience with smaller crowds.
Admission: Full price €16, reduced €14 for EU citizens aged 18-25. Free for children under 6. The ticket includes entry to both Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo. Book tickets online to skip the ticket office queue. The Roma Pass includes free or discounted entry.
Time Needed: Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit to the museums. Add 30 minutes to explore the piazza and church, plus time to enjoy the Forum views from the back terrace. Art enthusiasts could easily spend half a day here.
Accessibility: The Cordonata provides relatively easy access to the piazza for those with mobility issues. The museums have elevators and are wheelchair accessible. However, the Santa Maria in Aracoeli church requires climbing 124 steps with no alternative access.
Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings (9:30-11:00 AM) offer the quietest experience. Late afternoon (after 5:00 PM) sees fewer visitors and provides beautiful light for photography. Sunset from the back terrace overlooking the Forum is particularly impressive.
Capitoline Museums Hours: Daily 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM (last entry 6:30 PM). Closed December 25, January 1, and May
"Don't miss the view from the Tabularium corridor between the two museum palaces. This vantage point offers the best perspective of the Roman Forum, and you're literally standing where ancient Roman bureaucrats once maintained the state archives."
Combining Capitoline Hill with Nearby Attractions
Capitoline Hill's central location makes it an ideal starting point for visiting ancient Rome. The back side of the hill offers views directly over the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, providing context before you descend to walk among the ruins.
The Monti neighborhood, Rome's first residential district, is just a short walk away and ideal for lunch or an evening aperitivo after visiting the museums. For a comprehensive ancient Rome experience, combine your visit with the nearby Colosseum and Forum (allow a full day).
The massive Vittoriano monument (Altar of the Fatherland) at Piazza Venezia sits directly at the base of Capitoline Hill. While controversial architecturally, its rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Rome (elevator access available). The Imperial Forums stretch from here toward the Colosseum, with fascinating excavations visible from street level.
For those interested in art and history, consider visiting the nearby Palazzo Altemps or Palazzo Massimo, which house additional Roman sculpture collections. The Jewish Ghetto is a 10-minute walk away, offering excellent traditional Roman cuisine.
The Monti neighborhood, Rome's first residential district, is just a short walk away and ideal for lunch or an evening aperitivo after visiting the museums. For a comprehensive ancient Rome experience, combine your visit with the nearby Colosseum and Forum (allow a full day).
The massive Vittoriano monument (Altar of the Fatherland) at Piazza Venezia sits directly at the base of Capitoline Hill. While controversial architecturally, its rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Rome (elevator access available). The Imperial Forums stretch from here toward the Colosseum, with fascinating excavations visible from street level.
For those interested in art and history, consider visiting the nearby Palazzo Altemps or Palazzo Massimo, which house additional Roman sculpture collections. The Jewish Ghetto is a 10-minute walk away, offering excellent traditional Roman cuisine.
Hand-Picked Experiences
Popular Tours in Rome
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)3h
Join a walking tour through the trendy Trastevere neighborhood for an authentic tas...
From
View →€79.95
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)Full Day
Maximize your precious and limited time on your Roman getaway with this comprehensive all-in-one tour. We believe in the importance of experiencing al...
From
View →€134.95
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)3h
Are you in Rome and the second part of your trip will be in Florence? Are you flying into Rome but you need to start out your vacation from Flroence? ...
From
View →€554.84
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)3h
My name is Andrea, I am a photographer and a vintage car enthusiast, an authentic Roman, happy to show the beauty of his city. If you have any questio...
From
View →€194.79
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)2h
Experience St. Peter's Basilica with reserved entry and a digital audioguide. Access one of the most important religious sites in the world. The audio...
From
View →€23.61
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)2h 30m
Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Official Guided Tour Colosseum Group Tou...
From
View →€19.55
Verified & Reviewed
Where to Stay in Rome
Great deals on all places to stay in rome with rates from 45EUR
Hotel
3 Star Rating
Get your trip off to a great start with a stay at this property, which offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Strategically situated in Navona, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and s...
From
View →See Pricing
Hotel
4 Star Rating
Conveniently situated in the Vatican part of Rome, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. Don't leave before paying a visit to the famous Colosseum. This 4-sta...
From
View →See Pricing
Guesthouse
3 Star Rating
Experience historic charm and modern comfort in the heart of Rome at Coronari.
From
View →See Pricing
Apartment
3 Star Rating
Apartment in Rome, blending modern comfort with historic elegance.
From
View →See Pricing
Apartment
3 Star Rating
Get your trip off to a great start with a stay at this property, which offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Strategically situated in Vatican, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and ...
From
View →See Pricing
Apartment
3 Star Rating
Spacious 3BR, 2BA apartment near Vatican, ideal for visiting Rome.
From
View →See Pricing
