Piazza del Campidoglio

Ancient Rome

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This hilltop piazza, designed by Michelangelo in 1538, is one of Rome's most beautiful squares. There are several approaches but the most dramatic is the graceful Cordonata staircase, which leads up from Piazza d'Aracoeli.

The piazza is flanked by Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo dei Conservatori, together home to the Capitoline Museums, and Palazzo Senatorio, Rome's historic city hall. In the centre is a copy of an equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.

The original, which dates from the 2nd century AD, is in the Capitoline Museums.

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Nearby Ancient Rome attractions

1. Statue of Marcus Aurelius

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In the centre of Piazza del Campidoglio, this equestrian bronze statue is a copy of a 2nd-century sculpture in the Capitoline Museums.

2. Palazzo Nuovo

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Flanking Piazza del Campidoglio, this 18th-century palazzo (mansion) houses part of the Capitoline Museums and its outstanding collection of classical…

3. Capitoline Museums

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Dating from 1471, the Capitoline Museums are the world's oldest public museums, with a fine collection of classical sculpture.

4. Palazzo dei Conservatori

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One of two palazzi housing the Capitoline Museums, Palazzo dei Conservatori dates to the mid-15th century when it was the seat of the city's elected…

5. Palazzo Senatorio

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The historic seat of Rome's city council lords it over Piazza del Campidoglio. It originally dates to the 12th century, but it owes much of its present…

6. Tabularium

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Hidden beneath Palazzo Senatorio, and accessible via a tunnel linking Palazzo dei Conservatori to Palazzo Nuovo, the Tabularium was ancient Rome's central…

7. Chiesa di Santa Maria in Aracoeli

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Atop the steep 124-step Aracoeli staircase, this 6th-century Romanesque church sits on the highest point of the Campidoglio. Its richly decorated interior…

8. Cordonata

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The most dramatic approach to Piazza del Campidoglio is via this graceful staircase from Piazza d'Aracoeli. Designed by Michelangelo, it was built with…