The Capitoline Museums of Rome are museums grouped around a square located on Capitoline Hill (Mons Capitolinus). It’s the highest hill among the famous hills of Rome where stood the Temple of the Capitoline Trinity. The square itself was designed in the first half of the 16th century AD by the famous artist Michelangelo.
During your visit to the museums, you can be impressed by a spectacular collection of art pieces and buildings. If you do not consider yourself an art or architecture enthusiast, visiting these museums is a must, especially if you are traveling with children.
This large and impressive collection began its journey during the 15th century as a collection of ancient bronze statues. More sculptures and various artworks belonging to the most famous artists of Italian history were added to this collection.
The buildings in which the museums are located allow a glimpse into the local history during the Middle Ages:
Palazzo Senatorio
A building from the 12th century AD on the ruins of an ancient building that served as a Roman archive. Today the building is used as the municipality building and it also includes a fort and an underground gallery. There are also remains from ancient times. This gallery has epigraphic exhibitions including an impressive collection of ancient engravings and ancient inscriptions.
Tabularium
A building from the 8th century AD was used as an archive until the fall of the Western Roman Empire. In addition to the interesting exhibits presented there, you can enjoy the spectacular view of this building.
Palazzo Dei Conservatori
Another building designed by Michelangelo was built in the 16th century. It was initially used as a residence for the officials who headed the Roman civil government. In this building, you can admire Greek and Roman sculptures and ancient Egyptian art.
Palazzo Nouveau (Nouveau)
This is the newest part of the museum and it was built during the 17th century AD. In front of the building stands a copy of the statue of the Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius. If you want to get an impression of the original – it is displayed inside the museum.
