Return to Campidoglio photos

The Capitoline hill (the Campidoglio or Monte Capitolino) is the smallest but historically the most important of Rome's seven hills. On the north side of the hill is the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli (Altar of Heaven), on the site of the Temple of Juno. The Capitoline Museum, which is featured in these pictures, adjoins the church. The Museum forms the north side of the Piazza del Campidoglio

The Museum is approached by a staircase headed by statues allegedly representing Castor and Pollox (see picture), leading to the square; both were designed by Michaelangelo and constructed from 1547 onwards. In the center of the square stands a magnificent statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. (Actually, this is a reproduction; the original is inside the museum undergoing preservation measures.)

The building opposite the staircase ("Fountain") houses the official residence of the Mayor and the City Council of Rome; the buildings on the left and right comprise the Museum. The works of art shown here were our favorites in the museum, but certainly represent only a small percentage of the beautiful works held there.