Campidoglio e la sua Piazza
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What you need to know about the Capitol and its Square
The Capitol is one of the seven hills of Rome and is a place of great historical and cultural importance. Located in the heart of the city, the Capitol was the political and religious center of ancient Rome and continues to play a symbolic role in the modern city. Today, the Capitol houses the seat of the Rome City Council and the famous Capitoline Museums complex, one of the oldest public museums in the world. The square was redesigned by Michelangelo Buonarroti in the 16th century, with a star-shaped pavement and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius in the center (the original is inside the Capitoline Museums to preserve it, while there is a copy in the square). The design of the square and the facades of the surrounding buildings represents one of the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture. Surrounding the square are three main buildings: the Palazzo Senatorio, which is the seat of the Municipality of Rome, the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and the Palazzo Nuovo, both part of the Capitoline Museums. From the Piazza del Campidoglio there is a splendid view of the Roman Forum, and there is easy access to one of Rome’s most iconic attractions, the Cordonata, a monumental staircase also designed by Michelangelo, which allows one to climb from Piazza Venezia below to the Campidoglio. In addition to its historical importance, the Capitol is a symbolic place for Romans, often used for official ceremonies, state visits, and city celebrations.
Origin of the name: The name “Capitol” comes from the Latin “Caput Mundi” or “Capitolium,” meaning “Capital of the World.” Legend has it that a human skull (caput), a symbol of sovereignty, was found during the construction of the Temple of Capitoline Jupiter.
Temples and ancient worship: In ancient times, the Capitoline Hill was home to important temples, including that of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, which was the most sacred in ancient Rome and a symbol of divine protection over the city. The triumphs of victorious generals were celebrated here, and they concluded their parades with sacrifices to Jupiter.
Michelangelo and the piazza: Michelangelo’s design of the Piazza del Campidoglio is unique. In addition to the starry pavement, he designed an innovative arrangement of the buildings, creating a perspective effect that invites you into the square. The square deliberately faces St. Peter’s, symbolizing the unity between spiritual and temporal power.
The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius: This statue, dating from the 2nd century, is one of the few surviving equestrian sculptures of antiquity. This is because it was mistakenly identified as a representation of the Christian emperor Constantine and thus spared from casting. The original is preserved inside the Capitoline Museums, while the one in the center of the square is a copy.
The Cordonata Capitolina: The monumental staircase called the “Cordonata” was designed by Michelangelo to allow an easier ascent, designed also for horses and dignitaries visiting the square. At the top are statues of the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, symbols of Rome’s protection.
Capitoline Museums: Founded in 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of bronze statues to the Roman people, the Capitoline Museums are considered the world’s first public museum. Among the most important works are the “Galata Morente,” the “Venus Capitolina,” the “Lupa Capitolina,” the symbol of Rome, and the aforementioned statue of Marcus Aurelius.
The Statue of the Goddess Rome: Inside the Senatorial Palace, on the facade, there is a niche with a statue of the goddess Rome, representing the identity and sovereignty of the city.
Political role: Since medieval times, the Capitol has been the centerpiece of civic power in Rome, and the Palazzo Senatorio, in addition to being the seat of the Municipality, has also been the center of important political decisions and negotiations.
The Roman Forum and the Panoramic View: From various points on the Capitoline Hill, there is an extraordinary view of the Roman Forum, the ancient temples, and the remains of the imperial palaces, giving an idea of the grandeur and complexity of ancient Rome.
Symbol of Romanity: The Capitol is the place where every new mayor of Rome is sworn in, and is an eternal symbol of Roman history and pride.
Curiosities
The ancient legend of the founding: It is said that the hill where the Capitol stands today was consecrated to the god Saturn before the founding of Rome. In fact, legend has it that Rome was founded on the Capitol Hill itself by Romulus and Remus, and that this place is linked to ancient propitiatory rites.
Michelangelo’s influence: Michelangelo never saw his design of the Capitol completed; work was not finished until after his death. However, his design and the layout of the buildings facing the square have influenced many architects over the centuries.
The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius saved by mistake: The famous statue of Marcus Aurelius was saved from destruction in the Middle Ages because it was believed to be a representation of the Christian emperor Constantine. Because of this, it was not melted down like many other pagan statues and today represents one of the city’s most iconic works.
The finding of the human skull: During work on the construction of the Temple of Jupiter, a human skull (caput) was found that was believed to belong to an ancient chief. This event gave rise to the name “Capitolium,” a symbolic reference to the “chief” or center of the empire.
The Medieval Transformation of the Capitol: During the Middle Ages, the Capitol lost importance and became a fairly neglected place, used as a fortress and even as a stable. It was not until the Renaissance, with Michelangelo, that it once again became a place of prestige for Rome.
An off-axis square: Michelangelo intentionally designed the square slightly off-axis from the Roman Forum. In fact, the square is oriented toward St. Peter’s Basilica, a sign of the unity between the spiritual power of the Vatican and the temporal power of the city of Rome.
A design for horses: The Cordonata Capitolina, designed by Michelangelo, is a staircase also designed for horses. This was to allow dignitaries and nobles to reach the top of the hill without having to dismount from their horses.
The “Capitoline She-Wolf” and its legend: The statue of the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus is a symbol of Rome. It is an Etruscan bronze sculpture dating back to the fifth century B.C., with the twins added during the Renaissance. It is still the focus of debate today, with some scholars believing that the she-wolf was made in the Middle Ages.
A museum with a unique history: The Capitoline Museums, located in two of the buildings overlooking the square, boast one of the most important classical art collections in the world. Founded in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV, they are considered the first public museum in history.
The “Symbolic Heart” of Rome: Beyond its political and tourist function, the Capitol is perceived by Romans as the symbolic heart of the city. It is the site of celebrations and official events, such as the swearing in of the mayor, which takes place right on the square.
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