Piazza del Campidoglio

The Campidoglio is one of the monuments of Rome that draws most travelers who come to visit the Italian capital.

Also known as Capitoline Hill, it's an unmissable Roman attraction, since it was designed by Michelangelo himself.

Come explore the Campidoglio with us, with the details on every spot you need to add to your Rome itinerary. Let's go!

History of Capitoline Hill

Capitoline Hill, also known as the Campidoglio, is one of Rome's seven hills and one of the oldest and most important parts of the city.

Legend has it that the hill was where Romulus founded the city in 753 BC, and ever since it has been the setting for many historical and cultural events.

During Rome's republican era, the hill was the city's political center and became the place where public ceremonies and elections were held. It was also the site where the Temple of Jupiter was built, one of the most important temples of ancient Rome.

During the Middle Ages, the hill was abandoned and turned into a poor neighborhood. In the 16th century, however, Pope Paul III commissioned the famous Renaissance artist Michelangelo to design a new square and a monumental staircase.

The square and staircase of the Campidoglio were built in the 17th century, and it has been considered one of the most beautiful places in Rome ever since.

Today the hill is home to several important museums, such as the Capitoline Museums and the Palace of the Conservators, as well as the famous equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, one of the most important works of art from ancient Rome.

A masterful design by Michelangelo

Michelangelo was one of the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance, and he had an enormous influence on the design of Piazza del Campidoglio on Rome's Capitoline Hill.

Pope Paul III gave the artist the task of redesigning the square in the 16th century, and he worked on the project for more than two decades.

The design of the square is based on a trapezoidal shape, with the main entrance at the narrower end. Michelangelo designed the square with three buildings surrounding a central space, called Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome's capitol square.

One of these buildings, the Palazzo dei Senatori, currently houses the Capitoline Museum.

Michelangelo also designed a striking staircase leading from the square up to the hill, known as the Cordonata. This staircase was built to replace an earlier one, and it's considered one of the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance.

The design features a wide, gentle ramp with low steps, allowing an easy ascent on horseback or on foot.

What to see in Piazza del Campidoglio

Piazza del Campidoglio is one of the most famous squares in Rome, and a must on any guided tour of central Rome.

It's home to several major attractions worth visiting. Here are the main things to see in Piazza del Campidoglio.

1. The Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are housed in two historic buildings flanking the square, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo. The museums hold an impressive collection of art and ancient objects, including classical sculpture, paintings and Roman artifacts.

Get your ticket to the Capitoline Museums and enjoy one of the collections at what is considered the most important museum in Rome.

2. Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius

The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius is a masterpiece of ancient sculpture standing in the middle of the square. It's one of the few ancient equestrian statues to have survived to our day, and one of the most photographed sights in the square.

3. Palace of the Conservators

The Palace of the Conservators is one of the three buildings framing the square. Today it houses the Capitoline Museum and the Hall of the Horatii and Curiatii, an impressive meeting hall with Renaissance frescoes.

4. The Cordonata

The Cordonata is the striking staircase designed by Michelangelo that leads from the square up to Capitoline Hill. The staircase has a beautiful design and is a great spot for panoramic photos of the city.

So you don't miss a single sight, we recommend the tour of Rome's best squares, which takes you through the history of the city's main social and political hubs. 

Nearby monuments

Make the most of your visit to the Campidoglio by seeing a few monuments close to the square that are must-sees on any trip to Rome:

Capitoline Hill

Piazza del Campidoglio sits on Capitoline Hill, one of Rome's seven hills. The hill has a rich history and is full of historically significant sites, including the Temple of Jupiter, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli and the Arch of Titus.

The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is a large archaeological area just a few steps from Piazza del Campidoglio.

The Forum was the center of public life in ancient Rome and contains some of the city's most impressive monuments, including the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Vesta and the Basilica of Maxentius.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of Rome's most iconic monuments and sits about a ten-minute walk from Piazza del Campidoglio.

It's the largest amphitheater ever built and one of the most visited places in the city. The monument is known for its impressive arches and columns, and for its historical role as a venue for gladiator fights and other public spectacles.

You can also add a visit to Rome's Jewish quarter, the obligatory stop at the Mouth of Truth where you'll get great photos, the Campitelli neighborhood and Piazza Venezia.