Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill), Rome
When visiting Rome, the Capitoline Hill is a must-see attraction and widely regarded as the most sacred of the city's Seven Hills. A pillar of Roman civilization, it hosts numerous temples dedicated to revered Roman gods like Jupiter, Juno, Minerva, Venus, and Mars.
In ancient times, the hill provided an excellent vantage point to observe battles, particularly the formidable cliff to the south, which offered panoramic views of armies marching in all directions. From this elevated position, visitors can enjoy truly dramatic vistas of Rome and the Roman Forum. Exploring the attractions on Capitoline Hill can easily occupy half a day, with its rich history spanning ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance periods.
Among the noteworthy landmarks on the hill is the Senatorial Palace ("Palazzo Senatorio"), dating back to the 12th century, and the Conservators' Palace ("Palazzo dei Conservatori"), designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century. Together with the 17th-century New Palace ("Palazzo Nuovo"), these buildings form the Capitoline Museum complex. Additionally, the 14th-century Santa Maria in Aracoeli basilica, situated on the second summit of the hill and connected to the ancient Roman Forum by a steep flight of stairs, adds to the historical richness. Another notable feature is the Cordonata, a wide ramp used for triumphal processions, which descends from the Forum to Campidoglio Square ("Piazza dei Campidoglio"), also designed by Michelangelo himself.
Why You Should Visit:
To immerse yourself in the history of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance eras, appreciating the significant artistic and architectural contributions of Michelangelo from the 1550s.
Tips:
For a memorable experience, be sure to enjoy the amazing views of the city and the Roman Forum from both the museums' plaza and the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, particularly from its top accessible via the elevator. Keep in mind that dedicating at least half a day is recommended, as there are numerous magnificent buildings and piazzas located behind the rear of the main building.
In ancient times, the hill provided an excellent vantage point to observe battles, particularly the formidable cliff to the south, which offered panoramic views of armies marching in all directions. From this elevated position, visitors can enjoy truly dramatic vistas of Rome and the Roman Forum. Exploring the attractions on Capitoline Hill can easily occupy half a day, with its rich history spanning ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance periods.
Among the noteworthy landmarks on the hill is the Senatorial Palace ("Palazzo Senatorio"), dating back to the 12th century, and the Conservators' Palace ("Palazzo dei Conservatori"), designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century. Together with the 17th-century New Palace ("Palazzo Nuovo"), these buildings form the Capitoline Museum complex. Additionally, the 14th-century Santa Maria in Aracoeli basilica, situated on the second summit of the hill and connected to the ancient Roman Forum by a steep flight of stairs, adds to the historical richness. Another notable feature is the Cordonata, a wide ramp used for triumphal processions, which descends from the Forum to Campidoglio Square ("Piazza dei Campidoglio"), also designed by Michelangelo himself.
Why You Should Visit:
To immerse yourself in the history of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance eras, appreciating the significant artistic and architectural contributions of Michelangelo from the 1550s.
Tips:
For a memorable experience, be sure to enjoy the amazing views of the city and the Roman Forum from both the museums' plaza and the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, particularly from its top accessible via the elevator. Keep in mind that dedicating at least half a day is recommended, as there are numerous magnificent buildings and piazzas located behind the rear of the main building.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill) on Map
Sight Name: Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I
Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
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It's a known fact that "Rome wasn't built in a day." But when it was finally built, it stood the test of time and became "the eternal city." Many have heard that "all roads lead to Rome," but very few probably realize that inside Rome itself all roads lead to the Forum.
The central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum (also known by its Latin name... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city – a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word “palace” – indicating the emperor’s residence (“Palatium”), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour
In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour II
The historic center of Rome is packed with numerous landmarks and genuine works of art, to see all of which may take days if not weeks. This Rome Introduction Walk II highlights some of the key sights emerged during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, comprising some truly magnificent marvels of architecture. Among the featured landmarks here are the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
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