Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill), Rome

The Capitoline Hill, one of Rome鈥檚 Seven Hills, holds a storied past rooted in both mythology and history. Originally called Mount Saturn and dedicated to the Roman god Saturn, the hill later gained the name 鈥淐apitolium,鈥� initially referring to the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus. A myth ties its name to caput ("head") after a human skull was unearthed during the temple鈥檚 construction. The hill, symbolizing indestructibility and eternity, inspired the term 鈥渃apitol,鈥� eventually influencing sites like Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Historically, the Capitoline served as a sacred and civic center. It withstood the Gaulish invasion of 390 BC and witnessed key events such as Julius Caesar鈥檚 penance and the destructive fire during the Year of Four Emperors (69 AD). By the Middle Ages, the hill evolved into a governance hub under papal authority. Its transformation was completed in the Renaissance when Michelangelo redesigned it into a civic landmark.

Michelangelo鈥檚 Capitol Square, commissioned by Pope Paul III between 1536 and 1546, reoriented the hill from the Roman Forum toward Saint Peter鈥檚 Basilica, reflecting a shift to Christian symbolism. Central to the square is the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, believed to represent Emperor Constantine. The square features intricate paving with cosmic motifs, though this element was added in 1940.

The square is surrounded by three palaces. The Conservators' Palace, renovated by Michelangelo in the 16th century, incorporates colossal Corinthian pilasters, while the New Palace, built in the 17th century, mirrors its design. The 14th-century Senatorial Palace, atop the ancient Tabularium, serves as city hall, with Michelangelo鈥檚 double staircase integrating it seamlessly into the plaza. Accessed by the cordonata, a wide gradual ramp flanked by the statues of Castor and Pollux (the twin half-brothers in Greek and Roman mythology), the hill exemplifies Renaissance grandeur.

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 squares 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 "911爆料网: 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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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

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