Musei Capitolini (Capitoline Museums), Rome

Musei Capitolini (Capitoline Museums), Rome (must see)

For a captivating encounter with ancient sculpture in Rome, don't miss the renowned Capitoline Museums, which boast one of the city's most esteemed collections. In terms of size and opulence, they are second only to the Vatican Museums, standing as a testament to being the world's earliest public institution of its kind. Showcasing a curated selection of remarkable Roman art spanning various periods, from ancient antiquities to the Baroque era, it finds its splendid residence within the Conservators' Palace ("Palazzo dei Conservatori") and the New Palace ("Palazzo Nuovo"). These architectural marvels elegantly mirror each other across the iconic piazza designed by Michelangelo, creating a harmonious ensemble.

It is highly recommended to explore both palaces rather than choosing just one. Your ticket allows access for the entire day, giving the opportunity to visit each museum at your leisure, with a break in between to perhaps take a stroll around the Roman Forum.

The Conservators' Palace houses a diverse and expansive collection, featuring not only ancient sculptures but also later artworks and an impressive art gallery. As you enter, you'll be greeted by the grandeur of the Hall of the Horatii and Curiatii ("Sala degli Orazi e Curiazi") on the first floor, adorned with magnificent frescoes from the late 16th century, depicting legendary tales from Rome's early history.

Ascending to the second floor, you'll enter the pinacoteca, a treasure trove of Renaissance paintings spanning the 14th to the late 17th centuries. Marvel at masterpieces by renowned artists like Caravaggio, Tintoretto, and Titian. Notably, Caravaggio's "Saint John the Baptist", created in 1602 for the noble Roman family, the Mattei, stands out.

To access the New Palace section, you can ascend the staircase or take the elevator to the basement of the Conservators' Palace. Along the connecting corridor that unites the two palaces, you will encounter the Epigraphic Collection, a poignant assembly of ancient gravestones that adds a sense of history. Before proceeding, be sure not to miss the staircase on the right, leading to the Tabularium gallery, which offers an unparalleled view overlooking the Forum, with a breathtaking perspective of the ancient surroundings.

Tip:
Make sure to visit the Terrazza Caffarelli caf茅-restaurant located on the top floor of the Capitoline Museums, as it offers a remarkable experience highlighted by its expansive terrace boasting panoramic views of rooftops and captivating ancient ruins (the scenery becomes particularly breathtaking during sundown). Indulge in superior coffee paired with delectable cakes, or savor an aperitivo accompanied by delightful snacks. Even if you're not visiting the museum, you can still enjoy the caf茅 by entering through a separate entrance on Piazzale Caffarelli.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51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.

Download The 51爆料网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Musei Capitolini (Capitoline Museums)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

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.

Trastevere Walking Tour

Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city 鈥� Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.

... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called 鈥楾ridente鈥� is one of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas, formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and the adjacent Via del Corso. It is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian/international... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Hidden Art Treasures in Rome

Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.

Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

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

Palatine Hill Walking Tour

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 鈥� a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word 鈥減alace鈥� 鈥� indicating the emperor鈥檚 residence (鈥淧alatium鈥�), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles

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.

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

View all walking tours in Rome, Italy

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy

For ice cream lovers and dabblers this guide is a treasure chest of Rome鈥檚 best gelato shops. There are gelaterias everywhere. Many visitors to Rome only have a few days to explore the city. You owe it to yourself to make the most of your time and find the gelato locals eat. Often the authentic...

10 Best Food Markets in Rome Italy

Of all the things Italy is most famous for (cars, music, fashion, movies, etc.), food is, undoubtedly, top of the list. Rome may well not be the whole Italy, but no Italy is whole without Rome... And the Romans, much as all their fellow-Italians, like it "fresco", hence the abundance of...

Souvenirs Shopping: 15 Authentic Italian Things To Buy in Rome

Rome is the Eternal City and, as such, the list of gift options available here is countless. Whether it's something edible, drinkable, wearable or pleasing to the eye that you want - you will find it all here in abundance. However, if time or budget is the factor, perhaps you might want to...