What to see in Piazza del Campidoglio, the Sacred Hill

Located on top of a hill, known as the Sacred Hill in Ancient Rome, we find the Piazza del Campidoglio

It was the first modern square to be built in the Roman city. But before, on this hill was the Temple of Jupiter and from here the consular roads of the Roman Empire started. This square has been the seat of the Town Hall since the 12th century and was the symbol of the power struggles between the Popes and the city of Rome.

We recommend this guided tour of the Capital Museums and their surroundings.

What to see in Piazza del Campidoglio

The square that we can admire today in Rome has little to do with the initial one in which the City Hall of Rome was installed.

We owe its current appearance to Michelangelo, who redesigned it by order of Pope Paul III

The Pope who did not like how it was after a visit by Emperor Charles V to Rome. Michelangelo took care of every detail and today it is the only remaining Renaissance square in the Italian capital.

The first thing that catches your eye when you arrive at this place is the huge staircase that takes you to the square.

You have to overcome the temptation to pass by when you see them and go up because it is a really beautiful square.

On one side of the staircase, we have the Basilica of Santa María in Aracoeli, built in the 13th century, although previously there was a church from the 6th century.

Inside there is a highly venerated image of the Child Jesus and can be accessed by the staircase that leads to it or from the square itself.

After climbing the steps of Piazza del Campidoglio, the first thing that appears before you is the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius.

Well, actually the copy, since the original is in the Capital Museums, which is in the Palazzo dei Conservatori, one of the buildings that are in the square.

During the climb do not miss the statues.

The rest of the buildings that we find in the Piazza del Campidoglio are the Palazzo Senatorio, the one that can be seen from the bottom and seat of the Town Hall, and the Palazzo Nuovo, among which we can find a copy of the Capitoline Wolf, one of the symbols from Rome.

You can also find the original in the Capital Museums and we warn you that it is a small sculpture that disappoints many.

It should also be noted that from the back you can see magnificent views of the Roman Forum.