Description of the attraction
Since ancient times, the Capitol has been the center of the city's social, political and religious life. There was a temple dedicated to Jupiter Capitoline. Hence the name Capitol originated, which later began to be used to refer to the entire area as a whole. On the slopes of the Capitol, one of the most sacred hills of Rome, although inferior in height to other hills, at all times the authorities were concentrated.
Capitol Square and Palaces
Currently, at its top is the Capitol Square, designed by Michelangelo. It is surrounded by magnificent palaces, and in the center there is an equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. The ellipses and volutes that adorn the pavement of the square were created according to the sketches of Michelangelo himself. The statue of Marcus Aurelius, which once stood in the Piazza Laterana, was brought to the Capitol Square in 1538, and in all likelihood Michelangelo did not imagine that it would serve as a decorative element of this square.
The Senatorial Palace, the New Palace and the Conservatory Palace flank this square, rebuilt during the Renaissance. The New Palace and the Palais des Conservatories, designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century, are similar to each other, like twins, with their facades and Corinthian pilasters; both are crowned with an attic with a balustrade adorned with statues. The entrance to the Senatorial Palace (architects - Rainaldi and Della Porta) is decorated with two picturesque staircases. The interior of this palace contains many magnificent salons, for example, the Salon of Banners, the Salon of Chariots, the Green Salon, etc. The Capitoline Museums are located in the New Palace and the Palace of the Conservatory. It houses an extensive collection of Greek and Roman sculptures.
Church of Santa Maria d'Aracheli
The first mention of the church of Santa Maria d'Aracheli dates back to the 7th century; in the 10th century it became a Benedictine abbey, and then passed to the brotherhood of the Minorites, who undertook its reconstruction in 1320. The building is topped with a gable roof; the facade is decorated with three portals with three windows above them. The central portal is framed by a small portico with two columns. The austere 14th-century façade is enlivened by two Renaissance sculptural reliefs placed above the two side portals and depicting St. Matthew and St. John.
On a note
- Location: Piazza del Campidoglio, Roma.
- Nearest metro station: "Colosseo"
