The Capitoline Museums, located on top of Capitoline Hill in Rome, are among the world’s oldest public museums, dating back to 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of ancient bronze statues to the people of Rome. The museums are housed in two palaces, Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, which face each other across the Piazza del Campidoglio, a square designed by Michelangelo. The Capitoline Museums host an extensive collection of ancient Roman statues, inscriptions, and other artifacts, including the famous Capitoline Wolf, a bronze sculpture depicting the mythical founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, being suckled by a she-wolf. Other notable works include the colossal statue of Marcus Aurelius and the Dying Gaul.
When planning your visit to the Capitoline Museums, consider purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museums are less crowded early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit, as there’s a wealth of art and history to explore. The museums offer audio guides in multiple languages, which can greatly enhance your understanding of the exhibits. Don’t miss the Tabularium, an ancient Roman records office with stunning views over the Roman Forum, accessible through an underground passage in Palazzo dei Conservatori.
To make the most of your visit, take time to explore the Piazza del Campidoglio before or after your museum tour. The square itself is a masterpiece of Renaissance urban planning. Inside the museums, pay special attention to the Hall of the Emperors in Palazzo Nuovo, which houses an impressive collection of busts depicting Roman emperors. The Palazzo dei Conservatori contains the original equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius (the one in the square is a replica). If you’re interested in painting, don’t miss the Pinacoteca Capitolina, which includes works by Caravaggio, Rubens, and Titian. Remember that the Capitoline Museums are located near other major attractions like the Roman Forum and Colosseum, so you might want to combine your visit with these sites. Comfortable shoes are recommended as there’s a lot of walking and standing involved.
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