The Capitoline Museums in Rome not only stand as the world's oldest public museum but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of Roman culture and its influence on the world. Located atop the Capitoline Hill, the museum complex is a treasure trove of ancient Roman statues, Renaissance art, and masterpieces by iconic artists such as Caravaggio.
Tour Overview
At the Capitoline Museums, you'll explore the world's oldest public museum, a remarkable place where art, history, and architecture come together at the very heart of Rome. Housed within Michelangelo's magnificent Piazza del Campidoglio, the museums occupy the two elegant palaces facing one another across the square: the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo. Their collections offer a fascinating journey through the evolution of Roman civilization and Western art, from antiquity to the Renaissance.
Among the highlights are some of Rome's most iconic masterpieces, including the original Capitoline Wolf, the symbol of the city's legendary foundation, and the majestic equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, one of the very few bronze statues from ancient Rome to survive intact.
Visitors can also admire an exceptional collection of classical sculptures alongside masterpieces by renowned artists such as Caravaggio and Guido Reni.
Beyond its extraordinary collections, the Capitoline Museums offer one of Rome's most memorable viewpoints. The crown jewel of the visit is the spectacular terrace overlooking the Roman Forum, providing a unique perspective rarely seen from the more familiar viewpoints on the Palatine Hill. This breathtaking panorama, combined with the museum's unparalleled artistic and historical treasures, makes the Capitoline Museums an essential stop for anyone wishing to experience the political, cultural, and symbolic heart of ancient and papal Rome.
To experience the beauty of Capitoline Museums with a private licensed guide, please contact us at info@citylightstours.com
For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, we offer the extraordinary opportunity to explore the gallery outside of regular opening hours. This special arrangement allows you to wander through the gallery's splendid rooms and corridors in complete privacy, away from the hustle and bustle of daytime crowds.
Tour itinerary
Museum of the Palazzo dei Conservatori
The rich decoration of these reception rooms (frescoes, stuccoes, carved ceilings and doors, tapestries) has as its main theme the history of Ancient Rome, from its foundation to the Republican Age. The earliest cycle of frescoes goes back to the beginning of the XVI century. the oldest part of the Palace
Exedra of Marcus Aurelius
This magnificent hall is home to the original equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, one of the very few bronze monuments from ancient Rome to survive to the present day. Preserved for centuries because it was mistakenly believed to depict Emperor Constantine, it remains a powerful symbol of imperial authority, wisdom, and the enduring legacy of Rome.
Pinacoteca Capitolina
The Capitoline Picture Gallery houses an exceptional collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, offering a different perspective on Rome's artistic heritage. Through works by artists such as Caravaggio, Guido Reni, and Guercino, visitors can explore the city's vibrant cultural life long after the age of the Roman Empire.
Palazzo Nuovo
Palazzo Nuovo is home to one of the finest collections of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture in the world. Its elegant galleries showcase iconic masterpieces such as the Dying Gaul and the Capitoline Venus, offering a fascinating journey through the beauty and ideals of classical antiquity.
Tabularium &
Lapidary Gallery
Built in the 1st century BC, the Tabularium served as the official archive of ancient Rome, preserving the state's most important records. Connected to it is the Lapidary Gallery, a fascinating collection of ancient inscriptions that offers unique insights into the daily life, politics, and society of the Roman world, while the corridors provide spectacular views over the Roman Forum.
Panoramic views of the Roman Forum
From the Tabularium, visitors can enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Roman Forum, stretching from the Arch of Septimius Severus to the Palatine Hill. This unique vantage point offers a remarkable perspective on the political and religious center of ancient Rome.