 It is one of the most interesting architectural
areas in Rome. The whole complex (square and buildings) was built in the
sixteenth century according to Michelangelo's designs. Placed on the
Capitoline Hill, it suffered during the centuries various remaking until
it assumed the actual shape, according to Michelangelo's project. Since
the ancient times it was a very important place for the life of the
City, being first, a religious centre, and then, the seat of Roman
Senate. Today it is the Town Hall. You can reach the Capitol by the
great flight of steps built according to Michelangelo's designs. At the
top of the stairs there is a balustrade whith the statues of Dioscuri
raised during the imperial period. You can admire in the middle of the
trapezoidal square Marcus Aurelius's statue, on its left the "Palazzo
Nuovo", seat of Capitoline museum, on its right the "Palazzo dei
Conservatori" and behind the statue the "Palazzo Senatorio" with its
beautiful stairs realized by Michelangelo, and the fountain with the
ancient statue of sitting Minerva. The Capitoline Tower, erected in the
16th century, overlooks the "Palazzo Senatorio". |
