The Musei Capitolini

The Musei Capitolini are located in the Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo dei Conservatori, both on the Piazza del Campidoglio but on opposite sides. They make an excellent introduction to Greek and Roman ancient history with their limited but relevant number of sculptures.

On the north side, the Palazzo Nuovo designed by Michelangelo is considered to house the finest pieces. The greatest is probably the 2nd century AD bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius which is just off the main courtyard. The Palazzo Nuovo is also known for the sculptures of Capitoline Venus, Dying Gaul, Wounded Amazon, and the discus thrower, Discobolus. In the Sala degli Imperatori there is a portrait gallery of busts of the Roman Emperors.

The Palazzo dei Conservatori is the former seat of the city’s medieval magistrates. This part of the museum contains an art gallery on the second floor and a host of classical sculptures on the first floor. Bronzes include the 1st century BC Spinario, or boy removing a thorn from his foot and the 5th century BC Capitoline Wolf which is a famous Etruscan bronze sculpture depicting a she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. Paintings in the Pinacoteca include Carvaggio’s St John the Baptist and other works by Van Dyck, Veronese, Titian and Velazquez.

The entrance fee is €6.50 for adults and for more details , calendar of events and latest exhibitions, visit the official website for Musei Capitolini