If I had to pick a place in Rome that people often underestimate, the Capitol would be very high.

Most tourists come here for the view of the Roman Forum. They'll take a photo. They leave.

But this is where ancient Rome was built.

The Capitol ( Campidoglio in Italian) is the most important of Rome's famous seven hills. In ancient times, it was the political and religious centre of the city. Today, you'll find one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, top-notch museums, views of the Forum Romanum and several places that are easy to miss.

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Piazza del Campidoglio - the square designed by Michelangelo

The very centre of the Capitol. And one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.

Designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century, it still looks surprisingly modern today.

In the centre stands an equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.

What I personally enjoyed most was how the whole square opens up at the top after climbing the Cordonata staircase.

From below, you have no idea what awaits you.

View of the Forum Romanum

This is the reason most people head here.

And rightly so.

At the back of the Capitol, you'll find a terrace with a view directly over..:

• Forum Romanum
• Palatine
• Arch of Titus
• Temple of Saturn
• a large part of the ancient centre

And most importantly - the view is free.

💡 My tip: Arrive late afternoon. The light towards the Forum Romanum is usually much better than around noon.

Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini)

One of the best museums in Rome.

And also a place that surprisingly many people miss.

If you're into ancient Rome, it's worth a visit far more than many of the smaller museums around the city.

What you'll see here:

• The Capitoline Wolf - one of the most famous symbols of Rome with Romulus and Remus
• The original equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius - a copy stands in the square, the original is inside
• The Dying Gaul (Galata morente) - one of the most famous ancient statues in the world
• fragments of the colossal statue of Constantine the Great - a huge head, arm or leg is one of the most impressive exhibits (the whole statue can be seen for free in the museum courtyard)
• Tabularium - the underground part of the ancient Roman archives with a beautiful view of the Forum Romanum
• Paintings by Caravaggio, Rubens or Titian - if you are interested in later art

💡 My tip: even if you don't normally seek out museums, the Tabularium and the Constantine fragments are worth it for me.

Price of admission

• 21,50 eur - Adults
• Discounted admission for selected groups
• special exhibitions may increase the price

Are reservations required?

No.

Unlike the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums, the Capitoline Museums tend to be much quieter and there are no long queues.

Online booking is especially useful in high season or if you have a tightly planned itinerary.

• Official website: museicapitolini.org

Find out more practical information from my articles:

• 👉 Where to book tickets in advance
• 👉 Rome for free: where not to pay admission

The colossal statue of Constantine

Next to the museums in the garden of Villa Caffarelli, today stands a new monumental reconstruction of the colossal statue of Constantine.

It is over 13 metres high.

And most importantly: you can get to it for free.

This is the big statue that many people know from Instagram today.

No ticket needed for the Capitol Museums.

The courtyard where the statue stands is open daily 9:30am-6:30pm.

The entrance to the courtyard is quite inconspicuous and not marked in any way.

Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli

Most people miss it. And yet it's right next door. But you can't see it directly from the Piazza di Campidoglio. You have to go down towards the Altare della Patria monument, where another staircase leads directly to the basilica.

Inside you will find:

• the richly decorated interior
• a ceiling more reminiscent of a palace than a church
• the famous statue of Santo Bambino (a copy of the original lost statue of Jesus)

The atmosphere is quite different from that of the great Roman basilicas. Much calmer.

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The best sunset view in Rome

My favourite part of the Capitol, though, was the view of the centre of Rome.

Campidoglio Square has a western orientation, so you can see the best sunsets from here. Totally free. And in the summer.

You'll probably see the very best sunsets from the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, but only during the winter, as it closes before sunset time in the summer.

Where to go specifically?

• The staircase to the Basilica of Santa Maria Aracoeli
• a small park in Piazzale Caffareli (about 50 metres from Piazza del Campidoglio)

What is free and what is paid?

Free

• Piazza del Campidoglio
• View of the Roman Forum
• view from the park on Piazzale Caffareli
• Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli
• copy of the Colossal Statue of Constantine

Paid

• Capitoline Museums

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Rome.