Piazza del Campidoglio is a public square (piazza) on the top of the ancient Capitoline Hill, between the Roman Forum and the Campus Martius in Rome, Italy. The square includes three main buildings, the Palazzo Senatorio also known as the Comune di Roma Capitale, and the two palaces that make up the Capitoline Museums, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, considered to be one of the oldest national museums, founded in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated some of the museum's most impressive statues, the She-wolf, the Spinario, the Camillus and the colossal head of emperor Constantine. Over the centuries the museums' collection has grown to include many of ancient Roman's finest artworks and artifacts. If something was considered too valuable or fragile in Rome and a copy was made in its place for display, the original is likely now on display in the Capitoline Museum.The hilltop square was designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century. at the behest of Pope Paul III.
Piazza del Campidoglio, on the top of Capitoline Hill, with the façade of Palazzo Senatorio
The Campidoglio area with Michelangelo's interventions that began in 1562
Michelangelo's redesign of the ancient Capitoline Hill included a complex spiralling pavement with a star at its centre.
The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, in the center of the Piazza del Campidoglio
The Capitolium or Capitoline Hill, between the Forum and the Campus Martius, is one of the Seven Hills of Rome.
Gismondi's scale model of the Capitoline Hill under Constantine, Museum of Roman Civilization
Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum
Piazza del Campidoglio, on the top of Capitoline Hill, with the façades of Palazzo dei Conservatori (left) and Palazzo Nuovo
Michelangelo's systematizing of the Campidoglio, engraved by Étienne Dupérac, 1569
