Capitoline Hill Rome

Behind the Vittorio Emmanuele monument and on the hill above the Forum is the Piazza del Campidoglio, atop Capitoline Hill. Your private Rome tour guide will tell you how traitors were thrown from the top of the Capitoline Hill on the  the rocks below. Today, it is home to a magnificent square laid out by Michelangelo, graced by museums on either side and a replica bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius. (the original statue of Marcus Aurelius is in the museum next door) As you walk into the square, be sure to turn into the courtyard on your right, the Palazzo dei Conservatori. You’ll see some beautiful remnants of giant statuary here, including the hand and head of a giant Emperor Constantine. The Capitoline Museum is on the left hand side of the piazza. You’ll find the real original bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aruelius. here, preserved in ancient times only because they thought it was the christian emperor, Constantine (others were melted down to make cannons and other fine implements). Next door is the Church of Saint Mary on High. (Between the Victor Emanuelle Monument and the Piazza del Campidoglio) Don’t be deterred by the steep steps. It is well worth the climb. This is a good example of a marvelous site which most tourists to Rome completely overlook. Your Rome guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing!