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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". |