Cordonata

Ancient Rome


The most dramatic approach to Piazza del Campidoglio is via this graceful staircase from Piazza d'Aracoeli. Designed by Michelangelo, it was built with wide, shallow steps to allow people to ride their horses up to the piazza as well as walk up.

At the top are twin statues of Castor and Pollux.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ancient Rome attractions

1. Roman Insula

0.03 MILES

At the foot of the Campidoglio, next to the Aracoeli staircase, you'll see the ruins of a 2nd-century apartment block (insula). The ground floor is…

2. Chiesa di Santa Maria in Aracoeli

0.04 MILES

Atop the steep 124-step Aracoeli staircase, this 6th-century Romanesque church sits on the highest point of the Campidoglio. Its richly decorated interior…

3. Statue of Marcus Aurelius

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In the centre of Piazza del Campidoglio, this equestrian bronze statue is a copy of a 2nd-century sculpture in the Capitoline Museums.

4. Palazzo dei Conservatori

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One of two palazzi housing the Capitoline Museums, Palazzo dei Conservatori dates to the mid-15th century when it was the seat of the city's elected…

5. Capitoline Museums

0.05 MILES

Dating from 1471, the Capitoline Museums are the world's oldest public museums, with a fine collection of classical sculpture.

6. Palazzo Nuovo

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Flanking Piazza del Campidoglio, this 18th-century palazzo (mansion) houses part of the Capitoline Museums and its outstanding collection of classical…

7. Piazza del Campidoglio

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This hilltop piazza, designed by Michelangelo in 1538, is one of Rome's most beautiful squares. There are several approaches but the most dramatic is the…

8. Museo Centrale del Risorgimento

0.06 MILES

Inside the Vittoriano, this small museum charts the history of Italy from the late 18th century through unification to WWI. Exhibits include documents,…