Ancient Rome - Rome - page 155

Jupiter, one of the ancient city's most important temples that once dominated the Capit-
oline Hill.
Palazzo dei Conservatori - 2nd Floor
The 2nd floor is given over to the Pinacoteca , the museums' picture gallery. Dating to 1749,
the gallery's collection is arranged chronologically with works from the Middle Ages
through to the 18th century. Each room harbours masterpieces but two stand out: the Sala
Pietro da Cortona , which features Pietro da Cortona's famous depiction of the Ratto delle
sabine (Rape of the Sabine Women), and the Sala di Santa Petronilla , named after Guercino's
huge canvas Seppellimento di Santa Petronilla (The Burial of St Petronilla). This airy hall
boasts a number of important canvases, including two by Caravaggio: La Buona Ventura
(The Fortune Teller; 1595), which shows a gypsy pretending to read a young man's hand
but actually stealing his ring, and San Giovanni Battista (John the Baptist; 1602), a sensu-
al and unusual depiction of the saint.
Tabularium
A tunnel links Palazzo dei Conservatori to Palazzo Nuovo on the other side of the square
via the Tabularium, ancient Rome's central archive, beneath Palazzo Senatorio. The tunnel
is lined with panels and inscriptions from ancient tombs, but more inspiring are the views
over the Roman Forum from the brick-lined Tabularium - make sure you've got your
camera to hand.
TREATY OF ROME
With its frescoes depicting episodes from ancient Roman history, and two papal statues - one of Urban VIII by
Bernini and one of Innocent X by Algardi - the Sala degli Orazi e Curiazi provided the suitably grand setting
for one of modern Europe's key events. On 25 March 1957, the leaders of Italy, France, West Germany, Belgium,
Holland and Luxembourg congregated here to sign the Treaty of Rome and establish the European Economic
Community, the precursor of the European Union. The hall has a long history of hosting political movers and
shakers. In the late 15th century it was used for the public hearings of the Council of Conservatori (elected magis-
trates), after whom the palazzo is named.
The Caffè Capitolino, the museums' elegant cafe, is on the 2nd floor of Palazzo dei Conservatori. Serving
coffee, snacks and fine views, it's an excellent spot for a sightseeing time-out.
Palazzo Nuovo