Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shortcut to the Victor Emmanuel Monument and Ara-
coeli Church
A clever shortcut lets you go directly from Piazza del Campidoglio, the square atop
Capitoline Hill, to Santa Maria in Aracoeli Church and an upper level of the Victor
Emmanuel Monument, avoiding long flights of stairs. Facing the square's equestrian
statue, head to the left, climbing the wide set of stairs near the She-Wolf statue. Mid-
way up the stairs (at the column), turn left to reach the back entrance to the Aracoeli
Church. To reach the Victor Emmanuel Monument, pass the column and continue to
the top of the steps, pass through the iron gate, and enter the small unmarked door at
#13 on the right. You'll soon emerge on a café terrace that leads to the monument and
the Rome from the Sky elevator.
Some of ancient Rome's most famous statues and art are housed in the two palaces (Palazzo
dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo) that flank the equestrian statue in Piazza del Camp-
idoglio. They're connected by an underground passage that leads to the vacant Tabularium
and panoramic views of the Roman Forum.
Cost and Hours:
€12, €14 combo-ticket includes Montemartini Museum, Tue-Sun
9:00-20:00, closed Mon, last entry one hour before closing, audioguide-€5, tel.
06-8205-9127 or 06-0608,
www.museicapitolini.org
.
Visiting the Museums:
The museum's layout—with two different buildings connected
by an underground passage—can be confusing, but you're likely to happen upon all of the
highlights. You'll enter at the Palazzo dei Conservatori (on your right as you face the eques-
trianstatue),crossunderneaththesquare(beneaththePalazzoSenatorio,themayoralpalace,
not open to public), and exit from the Palazzo Nuovo (on your left).
The
Palazzo deiConservatori
claims tobeoneoftheworld'soldestmuseums,founded
in 1471 when a pope gave ancient statues to the citizens of Rome. In the courtyard, enjoy
the massive chunks of Constantine: his head, hand, and foot. When intact, this giant held the
place of honor in the Basilica of Constantine in the Forum.
The museum is worthwhile, with lavish rooms and several great statues, including the
BoyExtracting aThorn.
Inonegrandroom,you'llseethe13th-century
Capitoline She-Wolf
(the little statues of Romulus and Remus were added in the Renaissance), the enchanting
Commodus as Hercules,
and a marvelous statue of Marcus Aurelius (the father of Commod-
