The Capitol is the second smallest of Rome's seven hills. Already in ancient times, the Capitoline Hill was one of the most important, because here was the center of the Roman Empire.
History of the Capitol
When the Romans celebrated their victories over other nations, it always took place on the top of the Capitol. At that time, one of the most important temples was located on the hill, the Temple of the Capitoline Triad, where the Romans worshipped the gods Jupiter, Minerva and Juno. Over time, the buildings on the Capitol fell into disrepair and in the mid-16th century, Rome's ubiquitous artist Michelangelo redesigned them.
The central square on the hill since that time has been the Piazza del Campidoglio, or Capitol Square. The square lies in a depression between the two crests of the hill. Framed by the Conservatorial Palace on the right and the Palazzo Nuovo on the left, the square presents itself almost symmetrically to its visitors. At its front side, there is the Senators' Palace, which today houses the city hall of the metropolis. In the Palazzo Nuovo, interested tourists can visit the Capitoline Museums. In the center stands towering equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.
In ancient times, the square on the Capitoline Hill was oriented towards the then centre, the Roman Forum. When it was redesigned, it was realigned towards the Vatican. On the floor of the Capitol Square, a many-rayed star was laid out to represent the universe, with the reigning emperor at its center.
The Capitol Square presents itself, unlike other busy squares of Rome, quite quiet, because vehicles are prohibited here.
