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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". |