On Piazza del Campidoglio, the Palazzo dei Conservatori is part of the Capitoline Museums, with collections of ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian art. Michelangelo designed the building as part of his plan to reshape the square and its surrounding palaces. Inside, look for the Capitoline Wolf, a statue of Marcus Aurelius and works by Bernini and Caravaggio. The museum continues into Palazzo Nuovo via an underground route, so bring a map to help you find your way between the buildings.
Michelangelo’s plan for the Campidoglio
The palace is part of a larger redesign of the Capitoline Hill. After Emperor Charles V visited Rome in 1536, Pope Paul III commissioned Michelangelo to reshape the square and its buildings.
His plan gave Piazza del Campidoglio a trapezoid layout and reworked the Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Senatorio. It also introduced the Palazzo Nuovo, creating a third building to complete the composition. A pattern of interlaced points in the paving marks the square’s centre.
Ancient art across two palaces
The Capitoline Museums occupy the Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo. Their classical collection includes Egyptian, Greek and Roman sculpture. The city’s collection began with a group of bronze works donated by Pope Sixtus IV in 1471.
In the Palazzo dei Conservatori, look for the Capitoline Wolf and a statue of Marcus Aurelius. Works by Bernini and Caravaggio are also among the pieces visitors come to see. Four marble herms, or pillar sculptures, once placed along the palace parapets are preserved here.
Finding your way around
The museum route can be difficult to follow without a map. Palazzo Nuovo is reached through an underground passage, and it is possible to miss the connection and leave the museum before seeing the second building. Check your route as you go, especially if you want to visit both palaces.
A full visit can take about three hours. If you have less time, one visitor’s suggested focus is the Marcus Aurelius hall. Avoid trying to read every label if your priority is seeing the artworks.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should I spend at the Palazzo dei Conservatori?
Allow about 2 to 3 hours to see the museum collection. If you have less time, you can focus on the Marcus Aurelius hall.
Is the Capitoline Museums visit free on any days?
Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.
How do you get from the Palazzo dei Conservatori to Palazzo Nuovo?
The route passes through an underground connection. Bring a map, as the way can be confusing and easy to miss.
What can you see at the Palazzo dei Conservatori?
The collection includes ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian art, the Capitoline Wolf, a statue of Marcus Aurelius, and works by Bernini and Caravaggio.
