Capitoline Hill and Museums (Campidoglio e Musei Capitolini)
Piazza del Campidoglio 1, Rome, Italy, 00186
One of the most historic of Rome’s seven hills, Capitoline Hill is the site of Piazza del Campidoglio—the elegant public square designed by Michelangelo, which overlooks the Roman Forum and features the monumental Cordonata staircase. It is also home to the Capitoline Museums, dating from 1471, displaying treasures including ancient Roman sculptures and works by artists such as Rubens, Titian, and Caravaggio; the institution is considered the world’s oldest public museum.
The basics
The Capitoline Museums, established in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV and opened to the public in 1734, house collections spread between the three palazzi linked by an underground gallery and Palazzo Caffarelli-Clementino, just off the piazza. Take a private tour led by an expert guide who concentrates on the highlights for a smooth visit. Expect long lines at Rome’s most important museum sites; prebook a group tour to skip the line.
Things to know before you go
There are two separate entrances for visitors with limited mobility, available on request.
Book a private tour guide to avoid the long lines.
Strollers are allowed in the museum, but large bags and backpacks must be checked in the free cloakroom.
The museum has a rooftop café with a beautiful view over Rome.
How to get to there
The main entrance to the Capitoline Museums is through Palazzo dei Conservatori in Piazza del Campidoglio, located behind the famous Vittoriano monument in Piazza Venezia. There are a number of bus and tram lines that stop in Piazza Venezia, or you can take the metro to the Colosseo stop and walk about 10 minutes to Piazza del Campidoglio.
When to get there
The Capitoline Museums are open daily, 9:30am–7:30pm, with last admission one hour before closing. Like most of Rome's most famous repositories of art, the site is crowded year-round, though numbers peak in summer and for special exhibitions. The best time to visit is first thing in the morning, or in quieter winter.
Capitoline museum highlights
A number of important works of art are housed in the Capitoline Museums' collections, including the Capitoline Wolf, a bronze statue of Romulus and Remus suckling a she-wolf, and The Dying Gaul, an ancient Roman sculpture of a dying soldier. There are also masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, Pietro da Cortona, and Guercino.
Ways to explore
The art-filled Capitoline Museums are spread across multiple palaces in Piazza del Campidoglio, which means there’s a lot to see. For a smooth visit, take a private or small-group tour led by an expert to ensure you see all the highlights. Rome’s top museums almost always have long queues, so reserve your tickets in advance or join a skip-the-line tour for ease. If you’re traveling with kids, consider booking a family-friendly Capitoline Museums tour designed for fans of the Percy Jackson books.
Accessibility
While reaching the Capitoline Museums requires ascending Capitoline Hill, the museums themselves are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available for rent, and staff can help identify accessible routes and elevators. Free entrance is offered to anyone with mobility disabilities, plus a companion.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Only bring the essentials you can fit in a small bag; the museum states that large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas should be stored in the free cloakroom.
What to wear
Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes—it takes at least a couple of hours to explore the Capitoline Museums on foot.
Not allowed
Tripods, pets (except for small dogs in carriers), smoking, consuming food and drinks outside of the cafeteria
Amenities
Free cloakroom, restrooms, bookshop, cafeteria, audio guides
Address
Capitoline Hill and Museums are located in central Rome, a short walk from headline attractions such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. You can also get there by car or public transportation.
Driving
Self-navigating isn’t recommended in Rome, as heavy traffic and parking can be challenging. Taxis and rideshare apps are widely available and can take you to the Capitoline Hill and Museums from anywhere in the city.
Public transportation
The Capitoline Hill and Museums are near the Colosseo metro stop, which you can reach on Line B1 from Termini station. Even closer is the Venezia tram stop, a short ride from Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto on the 8 tram.
Best times to visit
The Capitoline Museums are very popular, so aim to visit shortly after opening or before closing for a calmer experience.
Best days to visit
Save money by visiting the Capitoline Museums on free admission days (the first Sunday of every month). Alternatively, go from Tuesday to Friday for smaller crowds.
Best months to visit
For the best experience exploring Capitoline Hill’s open-air sites, visit between October and April to bypass Rome’s intense summer heat and crowds.
Special events
Italy’s Republic Day takes place on June 2 and includes parades and an aerobatics spectacle near Piazza Venezia—Capitoline Hill makes a good viewpoint.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!