Although we know them as plural, the truth is that it is a great museum in Rome. Without a doubt, Capitoline Museums They are the main and the most important at the same time as one of the oldest in the world. Since it all started thanks to a donation that took place in the XNUMXth century.
Little by little the donations were quite frequent, so it was necessary to install a place to preserve them. Hence, instead of making a museum, the call was first raised Palace of the Conservatives and in front of him, the one known as the New Palace. Discover all its great secrets!
How to get to the Capitoline Museums
It is a fairly easy point to find. Since it must be said that the museum is located in the well-known Campidoglio square. Which leads us to talk about one of the most important squares in Rome. It was Miguel Ángel who made the design of the square. Well, in order to get to this place you can do it both by subway and by bus. The stop you will arrive at will be the Venezia square and very close to the forum, you will find this place. Of course, you also have the option of taking a taxi, but depending on where you are, it will be twice as expensive compared to the bus.
Conservatives Palace and New Palace
They are the two parts of which the Capitoline Museums are made up. The historical headquarters is the first of them, since as we have mentioned, it arose in 1471 when a collection of bronzes It was donated by Pope Sixtus IV. After him, other Popes arrived who also expanded these collections, which led to the construction of a new building.
Palace of the Conservatives
In this palace we are going to find a series of collections of the most important. Among them are the busts of numerous important figures, as well as paintings of Rubens or Caravaggio, among others. Although of all the works of art, it is true that the place is presided over by the Capitoline Wolf. Not forgetting the equestrian statue of Marco Aurelio.
New Palace
In this case, space has been dedicated to the sculptures, which are Roman copies but of Greek origin. There are many that are well worth it, but Venus is one of the main ones along with the Discobolus. There is a room that is dedicated to the Greek philosophers and characters. So it is also another of the essential visits to take into account.
Historical collections
- One of the essential collections is the so-called Pinacoteca. It comes from the Princes of Savoy and Marquis Sacchetti.
- The collection of busts that we have already mentioned, known as protomoteca, includes the most famous, important and illustrious characters that come from the Pantheon. It was Pius VII who decided so.
- During the second half of the XNUMXth century, the Castellani collection was donated. This collection was made up of ceramic materials.
- The collection of coins as well as jewels, is named Capitoline Medagliere. Although it was not opened to the public until 2003.
A basic tour of the Capitoline Museums
If we start the route through the New Palace, we can see the sculptures of the emperors, as well as busts of philosophers or politicians. So knowing this, we will meet both Homer and Cicero, among many others. We will also parade through the Dying Gaul, the Red Faun, the Venus or various mosaics. To continue with the route, you can go out to the square or continue through an underground gallery that leads to the other building.
There you will see great paintings such as those of Caravaggioo and the statue of Constantine are some of the options. But of course, once there, you will find many more. What are the essentials? It is true that it is almost impossible to mention but of course, we cannot miss some such as: Alexander the Great, Apollo, Cupid and Psyche, Hercules in bronze statue, Eros or Leda and the swan, among others.
Hours, prices and information to take into account
If you want to visit the Capitoline museums, you should know that you can do it from Tuesday to Sunday. While its schedule will be from 9:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m. The price is 15 euros, it is true that in the same ticket you can enter both buildings. Of course, do not expect to find it open on the first of May, nor on January 25 or December XNUMX. The first Sunday of each month is free to enter. But always remember that the queues for that day are quite important. They offer both guided tours and self-guides, for less than two euros, in Spanish. Keep in mind that flash photography cannot be taken. Also, if you want to do a complete tour, it will take you around four hours.
What to see near the museum
If you still have time and desire to complete your visit, then you can do it with the Venice Palace, which is about 200 meters away or discover the monument to Victor Emmanuel II, as well as the Basilica of Santa María in Aracoeli and like the Plaza de Campidoglio that you will step on when entering the museum. Without forgetting the Roman Forum, which will be less than 300 meters away.