Art and History Tours

Capitoline Hill and Museums Tour

(107 reviews)

Visit the Most Sacred of the Seven Hills

Tour features

Local Guide Certified Official Guide

Tour languages Italian, English, French

Duration 3 hours

Tour size Private

Accessibility Accessible to wheelchairs

Itinerary

1st Stop
The Capitoline Hill, known as the center of ancient Rome and home to the main gods Jupiter and Juno, is the starting point of the tour. Designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century, Capitol square features the impressive statue of Marcus Aurelius and the town hall situated above the Ancient State Archives.
2nd Stop
Accompanied by your personal guide, you will have exclusive access to the Capitoline Museums, established in 1471 AD and renowned as the oldest public museum globally. The exhibits predominantly showcase Ancient Roman history through sculptures, 16th-century frescoes, and paintings. Notable highlights include the iconic bronze she-wolf, the monumental Constantine statue, and portraits of significant emperors and philosophers. Moreover, you will explore the ancient inscriptions gallery, offering insights into the customs, regulations, and daily routines of Ancient Romans.
3rd Stop
Located near the museums, the Basilica of St. Maria in Aracoeli is a significant Medieval Franciscan Church showcasing artworks by renowned artists like Pinturicchio and Donatello. Formerly a temple dedicated to Juno Moneta, it is where the term "money" originated.
4th Stop
The Altar of the Fatherland is dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel, the first monarch of modern Italy. It is also where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located. The panoramic view from the Vittoriano's rooftop is considered the finest in the city, and possibly the most stunning in the entire country.

Tour details

Full description

Explore the most sacred of Rome’s seven hills: the Capitoline Hill. So significant in ancient times, it inspired the name of the Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., chosen by the founders of the United States to reflect its enduring legacy.

The Capitoline Hill, where all roads of Ancient Rome converged, was home to the most revered deities, Jupiter and his wife Juno. Your tour begins in Michelangelo’s Renaissance masterpiece, the Capitoline Square, featuring the iconic equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius and the Palazzo Senatorio, now Rome’s Town Hall, built above the Ancient State Archives.

Your private guide will lead you inside the Capitoline Museums, the world’s oldest public museum, inaugurated in 1471. This extraordinary collection delves into the history of Ancient Rome through magnificent sculptures, frescoes, and paintings. Highlights include the famous bronze She-Wolf, symbol of Rome, the colossal statue of Constantine, and lifelike portraits of emperors and philosophers. The gallery of ancient inscriptions offers fascinating insights into Roman customs, laws, and daily life.

After exploring the museums, you'll visit the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, a stunning medieval Franciscan church filled with masterpieces by Pinturicchio, Donatello, Gozzoli, and Arnolfo di Cambio. This church stands on the site of the ancient Temple of Juno Moneta, from which the modern word "money" derives.

Finally, you will climb the steps of the Capitoline Hill to reach the Vittoriano, Italy’s largest marble monument. Dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of modern Italy, it also houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From its rooftop terrace, you’ll enjoy what is arguably the most breathtaking panoramic view of Rome—and perhaps the entire country.

This tour offers a perfect blend of history, art, and stunning vistas, revealing the Capitoline Hill’s timeless significance and charm.