Capitoline Square

monument, Rome, Italy

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June 17, 2026

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The Capitoline Square, or Campidoglio, in Rome is a historically significant monument and public space designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century. It was commissioned by Pope Paul III to dramatically redesign the Capitoline Hill. The square features a trapezoid shape with a unique paving pattern and is framed by three palaces: the Palazzo Senatorio, the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and the Palazzo Nuovo.12

The Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo together form the Capitoline Museums, which are considered the world's oldest public collection of art and artifacts, initiated in 1471. The Capitoline Hill itself was historically the site of important temples, including the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, and served as the center of Roman government and religious life. Today, the square remains the seat of Roman government and is a prime example of early modern urban planning.12

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Michelangelo
The last decades of Michelangelo
Two of these monuments, the Capitoline Square (see Capitoline Museums) and the dome of St. Peter’s, are still among the city’s most notable visual images. He did not finish either, but after his death both were continued in ways that probably did not depart much from his plans.
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Two of these monuments, the Capitoline Square (see Capitoline Museums) and the dome of St. Peter’s, are still among the city’s most notable visual images. He did not finish either, but after his death both were continued in ways that probably did not depart much from his plans.
Read More