Campidoglio Rome
Ascending the cordonata, a steep ramp designed by Michelangelo, past the twin ancient Egyptian granite lions at the bottom and the mammoth statues of Castor and Pollux at the top, you arrive at the top the Capitoline Hill, the seat of Rome's municipal government for generations, and the beautiful Piazza del Campidoglio. The current appearance of the piazza dates back to Michelangelo's 15th century design. The buildings, structures and even the pavement were intended to form a single organic unity, although the years have brought a number of modifications. As you reach the peak you will be directly across from the Palazzo Senatorio. Although this building has stood since the 12th century, Michelangelo completely altered the facade.

Between the steps and the Palazzo Senatorio stands a gilded bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius - the centre-piece of the piazza. Michelangelo originally imagined it to be in the middle of an oval space filled with a star-shaped pattern. The paving of this area, which was originally bare earth, was carried out immediately. It was not until 1940 that the star-shaped motif was added.

To the right stands the building known as Palazzo dei Conservatori, seat of an elected magistrature which had the task of administering the city as early as the 15th century. Michelangelo re-designed the facade of this building as well, adding gigantic Corinthian pilaster strips on high pedestals, flanked by pillars in the portico on the ground floor. As in the case of Palazzo Senatorio, the building was crowned with a balustrade and statues.

Directly opposite the Palazzo dei Conservatori stands the Palazzo Nuovo which was built in the XVII century. Externally, the new building is identical to Palazzo dei Conservatori, while the well-conserved decoration of the symmetrically-planned interior features gilded wooden coffering on the first floor.