Did You Know?

Did you know that Rome is famous for its mouthwatering cuisine? Italian staples like pasta, pizza, gelato, and espresso originated in Rome and have become beloved worldwide. Traditional Roman dishes include cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper) and supplì (fried rice balls with a gooey center of cheese).

Did you know that Rome is home to the smallest country in the world? The Vatican City, an independent city-state, is located within Rome's boundaries. It is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and is famous for St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, which houses Michelangelo's renowned frescoes.

Did you know that Rome is often called the "Eternal City"? This nickname reflects its rich history, which spans over 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire and played a significant role in shaping Western civilization.

Did you know that Rome has a unique water system known as aqueducts? In ancient times, Rome's aqueducts were engineering marvels that supplied the city with water from distant sources. Some of these aqueducts, such as the famous Aqua Virgo, still function today and provide water to modern-day Rome.

Did you know that Rome has more than 900 churches? From grand basilicas to small chapels, Rome boasts a remarkable number of churches. They showcase a wide range of architectural styles, art, and religious significance, making them integral to the city's cultural and historical heritage.

Capitoline Museums

In a city as old as Rome, it’s inevitable that there are many “firsts”, and the Capitoline Museums — Musei Capitolini in Italian — on Capitoline Hill are no exception; these museums, actually one conglomerate, are housed in buildings on the famous Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo with the intent of returning (after years of other purposes) Capitoline Hill to regular citizens’ use.

The museums contain ancient Roman statuary, jewels and jewellery collections, art and coins, but one of the most intriguing and dramatic displays is the bronzes donated in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV. In so doing, he effectively created the first public museum in the world.

Now owed and managed by the Municipality of Rome, the Capitoline Museums are a favoured place for a number of reasons, including their excellent collections, the wonderful view of the city from the Capitoline Hill, and the sheer beauty of Michelangelo’s piazza.

Rome Weather

Local Temp: 19.1℃ / 66.4℉

High: 20.1℃ / 68.2℉

Low: 17.1℃ / 62.8℉

Humidity: 52 %

Local Time: 15:26

Contact Information

Address:

Piazza del Campidoglio 1

Telephone: +39 060608

Website: www.museicapitolini.org