Rome

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from €100.00 EUR
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Organized by: Rome Guides
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Embark on a grand exploration of Rome’s cultural heritage with an exceptional private tour of the Capitoline Museums. Teeming with rich antiquities, the oldest public collection in Europe promises an intimate look into the past under the guidance of our seasoned tour experts.

Overview of the Capitoline Museums Private Tour

This exclusive tour, designed for lovers of history, art, and culture, immerses you in the grandeur of Rome’s past. Within the stunning walls of the Capitoline Museums, you’ll experience first-hand the magnificent collection of antiquities dating back to the 15th century, and witness the breathtaking views of the Roman Forum from a vantage point like no other. The tour spans 2.5 hours, offering you an ample opportunity to explore and appreciate these historic treasures.

Dive into the Heart of Roman History

We start our journey in the iconic Capitoline Square, a masterpiece designed by none other than Michelangelo himself. Here, we unravel the intricate history of the Square, setting the tone for the rest of the journey.

From here, we proceed to the Capitoline Museums, home to an astonishing array of marble and bronze statues, each telling a unique story of Rome’s past. Among the highlights is the renowned She Wolf statue, the iconic symbol of Rome, offering an insightful glimpse into the city’s mythology and history.

Capitoline Museums Private Tour

The Marvels of Marcus Aurelius

As we continue our exploration, we arrive at the Marcus Aurelius Exedra, named after the famous Roman Emperor. Here, we admire the grandeur of the bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, a remarkable artifact dating back to the 2nd century A.D. This statue embodies the sophistication of Roman sculpture and is a testament to the artistic prowess of the ancient world.

A Panoramic View of the Roman Forum

No visit to the Capitoline Museums would be complete without indulging in the extraordinary view of the Roman Forum. From the museum, we get to appreciate the sprawling panorama of this historic site, once the heart of the Roman Empire. This view offers a tangible connection to the past, as you imagine the bustling life in this grand city center centuries ago.

For those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, please note that this tour may not be suitable due to the historic nature of the museum. The museum does have an elevator, but it does not serve all levels. Please note that luggage or large bags and video recording are not permitted inside the museum. This tour will take place rain or shine. Meeting point is in front of the statue of Marcus Aurelius in the middle of the square.

Join us on this unforgettable journey through time and immerse yourself in the profound history of Rome. Book your private Capitoline Museums tour today.

Highlights

Explore the Capitoline Square, designed by Michelangelo
Visit Europe’s oldest public collection of antiquities
See the famous bronze statue of the She-Wolf, the symbol of Rome
Visit the Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius in the Marcus Aurelius Exedra
Enjoy the scenery over the ruins of the Roman Forum

What's Included

Professional, local guide
Private tour experience
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Private transportation

What's not Included

Food and drinks
Gratuities

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 1 day before tour starts.

Useful Info

The world’s first public museum, founded in the late 15th century, the Capitoline Museum’s important collection is divided between two substantial buildings on the Piazza del Campidoglio.

The Palazzo Nuovo contains classical sculpture. Outstanding are the Dying Gaul (a Roman copy of a Greek 3rd-century BC bronze original), the Discobolus (a Greek discus thrower altered in the 18th century to create a wounded warrior) and the Capitoline Venus (copy of a 2nd-century BC Hellenistic original). The Sala degli Imperatori (Hall of the Emperors) takes its name from the busts of Roman emperors lining the walls; they once adorned the villas and gardens of ancient Rome.

The magnificent bronze equestrian statue (2nd century AD) of Marcus Aurelius, until recently outside in the piazza, is now inside the Palazzo Nuovo. Its original location was the piazza of the Lateran, often the scene of degradations inflicted on Roman citizens by the popes: in the 10th century Pope John XIII had the Prefect of Rome hung from the statue by his hair. Throughout the Middle Ages the figure on horseback was thought to represent Constantine, which may be the reason it was preserved, and by 1538 it was the only monumental classical bronze to have survived. Much revered, it was removed to the Piazza del Campidoglio from which it was taken for restoration in the 1980s.

The Palazzo dei Conservatori contains more classical sculpture. In the courtyard are fragments of the colossal statue of Constantine (4th century AD), and in the gallery are the Spinario (a 1st century BC bronze of a boy taking a thorn from his foot) and the Capitoline Wolf (Etruscan, 5th century BC). The figures of the suckling twins, Romulus and Remus, were added in 1498 by Antonio Pollaiuolo, a talented Florentine artist and goldsmith. The home of this statue, the early symbol of Rome, has always been the Capitoline; it was here in 65 BC that lightning damaged the wolfs hindquarters.

On the second floor is the Pinacoteca Capitolina, with paintings by Veronese, Guercino, Tintoretto, Rubens, Caravaggio, Van Dyck, Titian and Pietro da Cortona.

Location

1 Piazza del Campidoglio Capitoline Museums, Roma, Lazio 00186