Clivus Capitolinus
Archaeological Site Ancient Roman ceremonial road on the Capitoline Hill
Along Rome’s Capitoline Hill, the Clivus Capitolinus traces the ancient route from the Roman Forum to the hilltop temples; visitors encounter it while touring central Forum ruins.
An ancient paved street on the Capitoline Hill in Rome that connected the Roman Forum with the summit area and the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus. The Clivus Capitolinus is one of the oldest named streets in the city and was a principal ascent to the Capitoline.
Remains of the original paving and alignments are visible among the ruins of the Forum and the Capitoline precinct, and the route is identifiable in the archaeological layers. The street functioned as a primary arterial way within the political and religious heart of ancient Rome.
The road dates to the early historical phases of Rome and was used throughout the Republican and Imperial periods for official processions, including triumphal entries. Its course and stones were reused and altered over centuries as the urban fabric changed.
The Clivus Capitolinus runs up Capitoline Hill from the area of the Roman Forum toward the Capitoline plateau, immediately west of the forum excavations and near other major ancient monuments. It lies within the historic center of Rome, adjacent to the archaeological park.
- Triumphal route: It formed part of the processional route to the Capitoline temple and was associated with Roman triumphs and official ceremonies.
How to Get to Clivus Capitolinus #
From the Roman Forum or Piazza del Campidoglio, the Clivus Capitolinus is a short, signposted walk. The area is central and reachable on foot from many historic sites; nearest metro stations include Colosseo (Line B) with a 10-15 minute walk.
Tips for Visiting Clivus Capitolinus #
- Visit early morning to see the Capitoline Hill before the tourist crowds head there; the light catches the ancient stone nicely.
- Combine a visit with the Capitoline Museums and the Roman Forum - the Clivus Capitolinus brings those sites into an accessible walking route.
- Wear good shoes; the ancient paving stones are uneven and often worn smooth.
Best Time to Visit Clivus Capitolinus #
Best visited April-June and September-October for pleasant weather and thinner crowds in central Rome.
Weather & Climate near Clivus Capitolinus #
Clivus Capitolinus's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (705 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 15 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 96 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
