Palazzo dei Conservatori Palace
Capitoline museum building displaying ancient Roman sculptures
The Palazzo dei Conservatori crowns Capitoline Hill as part of the Capitoline Museums, with ancient Roman sculpture, medieval art and a terrace overlooking the Roman Forum; tourists visit for classical collections and city views.
Palazzo dei Conservatori at a Glance#
Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Rome, Italy
Website: https://museicapitolini.org/
Hours: Capitoline Museums Tue-Sun 10:00am-8:00pm, closed Mondays (verify current schedules)
Admission: Entry to the Capitoline Museums (which include parts of the Palazzo dei Conservatori) charged; individual gallery fees vary
About Palazzo dei Conservatori#
Palazzo dei Conservatori is one of the principal buildings on Rome’s Capitoline Hill and forms part of the Capitoline Museums. The museum complex was established as a public collection in 1734 and the palazzo’s current appearance was shaped by rebuilding in the 16th century and later restorations.
The palazzo houses an extensive collection of ancient Roman sculpture and portraiture arranged in large vaulted halls and galleries. Notable museum highlights include major Roman bronzes and portrait busts; the adjacent Piazza del Campidoglio features the restored equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.
Originally built as the seat of the city magistrates known as the Conservatori, the building was redeveloped in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Michelangelo prepared designs for the Capitoline Hill project in the 1530s that influenced the layout of the piazza and the façades of the surrounding palaces; the complex later became Rome’s municipal museum collection in the 18th century.
The palazzo sits on the Capitoline Hill above the Roman Forum in central Rome, within walking distance of the Colosseum and the Forum ruins. It is in Rome’s historic centre and is immediately adjacent to Piazza del Campidoglio.
- Tickets: The Capitoline Museums ticket covers entry to the palazzo and the neighbouring Palazzo Nuovo when combined tickets are offered.
- Best view: A terrace and loggia offer direct views down onto the Roman Forum and the Capitoline equestrian statue in the piazza.
How to Get to Palazzo dei Conservatori#
Piazza del Campidoglio sits atop Capitoline Hill, above the Roman Forum. From the Colosseum or Piazza Venezia it’s a short uphill walk; the nearest metro station is Colosseo (line B) with a 10-15 minute walk.
Tips for Visiting Palazzo dei Conservatori#
- Book timed tickets for the Capitoline Museums in advance, especially during summer and school holidays.
- Begin in the courtyard to appreciate Michelangelo's reworking of Rome's civic architecture before moving into the galleries.
Best Time to Visit Palazzo dei Conservatori#
Spring and autumn are best to avoid summer crowds and to enjoy outdoor views from the Capitoline Hill.
Weather & Climate near Palazzo dei Conservatori#
Palazzo dei Conservatori'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 (708 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 7° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.4h |
| February | Good | 4° - 13° | 8° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.5h |
| March | Very Good | 6° - 16° | 11° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.2h |
| May | Excellent | 12° - 23° | 18° | 41 mm | some cloud | 68% | 2.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.4h |
| June | Ideal | 16° - 27° | 22° | 30 mm | mostly sunny | 62% | 2.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 15.0h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 25° | 15 mm | clear | 55% | 2.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 14.7h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 25° | 33 mm | clear | 55% | 2.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Excellent | 16° - 27° | 21° | 65 mm | mostly sunny | 64% | 2.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 88 mm | some cloud | 73% | 1.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 1.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
| December | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 8° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
