Italy

Senators Palace

The Renaissance Senatorial Palace was built on Capitol Hill, designed by Michelangelo. Today it houses the City Hall of Rome.

Senators Palace from Capitol Square

What is in the Palace of Senators today

In Rome, on Capitol Hill, is the Palace of Senators (Palazzo Senatorio) - the creation of the great Michelangelo. One facade of it goes to Capitol Square, and the other to the Roman Forum. Construction was carried out from 1541 to 1605. It is in this form that the palace has survived to this day.

Since 1871, the residence of the mayor of Rome with his administration has been located in the Palazzo Senatori. Therefore, for tourists the main building is closed. But you can still get to the city hall from 9:00 to 16:00. To do this, you need to have an identification document with you. In the antique lower part of the palace there is an exposition of the Capitoline Museums.

The history of the construction of the palace

Tabularium, photo Penn State University

From ancient times, the place where the Palace of Senators now stands has been associated with the political life of Rome. In 78 BC e. it was built by order of the Consul Quintus Lutius Catul Capitolin and designed by architect Lucius Cornelius Tabularius, the state archive. In the Middle Ages the building was dilapidated.

The Jubilant Rome fountain - a symbol of the rule of Rome

Antique statues with side stairs

In the XVI century, under the leadership of Michelangelo, the construction of a new palace was begun. A two-flight staircase was attached to it. In its central niche, the Jubilant Rome fountain was set up - a symbol of Roman dominion, and antique statues representing the Tiber (first it was the Tiger) and the Nile, brought here from Term Constantine, were installed on the sides.

View from Vittoriano

Michelangelo died in 1564; architects Girolamo Rainaldi and Giacomo della Porta continued his work. This is the period 1573-1605. The facade of the new palace has acquired a baroque look. But the creators preserved the lower part of ancient Tabularia and two towers on the sides. This gave the palace the appearance of a defensive structure. The Capitoline Tower or Belfry was created in 1578 - 1582. designed by Martino Longa Sr., she replaced the old, medieval.

In the Palazzo Senatori is worth a look:

  • City Hall or Flag Hall
  • The Hall of the Soviets, where the sculpture of Julius Caesar (I century BC) is kept,
  • Capitol Protomotek, opened in 1950, with a collection of busts.

For other Rome attractions, check out my guide here.

Hall in the Palace of Senators, photo Palazzo Madama Museo

How to get there

Take line B metro to Colosseo Station;
by bus: 30, 51, 81, 83, 85, 87, 118, 160, 170, 628, 810 - to Ara Coeli-Piazza Venezia;
by tram 8 to the final stop of Venezia.

Watch the video: Three visiting senators comment on coalition progress in Iraq (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Italy, Next Article

Italian signs and superstitions
Interesting about Italy

Italian signs and superstitions

It would seem what superstitions and signs can be discussed in a country where perhaps the most convinced Catholics in the world live. But despite the full force of their faith, Italians still can’t pass by a black cat without panic, or not look at a fortuneteller to find out the future. The fact that the inhabitants of beautiful Italy are hostages of superstition is also proved by numerous studies of sociologists.
Read More
Anthem of Italy
Interesting about Italy

Anthem of Italy

Since October 12, 1946, the song “Brothers of Italy” (Fratelli d'Italia) has been recognized by the anthem of Italy. The text was created by the young Garibaldian poet Goffredo Mameli (Goffredo Mameli, 1827-1849). The music was composed by the famous composer and opera tenor Michele Novaro (Michele Novaro, 1818-1885). The anthem of Italy is sometimes called the "Song of the Italians" (Il canto degli Italiani) or in honor of the poet - the "Anthem of the Mameli" (Inno di Mameli).
Read More
Buying property in Italy: what for what?
Interesting about Italy

Buying property in Italy: what for what?

Buying a property in Italy is not only a profitable investment, but also your “pass ticket” to Europe. Without going into the bureaucratic details of applying for a visa, I would like to inform you that owning an apartment or a house in Italy guarantees a “C” type visa. Thus, Europe is open for you about 180 days a year (90 days in each half year).
Read More