Since ancient times, the Capitol was the center of social, political and religious life of the city. There was a temple dedicated to the Capitoline Jupiter. Hence arose the name of the Capitol, which were further used to designate the entire area as a whole. On the slopes of the Capitol, one of the most sacred hills of Rome, though inferior in height to the other hills, at all times focused authorities.

Currently on top is a square of the Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo. It is surrounded by magnificent palaces, and in the center stands the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. Ellipses and volute decorating the pavement of the square designed by Michelangelo sketches to the. Statue of Marcus Aurelius that once stood on the Piazza of the Lateran, was brought on Capitol square in 1538, and in all likelihood Michelangelo did not anticipate that it will serve as a decorative element of this area.

Senatorial Palace, New Palace and the Palace Conservatory frame this square, built during the Renaissance. The new Palace and the Palace Conservatory, designed by Michelangelo in the sixteenth century, resemble each other like twins, their facades and Corinthian pilasters; both crowned by an attic with a balustrade adorned with statues. The entrance to the Senatorial Palace (architects - Rinaldi and Della Porta) are two picturesque stairs. In the interior of this Palace is a lot of great salons, the Salon Banners, Salon Chariots, Green Salon, etc. In the New Palace and the Palace Conservatory are the Capitoline museums. Here comprehensive collection of Greek and Roman sculptures.

The first mention of the Church of Santa Maria d Aracoeli refers to the VII century; in the tenth century it becomes a Benedictine Abbey, and then proceeds to the brotherhood Minorite, who undertook its reconstruction in 1320. The building is crowned by a gable roof; facade with three portals with three Windows above them. The Central portal is framed by a small portico with two columns. The severe facade of the fourteenth century enliven two sculptural relief of the Renaissance, is placed over the two side portals and showing St. Matthew and St. John.