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

Restaurants on Ringstrasse
Germany

Restaurants on Ringstrasse

Overview of restaurants on the Ringstrasse in Cologne Linh Lan. You can find this Vietnamese restaurant by its flavors spreading from the kitchen. Also a large selection of Thai and Chinese dishes. Address: Engelbertstrasse, 3. Opening hours: daily 11.00-23.00. Sushi Nara 2. The best sushi bar in town. A neutral sushi conveyor surrounded by tall chairs.
Read More
Albrechtsberg Castle
Germany

Albrechtsberg Castle

Albrechtsberg Castle is one of the three Elbe castles on the right bank of the Elbe in Dresden in the Loschwitz district. Schloss Albrechtsberg Castle, photo by Michi B Schloss Albrechtsberg Castle was created for four years, starting in 1850, under the direction of architect Adolf Lohse in the style of Prussian classicism.
Read More
Cableway
Germany

Cableway

A cable car ride over the Rhine will give you pleasure. From a bird's eye view you will see the Old Town and its environs, Cologne Cathedral. Cable car in Cologne, photo Seilbahnen Cable car in Cologne (Kölner Seilbahn) is the most picturesque way to cross the Rhine. If you are not afraid of heights, then be sure to ride the cable car.
Read More
Semper Opera
Germany

Semper Opera

Semper Opera is one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. One of the world's oldest orchestras plays here. Semperoper Opera, photo by Kamerarauschen The Dresden State Opera Semperoper is one of the oldest opera houses in Germany. The theater dates back to the XVII century.
Read More