The Crown of the Capitaline Museum

Ever since my first visit to Rome, on what I coined my Grand Tour, where I woke up at 6 AM each morning to take in the cities, places, and things, to then go to sleep around 9pm and do the same thing again the next day, the Palazzo dei Conservatori has inspired me to no end.

It’s location is atop the Capitoline Hill; what was considered the original epicentre of Rome, with historical significance for thousands of years until today, and influenced by the great minds involved in shaping it. 

Originally 12th century, built atop a sixth-century BC Temple to Jupiter was then used for the cities magistrates. 

Redesigned by Michelangelo at the dawn of the Italian Renaissance, it now stands as a testament to his genius, celebrating the first use of giant orders; columns, but in this case, pilasters, spanning at least two stories – set on high pedestals to help maintain their classical proportions. 

So much more can be said about this façade, it’s combination of Corinthian and Ionic columns at loggia level, the beautiful segmental pediments crowning each window, and the balustrade atop the building, which further emphasizes and enhances the proportions of both horizontal and vertical elements with one another in a complex, yet unified scheme. And I still have not yet mentioned the Piazza del Campidoglio, likely better for another post, but another stroke of genius nonetheless.

But these things that I will surely make further mention of eventually and further explain, but for now a photo from the inside of said, building, what is now renamed the Capitoline Museum; the most beautiful, and majestic, Murano glass chandelier I believe I will ever come across. Enjoy the beauty!