Capitoline Museums

The most immediate impression of the Capitoline Museums in Rome is the sheer abundance of sculptures… - This place is no ordinary museum. Located atop Capitoline Hill in Rome, it officially opened in 1734 and is considered the world's first museum! - Designed by Michelangelo, its planning began as early as 1536. The museum's history can be traced back to 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of ancient bronze sculptures to the people of Rome, placing them on Capitoline Hill. - Since then, the museum's collection has grown to encompass ancient Roman statues, inscriptions, artifacts, medieval and Renaissance artworks, gems, and coins. Italy truly deserves its reputation as a nation of sculptures, and ancient Roman statues form a significant part of the collection here. - Stepping into the courtyard, wow! The colossal statue of Constantine I stands prominently. This colossal statue is truly remarkable. Its head, arms, and legs are carved from white marble, while the rest is constructed from a brick core and wooden frame, possibly once covered in gilded bronze. Judging by the size of the remaining fragments, the enthroned statue would have been approximately 12 meters tall, with a head about 2.5 meters high and feet over 2 meters long. Absolutely stunning!