Capitoline Museums (Museo Capitolini)
#17 in Best Things To Do in Rome
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The Musei Capitolini (Capitoline Museums) was the first public museum in the world, and it holds Rome's symbol, the bronze Capitoline Wolf. According to lore, the wolf nursed the half-wolf, half-god founders of the city, twins Romulus and Remus. Its namesake museum contains busts of Roman emperors, from Augustus to Caligula, statues, including a famous one of Marcus Aurelius, and paintings by Caravaggio and Battista, among others. Comprising three separate buildings surrounding the Piazza del Campidoglio, the collections include hundreds of sculptures.
Several travelers mentioned that though the Capitoline Museums wasn't high on their list of things to do or see, they're very happy they did see it. Tourists also praise the in-house restaurant for its affordable lunch and picturesque views of the city. Reviewers also urged visitors to look up at the magnificent ceilings while touring and make time to enjoy the sweeping city views from the rooftop.
The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find it just north of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Tickets for adults cost 15 euros (about $18.50), and kids younger than 6 get in for free. You can purchase audio guides (available in English, among other languages) for an additional 6 euros (or a little more than $7). There are also audio guides for children available in Italian and English for 4 euros (about $5). If you purchased a Roma Pass, your admission is included. The closest metro stop is Colosseo. For more information, visit the Capitoline Museums' website.
More Best Things To Do in Rome
#1 Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
A must-see on many travelers' itineraries, the Trevi Fountain is situated amongst a high concentration of hotels, shopping and nightlife. Finished in the mid-1700s, the Trevi is a powerful example of a baroque design with a distinctly mythological character. The god of the sea, Oceanus, emerges from the pool, flanked by his trusty Tritons. The fountain underwent an extensive, mutlimillion euro restoration and reopened in its full splendor in November 2015.
According to Roman lore, throwing one, two or three coins into the Trevi, with your right hand over your left shoulder ensures you'll return to Rome; you'll fall in love with an attractive Roman; and you'll marry that same Roman.
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