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Palazzo dei Conservatori | Discover masterpieces from Rome’s past

RomeMusei CapitoliniPalazzo dei Conservatori

Palazzo dei Conservatori | Home of the Capitoline Wolf

The Palazzo dei Conservatori, part of the Capitoline Museums, blends medieval charm with Michelangelo's Renaissance style. Originally the seat of city leaders, it now showcases incredible art, including the iconic Capitoline Wolf, as well as beautiful frescoes, tapestries, and bronze sculptures. It's a must-see because it offers a unique glimpse into Rome's artistic and cultural evolution, with pieces that tell the story of the city’s history and heritage.

Plan your visit to Palazzo dei Conservatori

Opening hours

Daily: 9:30am to 7:30pm

December 24 and December 31: 9:30am to 2pm

Last entry: Last admission is an hour before closing time.

Closed: The museums are closed on May 1 and December 25.

Best time to visit: If you're looking for a quieter trip to the Capitoline Museums, try going on a weekday. You'll have more freedom to check out the exhibits without feeling rushed. Afternoons are usually better since school groups tend to fill the mornings with tours. Spring (April to May) and fall (September to November) are the best seasons to visit, thanks to the nice weather and fewer people around. 

Location

Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Rome, Italy

Find on maps

The Palazzo dei Conservatori is located on Capitoline Hill in Rome, Italy. This historic site is part of the Capitoline Museums, which also includes the Palazzo Nuovo and the Tabularium, making it a central hub for art and history in the city. 

Closest landmark: Capitoline Piazza, 1 min away

Visitor tips

  • We highly recommend using the audio guides, as they offer detailed information about the collection. 
  • The museum’s layout can be quite confusing, especially if you’re visiting for the first time! Don’t forget to grab a brochure with maps to help you navigate the museum. Keep in mind that the Palazzo dei Conservatori has five floors, or etages. To make things a bit confusing, they’re numbered from the bottom as -1, 0, 1, 2, and 3. So, Etage 3 is actually the fifth floor. Just a little heads-up to help you navigate!
  • Don’t miss the underground section of the Palazzo dei Conservatori! The building has two staircases that meet in the middle, leading to a corridor connecting the other buildings. This area features statues and ancient walls, plus a fantastic view of the Roman Forum. 
  • You'll find steps in the underground tunnel leading to the remains of the ancient Tabularium, the records library that supported the Palazzo Senatorio. If you have enough time, make sure to check it out as well.
  • While exploring the Capitoline Museums, don’t limit yourself to just the Palazzo dei Conservatori—be sure to make time for its sister museum, the Palazzo Nuovo, as well. Head to the basement, through the Tabularium, and you'll find stairs leading straight into the Palazzo Nuovo, which houses the Capitoline Venus, the Dying Gaul and more sculptures. 

Highlights of Palazzo dei Conservatori

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Lupa Capitolina  

The Lupa Capitolina, or the Capitoline Wolf, is a bronze sculpture that depicts a she-wolf nurturing the legendary twin brothers Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. This powerful symbol of Roman mythology represents the city’s origins and has become a celebrated emblem of Roman heritage.

Marcus Aurelius

The statue of Marcus Aurelius is an equestrian bronze that honors the Roman emperor known for his philosophical insights and stoic principles. Originally erected in the Piazza del Campidoglio, this statue is one of the few surviving bronze statues from antiquity.

The Boy with a Thorn  

The Boy with a Thorn, also known as the Boy with a Thorn in His Foot, is an ancient sculpture that portrays a young boy pulling a thorn from his foot. This piece is celebrated for its lifelike quality and emotional expression, showcasing the skill of the ancient sculptor in capturing human vulnerability.

Bernini’s Bust of Medusa  

This bust by Gian Lorenzo Bernini presents the mythological figure Medusa, known for her hair of snakes and gaze that turns people to stone. Bernini’s interpretation captures her fierce expression and the moment of transformation, demonstrating his mastery in portraying complex emotions through marble.

Giant Statues of Constantine 

The Giant Statues of Constantine are remnants of a once-magnificent statue of the Roman emperor, originally from the Basilica of Maxentius. Likely created in the 4th century, this colossal statue is interpreted as depicting Constantine the Great, though only fragments remain today.

Piano Nobile 

The Piano Nobile, or the main floor of the Palazzo dei Conservatori, features a grand collection of artworks and artifacts, including stunning frescoes, tapestries, Roman coins, pottery, ceramics, glassware and more. The rooms on the Piano Nobile have higher ceilings and more elegant decor than the other floors of the palace.

Foundations of the Temple of Jupiter  

The Foundations of the Temple of Jupiter are archaeological remnants that reveal the impressive scale of this once-magnificent temple, dedicated to the chief Roman deity. 

The history of Palazzo dei Conservatori in a nutshell

  • 13th century: The Palazzo dei Conservatori is constructed to serve as the residence for the city's elected magistrates, known as the Conservators.
  • 1500: Pope Nicholas V commissions the famous artist Michelangelo to redesign both the square and the palace in preparation for the upcoming Jubilee, aiming to elevate the area's architectural significance.
  • 1534-1568: After Michelangelo’s passing, architects Guidetto Guidetti and Giacomo Della Porta take over the renovation project, diligently working to complete it according to Michelangelo's original vision.
  • 1563: Michelangelo's ambitious plans for a new façade begin to take shape, marking a significant evolution in the architectural style of the palace.
  • 1568: After Michelangelo’s death, Giacomo Della Porta successfully finalizes both the façade and the interior layout, greatly enhancing the building’s grandeur and aesthetic appeal.
  • 1876: The Palazzo dei Conservatori is converted into a museum, becoming part of the Capitoline Museums and allowing it to showcase iconic artworks, including the renowned Capitoline Wolf.
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Book your tickets to Palazzo dei Conservatori in the Capitoline Museums

Capitoline Museums Reserved Entry Tickets
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$21.64
Capitoline Museums Guided Tour with Multimedia Experience
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$86.98
Go City Rome Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions
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$91.33

Frequently asked questions about Palazzo dei Conservatori

Is the Palazzo dei Conservatori part of a larger museum complex?

Yes, the Palazzo dei Conservatori is part of the Capitoline Museums, which also include the Caffarelli-Clementino Palace, Palazzo Nuovo, and the Tabularium.

When was the Palazzo dei Conservatori constructed?

The construction of the Palazzo dei Conservatori began in the 13th century, serving as a political center for the city's governance.

Who designed the renovations of the Palazzo?

Pope Nicholas V commissioned Michelangelo in 1500 to redesign the palace and the surrounding square. After his death, architects Guidetto Guidetti and Giacomo Della Porta completed the renovations in line with Michelangelo's vision.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, guided tours with multimedia videos are available if you’re interested in learning more about the history, architecture, and artworks of the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the rest of the Capitoline Museums.

Are there any entry fees?

Yes, to access the Palazzo dei Conservatori in Rome, you must buy tickets to the Capitoline Museums. 

Is the Palazzo accessible for people with disabilities?

The Palazzo dei Conservatori strives to be accessible to everyone. Ramps and elevators are available, but it is advisable to check in advance for specific accessibility needs.

More reads

Capitoline Wolf

Palazzo Nuovo

Palazzo Senatorio