Cordonata Capitolina — Attraction in Rome

The Cordonata Capitolina is a monumental sloping staircase in Rome, designed to lead from Piazza d’Aracoeli to the Piazza del Campidoglio on the Capitoline Hill. It is a key feature of Michelangelo’s 16th-century redesign of the Capitoline Hill, one of the most famous urban planning projects of the Renaissance.

Key Features of the Cordonata Capitolina: Design and Purpose: • The Cordonata is a gentle, sloped ramp rather than a traditional steep staircase, allowing access for both pedestrians and horseback riders. • The name “Cordonata” derives from the “cordoni” (stone bands or steps) that divide the ramp into sections. Historical Context: • It was designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti in the mid-16th century as part of the overall transformation of the Capitoline Hill commissioned by Pope Paul III. • The design reflects Renaissance ideals of symmetry, proportion, and accessibility. Notable Statues: • At the base of the Cordonata stand two marble statues of Egyptian lions, which were originally ancient Roman decorations. • At the top are the colossal statues of Castor and Pollux, the mythological twins and patrons of horses, symbolizing strength and protection. • The staircase is flanked by other classical sculptures, including trophies of war. Connection to Piazza del Campidoglio: • The Cordonata leads directly to the Piazza del Campidoglio, which features the Palazzo Senatorio, the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and the Palazzo Nuovo, forming the Capitoline Museums. • At the center of the piazza stands a replica of the ancient equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Function and Symbolism: • The Cordonata was intended to create a grand and ceremonial approach to the Capitoline Hill, emphasizing its importance as the seat of civic government in Rome. • It serves as a physical and symbolic bridge between Rome’s ancient and Renaissance history.

The Cordonata Capitolina remains a stunning example of urban design, harmoniously blending architecture, sculpture, and landscape to celebrate the civic and historical significance of the...

This staircase was designed by Michaelangelo which leads to Piazza del Campidoglio. It was designed in mind to allow the transit of horses and donkeys. The four large sculptures stand at the top of the staircase. They are Castor and Pollux (the Dioscuri twins) and the Trophies of Marius. Behind them is the Palazzo Senatorio, the seat of the municipality of Rome which houses the mayor's office. You can also see the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. On the left is Palazzo Nuovo and on the right Palazzo dei Conservatori. The two opposite Palazzo's make up the Capitoline...

Nice way to get to Musei Capitolini - When heading up from the Piazza DÁracoeli to the museum up the Capitoline Hill, this is the easiest, the shortest and the most spectacular way. It was designed by Michaelangelo, but was built later by della Porta - somewhere in the end of 16th century. It was used not only for passengers, but also for horses and carriages, thus the relatively slight slope and small steps on even intervals. When going from he lower part to the upper, one gets suddenly to the beautiful Piazza di Campidoglio, designed - again - by Michaelangelo....