Palazzo Senatorio, Renaissance palace in Capitoline Hill, Italy
The Palazzo Senatorio rises at the summit of Capitoline Hill, displaying a symmetrical façade with a grand central staircase and classical architectural features borrowed from ancient Rome. Two side wings frame the main structure, which faces out toward the Piazza del Campidoglio.
The site began as a Roman archive building and later served as the seat of city administration in medieval times. During the 16th century, Michelangelo redesigned it into its present Renaissance form.
The building houses the municipal government of Rome, continuing its centuries-old tradition as the center of civic administration since the 12th century.
Visitors reach the building by way of the Cordonata, a wide ceremonial staircase that connects the hilltop to street level below. The approach is straightforward and brings you directly to the main plaza at the summit.
The building was constructed on top of the ancient Tabularium, the Roman archive where state documents were stored. These Roman foundations remain visible and intact beneath the palace structure.
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