Convent of Aracoeli, former convent on the Capitoline, Rome, Italy

The convent of Aracoeli was a monastic complex on the Capitoline Hill beside the basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli. Its buildings grew to include three cloisters, the Tower of Paul III built in 1535, and the elevated Arco San Marco linking it to Palazzo Venezia. Almost all of it was demolished in 1886; only the 16th-century loggia with its portico remains on the basilica's right side, at the top of a staircase.

The convent arose perhaps in the 6th century on the ruins of the Temple of Jupiter Capitoline complex, destroyed by the Vandals in the 5th century, reusing its building material. From the 10th century Benedictine rule was observed. In 1250 Pope Innocent IV entrusted the complex to the Franciscans, who opened a studium in 1310; in 1444 it passed to the Observant Minors and in 1517 became their generalate until demolition in 1886.

The convent took its name from the basilica it served, Santa Maria in Aracoeli, and from 1250 it was the main Roman seat of the Franciscan Friars Minor, working closely with the municipal government seated on the adjacent Piazza del Campidoglio. In 1444 it passed to the Observant Minors and in 1517 became their generalate. Its library, refounded in 1733 as the Biblioteca Aracoelitana, was open to the public several days a week.

The basilica is open most days from morning to early evening, and visitors should check exact times before planning a visit. Modest dress is required with shoulders and knees covered, and note that visiting is not permitted during regular masses held in the morning or around noon.

The convent that stood here was demolished in 1886 to make way for the Vittoriano; its only surviving remnant is a 16th-century loggia on the right side of the basilica, reached by a staircase, with a portico that once gave access from the church to the friars' quarters.