Our next site visit was to Campidoglio. Campidoglio was designed by Michelangelo, and was intended to show the connection between church and state. To accomplish this, he alligned the space so that the dome of Saint Peter's could be seen. The entry sequence into the major space is monumental, to say the least. A long ramp/stairway leads you up to the court from the street.






Before you enter Campidoglio, you cross a line of statues which symbolically guarding the space.







This picture was taken from the piazza on top of Capitoline Hill. The building shown is Pelazzo Senatorio. Alongside this building are two museums. When we were there, there were many tour groups ascending the hill and going into the museums.








There is a replica of the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius in the center of the piazza. It is alligned so that it is looking directly at you when you make it to the top of the hill.









This picture was taken of the equestrian statue from the other angle. You can see how the statue stands right in the middle of the piazza and looks out onto the city.






You can walk around the back of Campidoglio and look down on the other side of the hill. Behind the piazza, there tons of ancient ruins. This is the space where the Roman leader would address the public. It was an amazing sight. In the distance you can see the Colosseum.




Cool fountain picture.