My daughter and I are headed for Rome to celebrate her graduation. RS talks about a short cut between the Capitolini and the Viittoriano. Can anyone tell me about it. Do you have to go through the museum or just be on the square. We are not going to go into the museums but do want to visit the museums' piazza and see the equestrian statue. I've been told entrance into the museums is expensive and not really worth it. We were also thinking of going to the Vittoriano monument on Monday when everything is closed. But when the Capitolini museums are closed or without paying to get into the museums can you get from the Capitolini square to the Vittoriano elevator. Is the short cut all outside? My kid wants to go to the top. Thanks.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
There are several ways to get to the elevator to the top.
From Piazza Vienezia, facing the Vic. Emm. Mon., go left around to the side is a staircase that takes you to the outdoor café. To the north of the café is the pathway to the elevator. Cost of ride to the top is around 7Euro.
To reach Capitoline square, go to the right side of VEM up Michaelango's staircase, bear right to reach the Square to see Equestrian Statue. Behind the statue is the Bacus fountain turn left here and around the corner is the She Wolf fountain. The secret passage is the staircase on the left. at the top are 3 arches,
go thru the one on your right. Short interior passage to a lookout at the top by the café.
You could also do this from the forum by climbing the stairs.
It sounds confusing, but it makes sense once there.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I see that route on pages 896-7 in the book and I'm sure the Musei Capitolini themselves are not involved. That square is always open. For instance, you reach the square if you exit the Roman Forum via the exit near Arch of Septimus Severus, up the stairs.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks gerri. Great info. Just what I needed to know.
By chance do you know when the short interior passage you describe is open. Is the passage a part of the museums? Do you go through the museums or is the interior passage a part of the piazza. Do you go around the café or through the café itself? Can I get through there all the times the elevator and the Victor Emmanuel monument is opened?
I guess what I am trying to ask is can I get through the interior passage and go that way on Mondays when the museums themselves are closed? Thanks again.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
The times we have been there, the passageway was open. Friends have found it closed.
There are 2 other ways to get to the elevator, it really doesn't matter.
The Capitoline square is always open.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The equestrian statue in the piazza is a copy, the original is in the museum.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34350 posts
The last time I was there in the Spring the winds were up and the roof and its elevator were closed because of safety concerns.
It is worth checking the weather before heading over.
Posted by
Sidney, BC, Canada
1013 posts
You can also access the elevator by going through the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli which is situated behind the Capitolini Square. Enter by the main door, stop and admire the interior of the Church and then exit through the back door. and you are at the back of the Monument. It's worth the 7Euro fee to take the elevator; I went up just before it closed and practically had it to myself - wonderful views of Rome and surrounding hills.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Whoever told you that the Capitoline Museums are "not really worth it" gave you some really bad advice if you enjoy art or ancient Rome. They're among the most impressive museums I've ever seen.
As for the area around Piazza Campidoglio, Google Maps gives you a pretty good view that might help you see better what others are suggesting. There's also a really great view of the Forum that's free and open to the public on the same level as the Campidoglio. If you're looking at Google Maps Satellite view, it's due southeast of the Piazza.
Have a great time in Rome. It's amazing (but be prepared to see a lot of graffiti).