Exclusive tour of the Capitoline Museums: the masterpieces of ancient Rome

Michelangelo’s square & Rome’s Greatest Sculptures: A Private Capitoline Museum Tour

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Eternal City with this private tour of the Capitoline Museums, recognized as the world’s first public museum! An exclusive experience that will guide you through centuries of history, art, and culture, where the wonders of the past come to life.

In the magnificent Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, you will meet you history expert guide and  start your private tour of this extraordinary museum complex. Explaining every details in a compelling way you will explore the Courtyard of the Palazzo dei Conservatori, where you will encounter monumental fragments of the colossal statue of Constantine, discovered in the Basilica of Maxentius in the Roman Forum. These enormous marble pieces are a testament to the grandeur of imperial Rome, leaving you in awe of their immense size.

Enter the palace where you will be surrounded by over one hundred sculptures, each shining before your eyes, with its own unique story and personality. Gods and heroes of ancient mythology come to life through these works of art, crafted with impeccable skill. You'll admire sculptures made of multi-colored marbles, giving the figures an almost magical appearance, allowing you to journey through centuries of figurative culture. This rich and beautiful collection offers an unparalleled spectacle, a true immersion into the world of antiquity.

Portraits of Power: Explore the Lives of Roman Emperors and Thinkers

The journey into the Roman world continues with an extraordinary series of portraits of Roman emperors and members of their families, allowing you to trace the development of various stylistic trends in official portraiture. From the classical, solemn portraits of Augustus and his wife Livia, you’ll move on to the more realistic features of emperors like Titus and Trajan, where every detail of their faces conveys the strength and character of these great men.

Alongside the emperors, you'll also find busts of poets, philosophers, and orators who shaped Western thought. Figures like Homer, Socrates, and Cicero are represented through their sculpted portraits, which in Roman times adorned both public and private spaces, continuing to inspire generations.

Titian, Raphael, and Caravaggio: A Private Encounter with Art’s Greatest Masters

Ascend to the upper floors where you will uncover the Capitoline Picture Gallery, a true treasure trove of artistic mastery and the world’s oldest public collection of paintings. As you enter, you’ll be transported through centuries of artistic evolution, from the delicate religious imagery of the Middle Ages to the flourishing Renaissance and the dramatic Baroque period. Each room holds masterpieces that reflect the cultural and artistic shifts of their time, showcasing the genius of the great masters.

You will stand in awe before works by Titian, whose vibrant colors and dynamic compositions bring his subjects to life; by Raphael, whose serene and harmonious figures embody the height of Renaissance ideals; and by Caravaggio, whose groundbreaking use of light and shadow, especially in his famous "Bacchus", will captivate you. Caravaggio’s mastery of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic intensity, allowing light to dance across the canvas, while darkness cloaks the scene in mystery, drawing you deeper into the story depicted.

Where History Comes Alive: Unforgettable Views of the Roman Forum

Descending to the lower floors, you will arrive at a place where history and architecture converge in one of the most captivating views of Rome: the breathtaking panorama of the Roman Forum. Through the majestic arches of the Tabularium, an imposing structure from the late Republican era that once safeguarded the public archives of ancient Rome, you’ll be transported back in time. The Tabularium’s commanding position offers an unparalleled vantage point over the sprawling ruins of the Forum, allowing you to imagine the grandeur and activity that once filled this heart of the Roman Empire.

As you stand in this timeless space, the remnants of temples, basilicas, and monumental arches stretch out before you, telling the story of a city that shaped the course of civilization. The Forum, once bustling with senators, merchants, and citizens, now lies in serene ruin, yet its presence remains powerful. Here, history seems to come alive, and you can almost hear the echoes of ancient voices rising from the stones that witnessed the rise and fall of emperors, great speeches in the Senate, and triumphant processions.

This jaw-dropping view not only provides a glimpse into the everyday life of ancient Romans but also serves as a reminder of Rome's enduring legacy.

A Monument to Greatness: Marcus Aurelius and the Temples of Rome’s Past

The tour culminates in a specially designed space for the large equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, one of the few surviving bronze statues from Roman times, spared from being melted down to make weapons of war. This extraordinary sculpture is a symbol of power and majesty, a monument to the greatness of the philosopher-emperor who ruled Rome.

In this same room, you’ll also have the chance to explore the topographical foundations of ancient Rome, with the remains of the great Temple of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, commissioned by the Etruscan kings Tarquinius Priscus and Tarquinius Superbus in the 6th century BC. A fascinating way to conclude your private tour, taking you back to the origins of Rome, to its foundation and its unstoppable path to immortality.

An exclusive tour, rich in emotion and discovery, that will allow you to delve into the heart of history and art in one of the most fascinating cities in the world.