Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius

★ 4.8 (634)Free

Cast around 175 AD, this bronze depicting Emperor Marcus Aurelius on horseback survived the widespread medieval melting-down of pagan imperial statues for their metal only because it was misidentified as a portrait of Constantine, the first Christian emperor. Michelangelo redesigned the surrounding Piazza del Campidoglio around a copy of the statue in the 16th century, placing it at the geometric heart of his design for the square. The original now stands protected inside the nearby Capitoline Museums, while a faithful replica occupies the piazza today. It's a quick but historically rich stop for anyone interested in Roman sculpture or Michelangelo's urban design.

✨ Reasons to go

1Cast around 175 AD, it survived medieval melting-downs only because it was mistaken for Constantine, the first Christian emperor.
2It's the best-preserved bronze equestrian statue surviving from antiquity.
3Michelangelo designed Piazza del Campidoglio in the 16th century around this statue as its geometric centerpiece.

💡 Good to know

1Note that the statue in the piazza is a copy
2the restored original is displayed inside the Capitoline Museums just steps away
3it's free to view in the piazza itself, with no ticket needed
4visit in the evening for the atmospheric lighting across Piazza del Campidoglio.

⏱️ Typical visit

20 min

🚶 Walking intensity

Easy pace

📍

Address

Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy · RomaGoogle Apple

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Booking

Walk-in

What people say

"Beautiful and historic statue in the center of Rome. It shows Marcus Aurelius on a horse, looking calm and strong. The details are impressive, and the location on Capitoline Hill makes it even more special. It is peaceful, not crowded most of the time, and easy to walk around and take photos. A must see if you are visiting Rome."

— George Samuel

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