Cordonata Capitolina gently rises from Aracoeli square to the Capitol buildings located on the sides of Piazza del Campidoglio.
Composed of of transversal stripes ‘cordoni’, the ramp has been designed by Michelangelo as a part of restoration Capitol to the former glory, commissioned by Pope Paul III. Unlike Piazza del Campidoglio, Cordonata was not executed strictly to Michelangelo’s design.
At the foot of Cordonata lies a pair of granite lions, the Egyptian sculptures converted later into the fountains.During the feats the water was replaced by red and white wine.
The top is guarded by twins, Castor and Pollux, brothers of Helen of Troi.They are known under the name of Dioscuri, sons of Zeus, and often shown as hunter or warriors, here each brother is holding the holsters of a horse standing behind. Between the road and Aracoeli Steps there is a 19th century statue of Cola di Rienzo, near the spot where he was killed.
[ photo courtesy of niceguysean]
Guides: michelangelo
