Michelangelo's Piazza

Though this piazza located on Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, is certainly grander in scale than some of the smaller village piazzas, it still remains true to the nature of a square as a gathering place for people seeking company and refreshment. The location itself has been the site of temples dating to ancient times and later was the home of various civic structures. However, its age began to show during the 16th century when Michelangelo was commissioned to revamp the muddy streets and ensure the square reflected its proper place in Rome.
One of the artist's major challenges was the irregular topography of the hill which sloped in various places between the two buildings extant at the time of his survey. Michelangelo addressed this using various tricks of geometry and designed a 12-point figure broken into several pieces that would provide the physical and visual elements necessary to balance the piazza. Additionally, he designed the Palazzo Nuovo to complete the third side of the square providing a more finished unit. Now, when one walks up the long sloping stairs and is welcomed by two larger than life sculptures with their steeds, the piazza feels complete and whole.
The centrally located Palazzo Senatorio has been used in functions of the state since medieval times, acting as both fortress and seat of government. It still serves the latter function today for the city of Rome. The twin palazzos bordering the piazza both serve as museums and showcase some of the most exceptional art in the world. You may be familiar with some of the pieces including the Capitoline Wolf and the Dying Gaul, both extremely significant in art history.
As you can imagine, this piazza is special in that it is not dedicated to nourishing the body so much as it serves to influence and refresh the mind. From its aesthetics to its history, one cannot help but be impressed by its massive size and complex elements that intertwine to form one of the most impressive places in Italy.