Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome

Piazza del Campidoglio is an example of the grandeur of Italian design--as well as Michelangelo's genius at solving problems with impossible spaces. The piazza's trapezoidal shape prevented the buildings from facing each other squarely. Also, one side of the trapezoid sloped, making the ground uneven. Michelangelo addressed the slope with a ramped staircase and low steps at various intervals that rise and fall according to the incline. The piazza appears to be oval, but it is actually egg-shaped to compensate for the troublesome trapezoid. Add Piazza del Campidoglio to your Rome travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Rome trip planner.