CAMPIDOGLIO

Speranza

Ever since the NINTH century there are RECORDS relating to the CHURCH and CONVENT of S. Maria in ARACOELI, and docuemnts dating a little later testify to the existence of houses and fortifications looking towards the FORO, constructed upon the massive remains of the TABULARIUM by powerful families, attracted by its dominating and nearly INACCESSIBLE position.

From this NUCLEUS of buildings arose, gradually increasing in size, the PALAZZO SENATORIO, doubtless however, completely NEGLECTED for many years, for we know that the SENATOR did NOT dwell there permanently and that assemblies were frequently held in the CHURCH close by.