Back in the day, a gigantic statue of the emperor Constantine (“the Great”), who ruled from 306 to 337 C.E., sat in the apse of the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine in the Roman Forum. (The basilica was started by Maxentius, who was Constantine’s one-time co-emperor, and who Constantine killed at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.) Pieces of that massive statue — Constantine’s marble head, hand, shin, feet, and a few other bits — now rest in the Capitoline Museum’s courtyard, where they have been since 1471.
But now the statue has been re-created. The 13-meter high statue depicts the regal emperor, seated, wearing a draped, gilded toga, and holding a scepter and orb. Fittingly, he’s sitting in a courtyard of the Capitoline Museums. And boy, does he look good — clearly he works out and watches the carbs!
The statue can be viewed this year for free in the garden of the Villa Caffarelli. To get there, go to the Campidoglio. As soon as you’ve topped the Capitoline steps and are facing the equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, turn more than 90 degrees to your right and walk under the arch. Go up the hill, all the way to the back, and then proceed under the arch on the left into the peaceful little garden.
If you have a thirst for a drink — or a marvelous view — after visiting Constantine, you can find a hidden gem on your way back down the same path: There is a rooftop bar with reasonable prices! It will be on your right. Just go up a series of steps inside the Palazzo Caffarelli.
Head to the little bar area, sit down and order a drink, and enjoy the view of this magnificent city.
Just get there before the end of the year, if you want to see Constantine. Not sure where’s he’s going after this, but it’s nice that he came back to visit Rome again.
The Spanish Steps Apartment on Via della Mercede 