Musei Capitolini
Centrale Montemartini

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The Centrale Montemartini is one of the most fascinating museums you will find in Rome. Where else can you see ancient marble statues rubbing shoulders with heavy industrial machinery? In the entrance hall a marble statue of Aphrodite stands in front of a massive cast-iron extraction pump, which bears the name of its maker Franco Tosi. This juxtaposition of two entirely different worlds sets the tone for the whole museum. 

Since 1997, Rome's first public power plant has been home to over 400 ancient Roman sculptures from the collection of the Musei Capitolini. The power plant, which was built in 1912 by Giovanni Montemartini, once provided enough electricity for half of Rome’s street lights. ​

Train of Pope Pius IX

One of the most curious exhibits is, perhaps, the Treno di Pio Nono, which was presented to Pope Pius IX (r. 1846-1878) as a gift in 1858.  Pius IX first travelled in the train on July 3rd 1859, travelling from Porta Maggiore to Cecchina. 

​The three carriages of the train are the oldest railway vehicles still existing in Italy today.

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To be continued...