Gemonian Stairs indicated in red

The scalae Gemoniae, or Stairs of Gemonius, provide one of the two main routes to ascend the Capitoline Hill from the Forum. The Stairs begin their climb from the Forum at an opening between the Temple of Concord and the Carcer, Rome’s ancient prison. Making a steep ascent, the Stairs lead the visitor past the Tabularium on the left side to the open area between the Capitoline’s northern and southern summits.

The area beyond the top of the Stairs is known as inter duos lucos because it separated the ancient groves of oaks on the two summits in the early days of our city. The Asylum of Romulus was located here. You can still see the remains of the old walls.