Mausoleum of Augustus
Discover the monumental tomb of Emperor Augustus, Rome's first emperor, a vast circular structure on the Campus Martius.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Mausoleum of Augustus
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the monumental tomb of Emperor Augustus, Rome's first emperor, a vast circular structure on the Campus Martius.
"A significant piece of Roman history, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the first emperor's final resting place."
📍 Find the Entrance
Located in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, Rome. Look for clear signage to access the site.
🚶♂️ Combine with Palatine Hill
Enjoy stunning Forum views from Palatine Hill, a short walk away.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Circular Structure
Piazza Augusto Imperatore
Explore the impressive circular remains of Emperor Augustus's monumental tomb, a testament to Roman engineering.
Augustus's Final Resting Place
Interior chambers
Imagine the grandeur of this tomb, once topped with a massive bronze statue of the first Roman emperor.
Restoration Success Story
The entire site
Witness the result of extensive restoration efforts that brought this ancient monument back to life.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Combine with Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📍 Find the Entrance
Located in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, Rome. Look for clear signage to access the site.
🚶♂️ Combine with Palatine Hill
Enjoy stunning Forum views from Palatine Hill, a short walk away.
⏳ Allow ample time
While not huge, take your time to absorb the history and scale of the mausoleum.
💡 Check for Exhibitions
The site sometimes hosts special exhibitions, enhancing the visitor experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
📍 Find the Entrance
Located in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, Rome. Look for clear signage to access the site.
🚶♂️ Combine with Palatine Hill
Enjoy stunning Forum views from Palatine Hill, a short walk away.
⏳ Allow ample time
While not huge, take your time to absorb the history and scale of the mausoleum.
💡 Check for Exhibitions
The site sometimes hosts special exhibitions, enhancing the visitor experience.
📱 Virtual Tours Available
If you can't visit in person, explore virtual tours to get a feel for the space.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Mausoleum of Augustus to be a historically significant site, offering a glimpse into imperial Rome's grandeur. While some appreciate the extensive restoration and the chance to see Augustus's tomb, others feel the current state of the ruins and the limited interior exhibits can be a bit underwhelming compared to expectations.
"Looking forward to the opening next year. It is worth seeing now."
Steve Aldred
"Scheduled a tour via a website which was pretty tricky. It was only in Italian so I didn't understand a word so not sure of the language options.
We had to walk around the block to find the entrance to the tour. It was not near the street near across from the Ara Pacis.
Our tour also ended up being in Italian but there were some helpful signs which explained a lot of what we were looking at.
The tour was probably about 35 to 45 minutes. We were able to do some free wandering about the premises. The building is said to be mostly original but there is a lot of work being done to improve the structures integrity. I imagine this will be quite the site to visit when they are done.
The only downside is I would have liked to walk around the outer walls. But this was a very pretty location. Visit the Ara Pacis as well I you come to visit the resting place of the first emperor of Rome."
Tyson Hinton
"I wish i could give this five stars but it's just not quite there. Our tour was supposed to be in English, but was only in Italian, which made it less meaningful than I was hoping. It seems like there isn't really much left of the original structure except for the brick walls. I'm glad I got to go inside, but I think most people can skip this one. I hope to come back to see the new piazza they are building outside."
Andrew
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mausoleum of Augustus is located in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, Rome. You can easily reach it by public transport; several bus lines stop nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from popular areas like the Spanish Steps or the Ara Pacis Museum.
Yes, the area around the Mausoleum of Augustus is generally accessible. The piazza itself is flat, and the site has undergone restoration to improve visitor access.
Many visitors find walking or taking a bus to be the most convenient options. Taxis are also readily available in Rome.
Yes, the exterior of the Mausoleum of Augustus is visible from Piazza Augusto Imperatore, and it's quite an imposing sight even from the outside.
The closest metro station is Flaminio - Piazza del Popolo, which is a short walk away. Numerous bus routes also serve the area around Piazza Augusto Imperatore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's best to check the official website for the most current pricing. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
While not always strictly necessary, booking your Mausoleum of Augustus tickets ahead of time is a good idea to guarantee entry and avoid potential queues.
Opening hours can change seasonally. It's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on when the Mausoleum of Augustus is open to visitors.
Yes, there is typically an entrance fee to visit the interior of the Mausoleum of Augustus. The cost covers the maintenance and preservation of this historical site.
On-site ticket purchases may be available, but it's safer to book your Mausoleum of Augustus tickets online in advance to ensure availability, as some visitors have noted it can get busy.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior from Piazza Augusto Imperatore offers a grand perspective. Inside, focus on the architectural details and the scale of the circular structure.
Generally, photography is allowed inside the Mausoleum of Augustus, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions on the day of your visit.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the ancient stone. Weekday mornings can offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical city centers like Rome, especially around ancient monuments. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
For interiors, a wider aperture and higher ISO might be needed to capture detail in lower light. For exteriors, a standard lens should suffice.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll see the impressive circular structure, the burial chambers, and learn about Emperor Augustus's life and legacy. It's a glimpse into ancient Roman burial practices.
A visit usually takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on your interest level and whether there are any special exhibitions.
Yes, children can find the history and scale of the Mausoleum of Augustus fascinating. It's a good opportunity to teach them about Roman emperors.
Information on guided tours can be found on the official website. Some visitors have found guided tours enhance their understanding of the site.
It was built by Emperor Augustus to house his and his family's remains, serving as a grand dynastic tomb and a symbol of his power and legacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a shorter visit, focusing on the main circular structure and the stories of the people buried there. Combining it with a walk through the nearby Piazza Augusto Imperatore, which often has open space, can make the outing more enjoyable for younger visitors.
🏛️ History Buffs
Read up on Augustus's life and the mausoleum's history before your visit to fully appreciate the context. Consider looking for guided tours or audio guides that can provide in-depth historical narratives and insights into the restoration process.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Other Cities
To maximize your time, book your tickets in advance and pair your visit with nearby sites like the Ara Pacis Museum or a walk along the Tiber River. This ensures you experience a significant piece of Roman history without taking up too much of your limited sightseeing time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Emperor Augustus
Originally, the mausoleum was a grand circular structure, much larger than its current remains suggest. It featured multiple burial chambers and was topped with a massive bronze statue of Augustus himself. The site was intended to house the remains of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, though not all emperors were ultimately buried here. Its sheer scale and ambition reflect the immense power and prestige Augustus commanded during his lifetime.
Over centuries, the mausoleum fell into disrepair and was repurposed multiple times, even serving as a fortress and a concert venue. The extensive restoration efforts have aimed to preserve its ancient grandeur and make it accessible to the public once more, allowing visitors to connect with this pivotal figure in Roman history.
Architectural Significance and Restoration
The restoration of the Mausoleum of Augustus has been a complex and lengthy undertaking, aiming to bring the ancient structure back to its former glory while ensuring its preservation for future generations. This project involved stabilizing the existing structure, excavating surrounding areas, and making the interior accessible to visitors. The goal was to create an engaging experience that educates the public about its history and architectural importance.
Despite the restoration, some visitors have expressed mixed feelings, with a few finding the experience less impactful than anticipated, perhaps due to the extensive reconstruction or the limited artifacts on display. However, many appreciate the opportunity to see such a significant historical site brought back to life and to learn about its past.
Social
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