Related:
"Piazza Campidoglio To Piazza Del Popolo"

Rome Tourist Guide Routes  

Augustus' Mausoleum and the Ara Pacis Augustae

Both sites are closed to the public, but they are worth visiting for their exterior alone. The Ara Pacis was built between the years 9 and 13 B.C. (estimates regarding its construction period vary) and is most noteworthy for being one of the first, authentic examples of classic Roman sculpture. The exterior showcases a frieze depicting familial scenes from that time period.

The mausoleum was built between the years 23 and 28 B.C. by the Emperor Augustus. In its day, it was one of the most spectacular buildings in Ancient Rome, covered entirely in marble. Today it has lost much of its splendour, having suffered the abuse of time, neglect and pollution. It was used as a fortress and as a theatre at different times in its history. In 1936 Mussolini had the mausoleum restored to prevent it from deteriorating any further.