Mausoleum of Augustus

Located in the Campus Martius in Rome, Italy, The Mausoleum of Augustus (Mausoleo di Augusto) was constructed in approximately 28 BC as the tomb of the first emperor of Rome. Located near the banks of the river Tiber, the mausoleum has been restored and reopened to the public as of March 2021, after 14 years of closure.

History of Mausoleum of Augustus

When it was created, the Mausoleum of Augustus was a large circular building intended to be the final resting place of both Augustus and his family. The building was originally clad in marble and likely topped by an enormous bronze statue of Augustus.

Other than the emperor himself, those buried at the Mausoleum of Augustus included his wife Livia, Germanicus, Marcus Claudius Marcellus, Britannicus, Nero Claudius Drusus, Agrippina the Elder, and Tiberius.

Augustus (63BC – 14AD) was the great nephew of Julius Caesar and the named successor in his will. When Julius Caesar was assassinated in 43 BC, Augustus became the ruler of Rome, a position he solidified in the Battle of Actium in which he defeated Anthony and Cleopatra. Augustus transformed Rome from a republic into what became effectively a dictatorship as well as implementing many social, administrative, and military reforms.

Mausoleum of Augustus Today

Today, the Mausoleum of Augustus is among the most famous surviving ancient mausoleums. After 14 years of restoration work, the mausoleum has reopened, and features a multi-media exhibition that projects images of modern and ancient Rome onto the interior walls of the structure.

Some of its relics, notably two obelisks which once decorated it, now stand in Piazza del Quirinale and Piazza dell Esquillino.

Until the end of 2021, entry to the Mausoleum is free for residents of Rome, and tours which last 50 minutes can be booked through the website. There is also a virtual interactive tour, available in both English and Italian.

Getting to Mausoleum of Augustus 

From the centre of Rome, the Mausoleum is reachable in around 10 minutes by car via the Viale del Muro Torto road. The closest Metro station is Spagna, after which the site is an 8 minute walk. By foot, the site is reachable in around 25-30 minutes via Via Barberini.