The Mausoleum of Augustus is a vast circular tomb on Piazza Augusto Imperatore in Rome, built by the first emperor for himself and his family. Begun in 28 BC, it once dominated the surrounding Campus Martius. Its scale is striking even from outside: the tomb measures about 87 metres across. Access has changed during restoration work, so check whether it is open before planning an interior visit. Nearby, the Ara Pacis museum helps place Augustus and his building projects in context.
A monumental family tomb
Augustus began building the mausoleum in 28 BC, making it one of his first major construction projects in Rome. The circular design may have drawn on Etruscan burial mounds and Hellenistic monuments, including the tombs of Alexander the Great and Mausolus at Halicarnassus. At about 87 metres in diameter, the structure was built on a scale that set it apart from the surrounding area.
The monument stood on the Campus Martius, then a more sparsely built part of Rome. Its foundations included a concrete platform designed for the swampy ground near the Tiber. The outer base was made from tufa and brick and clad in travertine or white marble. Accounts of the original structure describe a central burial chamber above the base, with a column and a bronze statue of Augustus at the top. Two obelisks once stood beside the entrance; they are now elsewhere in Rome.
Who was buried here
The mausoleum was intended for Augustus and his family. Marcellus, Augustus’ son-in-law, was the first person whose ashes were placed there. Augustus’ wife Livia, his sister Octavia, his grandsons Lucius and Gaius Caesar, and other relatives were also buried in the tomb. Later, emperors including Tiberius, Caligula and Claudius joined them.
The burials continued into the first century. Not every member of the imperial family was interred here: Augustus’ exiled daughter Julia and Emperor Nero were not buried in the mausoleum. The building’s role as a family tomb makes it a useful stop for visitors tracing the people and succession of Rome’s early empire.
A changing monument
After antiquity, the mausoleum fell into decay and was stripped of much of its original exterior. Over the centuries it was put to different uses, including as a fortress, a garden and a venue for performances. Restoration work has aimed to stabilise and reopen the site, but access has been affected by renovation periods.
When visits are available, tours can explain the surviving structure and its history. One reported tour lasted around 35 to 45 minutes and included time to explore the grounds. Tour language and access arrangements have not always been consistent, so confirm both before booking. The Ara Pacis is nearby and offers a useful companion visit for understanding Augustus’ place in Roman history.
Perguntas frequentes
Is the Mausoleum of Augustus open to visitors?
Access has changed during restoration work, including periods when the monument was closed. Check current opening and tour arrangements before visiting.
How long does a visit take?
A guided visit has been reported to take about 35 to 45 minutes, with some time to explore the grounds afterward.
Are tours available in English?
Tour language can vary. Confirm that an English-language tour is available before booking.
What is near the Mausoleum of Augustus?
The Ara Pacis museum is nearby and makes a useful companion visit for learning more about Augustus’ legacy.
