On the Via Appia Antica in Rome, the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella is a monumental tomb built around 30 to 20 BC for a Roman noblewoman. Its cylindrical tower has the scale and appearance of a decorated fortress, with later buildings adjoining it. Inside, audiovisual displays and an augmented reality experience help bring the site’s past into view. It pairs naturally with a walk along the Appian Way and nearby archaeological remains, including the Villa of Maxentius and the Tomb of Romulus.
A monumental tomb on the Appian Way
The mausoleum was built between 30 and 20 BC for Cecilia Metella, a Roman noblewoman. The tomb commemorates her and celebrates the prominent family to which she belonged. Its position marks the point where lava from the Colli Albani reached the Via Appia.
The structure resembles a decorated fortress. Later buildings stand beside it, so the site includes more than the tomb alone.
Seeing the site in context
Audiovisual displays explain the site’s history, and an augmented reality experience lets you see how the buildings may have looked when they were in use. A video also covers the geology of the area.
The mausoleum sits among other archaeological places along the Appian Way. Nearby are the Villa of Maxentius, its stadium and the Tomb of Romulus, as well as the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian. Pairing sites makes for a broader visit to this stretch of the ancient road.
Perguntas frequentes
When was the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella built?
It was built between 30 and 20 BC as a tomb for Cecilia Metella, a Roman noblewoman.
What can you see inside the mausoleum?
The site has audiovisual displays, a video about local geology and an augmented reality experience that shows how the buildings may once have looked.
What can I visit nearby?
Nearby sites include the Villa of Maxentius, its stadium, the Tomb of Romulus and the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian.
Is the mausoleum open on Mondays?
No. It is closed on Mondays.
