Column of Marcus Aurelius
Archaeological Site Ancient Roman victory column in central Rome
Near Rome’s Piazza Colonna, the Column of Marcus Aurelius records imperial campaigns in a spiralling relief. Visitors study the Roman sculpture, view the column in its urban setting, and trace imperial iconography.
The Column of Marcus Aurelius is an ancient Roman victory column standing in Piazza Colonna in central Rome, erected to commemorate the military campaigns of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the late 2nd century AD. The column is carved with a spiral relief band that narrates the emperor’s campaigns and contains an internal spiral staircase leading to the top.
It was modelled on earlier Roman triumphal columns and has survived as one of Rome’s notable imperial monuments; the original decorative program and the reliefs remain important examples of Roman sculpture. The column occupies a prominent urban position in the heart of Rome and forms the focal point of the surrounding piazza.
The monument stands in Piazza Colonna, a central square in Rome close to the historic and administrative districts of the city.
How to Get to Column of Marcus Aurelius #
Piazza Colonna is a five‑minute walk from the Barberini Metro station (Line A). From Termini station, take Metro A one stop to Barberini or walk about 15-20 minutes down Via Nazionale. The column sits directly on Piazza Colonna, adjacent to Palazzo Chigi and a short stroll from the Spanish Steps.
Tips for Visiting Column of Marcus Aurelius #
- Arrive at dawn to see the low sun pick out the sculpted reliefs; afternoon light flattens them.
- Combine a visit with the nearby Palazzo Chigi and via dei Fori Imperiali for a fuller impression of Imperial Rome.
- Look for the modern graffiti-style wear on the base-centuries of coins and nails have left distinct marks.
Best Time to Visit Column of Marcus Aurelius #
Best visited in shoulder seasons for light and lower crowds. As an outdoor monument it's accessible year-round.
Weather & Climate near Column of Marcus Aurelius #
Column of Marcus Aurelius's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (696 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 15 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 94 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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