Mausoleum of Augustus

The Mausoleum of Augustus is an ancient Roman tomb in the Campus Martius area of Rome, built by the first Roman emperor, Augustus. Construction began in the late 1st century BCE as a dynastic burial monument for the imperial family.

The structure appears as a large circular tumulus composed of concentric rings and terraced levels; visitors can see the monument’s exterior masonry and the restored internal exhibition areas. Recent restorations have opened museum displays that present archaeological finds and allow access to upper terraces for views of the surrounding historic district.

Commissioned by Augustus during the late Republic and early Empire period, the mausoleum served as the burial place for members of the Julio-Claudian family and later imperial interments. Over the centuries it fell into disuse, suffered damage and underwent multiple alterations before 21st-century restoration work transformed parts of it into a museum.

Located on the northern edge of the ancient Campus Martius, the mausoleum sits near the Ara Pacis and Piazza Augusto Imperatore in central Rome, within walking distance of other major archaeological sites.

• Restoration and access: A panoramic walkway and museum spaces were added during recent restorations, giving public access to interpretive displays and views from the upper terraces.

What to See #

• Circular tumulus: A large circular tumulus built as an imperial tomb with concentric terraces and an internal core that originally contained burial chambers and monuments.
• Exhibition galleries: Museum exhibition spaces created during recent restorations that display finds and interpret the mausoleum's imperial role.