Rome's newest visitor attraction is now open after a fourteen-year closure for restoration work. The 13,000 sqm burial monument of the Roman Emperor Augustus, constructed in 28 BC after his victory over Antony and Cleopatra and allegedly modelled on the lost tomb of Alexander the Great in Egypt, has been virtually closed to the public for the past 80 years, with no access whatsoever permitted since 2007.
The circular Mausoleum, which stands above the Tiber, next to the Ara Pacis, Augustus' Altar of Peace, has monumental dimensions, with a diameter of 90 meters. The inner chamber is now open to the sky, surrounded by walls that are only a third of the original height.
Restoration was largely funded by the Italian telecommunications company TIM (6 million euro), with additional 4 million euro contributed by the City of Rome and the Italian cultural Ministry.
Entrance is free until the 21st April, the date of Rome's alleged 2,774th birthday. After it will continue to be free for Rome residents only. Booking is essential with “all sold out” already looming.
Info: Tel. 060608 www.mausoleodiaugusto.it www.sovraintendenzaroma.it
