Mausoleum of Augustus

Built by Augustus in 28 BC as a burial place for himself and his family, this massive circular structure once rivaled the grandest monuments of Rome before centuries of use as a quarry, fortress, and even a concert hall left it in ruins. A long restoration has recently reopened much of the site, though it remains sparser and less visually complete than Rome's better-preserved ruins.

The adjacent Ara Pacis museum, housing Augustus's Altar of Peace, provides useful context for understanding the site's original grandeur. It appeals most to visitors specifically interested in the Augustan era rather than those seeking dramatic photo backdrops.