History: Augustus's altar of peace
The Ara Pacis Augustae ("Altar of Augustan Peace") is one of the masterpieces of Roman art: a marble altar commissioned by the Senate in 13 BC and completed in 9 BC to celebrate the peace (the Pax Romana) brought by Augustus after his military campaigns in Spain and Gaul. It is a monument of extraordinary refinement, carved from end to end with processions, mythological scenes and exquisite plant motifs.
More than an altar, the Ara Pacis is a story told in marble: a "snapshot" of the Rome of Augustus and his vision of peace. It was also originally painted in vivid colors, very far from the bare white marble we picture today.
Now the altar sits inside a modern museum designed by Richard Meier, a glass-and-travertine case on the banks of the Tiber, near Piazza del Popolo. It is a rare meeting of Roman antiquity and contemporary architecture, and the first major work of contemporary architecture built in Rome's historic center in modern times (inaugurated in 2006). The luminous case sparked heated debate when it opened, but it protects the altar and brings out its details: the natural light filtering through Meier's wide windows shifts across the marble throughout the day, and through the glass you can also see the Mausoleum of Augustus, in dialogue with the altar.
What to see: reading a Roman masterpiece
Here is what to look for as you walk around the altar.
The processional friezes
The most famous reliefs are the processional friezes along the altar's long sides: a sweeping procession of figures walking toward a sacrifice. Among them are Augustus, members of the imperial family, priests, magistrates and dignitaries, several of whom can be identified precisely. It is one of the most extraordinary records of Augustan society: you can even pick out the children, rendered with remarkable naturalness. Look closely at the faces, the robes and the gestures.
The Tellus relief
On one of the short sides sits the celebrated Tellus relief (sometimes read as Italia or Peace): a serene female figure surrounded by children, fruit, animals and symbols of nature. It embodies the prosperity and fertility secured by the peace of Augustus, one of the most harmonious and beloved images in Roman art.
The mythological scenes: Aeneas and the Lupercal
On the other short side, the reliefs tie Augustus to the origins of Rome:
- The scene of Aeneas performing a sacrifice: the Trojan hero, mythical ancestor of the Romans and of the family of Augustus.
- The Lupercal scene, with the she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus (now heavily fragmentary).
It is a refined political message: Augustus presents himself as the rightful heir to Rome's history and destiny.
The acanthus scrolls
The lower part of the walls is covered with an extraordinary vegetal frieze: acanthus scrolls, tendrils, flowers and small hidden animals (lizards, birds, insects). It is a masterpiece of sculptural virtuosity, a symbol of the abundance and rebirth that peace brings. Step closer to discover the details tucked among the leaves.
The original colors
An experience not to miss when it is available: in certain periods the museum runs video projections that recreate the original colors of the Ara Pacis. Seeing the altar "recolored" helps you picture how it looked two thousand years ago. Check whether this installation is running on the official website.
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Tickets and opening hours
Unlike the days when it stood in the open air, the Ara Pacis is now visited with a ticket: it belongs to Rome's Musei in Comune network and follows the same pricing rules.
| Ticket | Inexpensive standard ticket, with reduced rates for eligible visitors and free admission for certain categories. Prices are indicative — check current rates on the official website. |
|---|---|
| Exhibitions | Ticket prices may rise during temporary exhibitions. |
| Opening hours | Generally open every day, with continuous hours from morning to evening (times indicative — check the official website). |
| Last entry | Normally about one hour before closing. |
| Closures | May close on a few public holidays (for example January 1, May 1, December 25). |
Free admission
There are free-admission days throughout the year, promoted by the City of Rome. These are the best value, but also the busiest, so expect crowds.
MIC Card
If you live in Rome, you can use the MIC Card (for residents), which grants unlimited entry to the city's civic museums — the Ara Pacis included — for a full year at a token price.
How to get there
The Museo dell'Ara Pacis sits on Lungotevere in Augusta, beside Piazza Augusto Imperatore, right on the banks of the Tiber next to the Mausoleum of Augustus. It lies in the heart of the historic center, between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, in an area you can easily reach on foot or by metro.
By metro
Two stops on Line A serve the area conveniently:
- Flaminio (Line A) — about an 8-10 minute walk, passing through Piazza del Popolo (slightly handier).
- Spagna (Line A) — about a 10-12 minute walk through the shopping streets.
On foot from the center
The Ara Pacis is within easy walking distance of several attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo — about 5-7 minutes.
- Piazza di Spagna — about 10-12 minutes.
- Pantheon — about 12-15 minutes.
It makes a natural stop on any stroll through the northern part of the historic center.
By bus
The area is served by several bus lines along the Lungotevere and near Piazza del Popolo, with stops just a few minutes' walk from the museum.
Driving and the ZTL
The Ara Pacis sits deep in the historic center, inside the ZTL zone, where parking is very limited and paid. With a private driver (NCC) the issue disappears: they drop you near the museum and handle the moving around and waiting — perfect if you want to pair the visit with other stops in the center or an airport transfer.
Practical tips
- Plan 45 minutes to 1 hour for the visit: enough time to admire the altar, read the reliefs and discover Meier's design.
- Buy online to skip the line, especially on free-admission days.
- Check for the color projections: when they are on, they are worth the trip.
- Natural light: Meier's glass case bathes the altar in beautiful light; the afternoon is ideal.
- Pair it with nearby sights: Piazza del Popolo (twin churches and Santa Maria del Popolo), the adjacent Mausoleum of Augustus, Piazza di Spagna and the shopping district, and a walk along the Lungotevere.
A suggested order for the visit: the processional friezes (Augustus and the imperial family), the Tellus relief, the scenes of Aeneas and the Lupercal, the acanthus scrolls (hunt for the hidden animals), and finally Meier's architecture with the view of the Mausoleum.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ara Pacis? It is Augustus's Altar of Peace, a marble altar from 13–9 BC commissioned by the Senate to celebrate the peace brought by Augustus. It is famous for its reliefs with processions, mythological scenes and plant motifs.
Where is the Ara Pacis? In Rome's historic center, on the banks of the Tiber, in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, near Piazza del Popolo and the Mausoleum of Augustus. It is housed in a modern museum by Richard Meier.
How much is a ticket and when is it free? The price is modest, with statutory reduced and free admissions, in line with the Musei in Comune network; exhibitions can change it. There are also free-admission days promoted by the City of Rome — great value but crowded. Check rates on the official website.
Which metro stop is closest? Spagna or Flaminio (Line A), both an 8-12 minute walk away. Flaminio is slightly handier, taking you through Piazza del Popolo.
How long do you need for the visit? About 45 minutes to an hour, to admire the altar, the reliefs and the museum's architecture.
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