Mausoleum of Costanza

For Roman architecture buffs, there is no better place to experience the excellence of Roman engineering than the Mausoleum of Costanza on the Via Nomentana. The circular temple, built for the emperor Constantine's daughters and later turned into a church, contains a spectacular dome and exquisite mosaics from the 4th century CE. Nearby is the Church of Sant'Agnese which contains extensive catacombs. The mausoleum and catacombs are open daily 9-12 and 2-6, closed Mondays and Sunday and holiday mornings. Be sure to call ahead just in case!

Capitoline Museum-Recently Remodeled and Better Than Ever

The Capitoline Museum, located on the Campidoglio, a piazza designed by Michelangelo and the site of the religious center of ancient Rome, was revonovated in the first years of the 21st century. The recent renovation has revealed the foundations of the Roman temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus and has provided access to one of the most spectacular views of the Roman Forum. The original equestrian bronze statue of the emperor Marcus Aurelius is now housed in its own air-conditioned gallery, which protects the delicate bronze from decomposition-and makes the gallery a welcome spot for the weary summer tourist! A copy of the bronze Marcus Aurelius is on display outside in the center of the piazza. Don't forget to visit the fragments of the colossal statue of the emperor Constantine located in the courtyard of the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the famous Capitoline Wolf, the ubiquitous symbol of Rome.
Capitoline Museum