Showing posts with label mausoleums. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mausoleums. Show all posts

Friday, July 4, 2008

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!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

The Ara Pacis

The emperor Augustus built the Ara Pacis (the Altar of Peace) in 9 BCE to commemorate his new era of peace after a century of civil wars in Rome. The altar is a masterpiece of classical sculpture, depicting various images of fertility, peace, Roman history and Republican values. The altar was recently installed a new museum designed by Richard Meier. Last summer, the Italian designer Valentino, who is preparing to retire, staged a retrospective exhibit of his designs in the museum. You can visit the museum and the altar, nestled between the Mausoleum of Augustus and the Tiber River, Tuesdays through Sundays 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.