Ara Pacis

The Ara Pacis is a grand altar dedicated to peace, created by order of the Roman Senate on 4 July 13 BC. The Senate wanted to celebrate the victorious return of Augustus from his campaigns in Hispania and Gaul. Today, the monument is world-famous and widely regarded as a masterpiece of ancient Roman art.

The Rediscovery and Preservation of the Ara Pacis

For centuries, the Ara Pacis remained hidden beneath the streets of Rome. Its rediscovery came when pieces of the altar were found under a modern building. During the 1930s, to protect this precious find, Mussolini had a special glass structure built for it near another ancient landmark, the Mausoleum of Augustus. The altar was carefully reconstructed and displayed for public viewing.

Controversy Over the Modern Museum

A new era began for the Ara Pacis in 2006 when a modern museum was built on the same location as Mussolini's shelter. The sleek, contemporary design quickly became a topic of heated debate among locals and art lovers. Rome’s mayor at the time even suggested the new building should be demolished, reflecting the strong opinions surrounding the structure. Despite the controversy, the museum continues to attract visitors.

Visiting the Ara Pacis Today

Today, much of the altar can be viewed from outside the museum’s glass walls. The interior basement space occasionally hosts special exhibitions. For those who choose to pay for admission, there are additional background details and displays, although much of the monument is visible from the street.