Museums & galleries
Ara Pacis
Ara Pacis
The Ara Pacis is an altar built by the Roman Senate to mark the peace Augustus brought after his campaigns in Hispania and Gaul. It's now enclosed in a modern glass and stone pavilion designed by Richard Meier, which lets you walk all the way around the marble structure and see its carved reliefs up close, including processions of the imperial family and allegorical scenes. It appeals to visitors interested in Roman history and sculpture more than to casual sightseers, since there's a single object at the centre of the visit rather than a large collection.
Getting there
The museum sits in the historic centre, a short walk from Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. Most visitors reach it on foot as part of a walk through this part of Rome; from Termini station it's roughly 20-25 minutes by bus or taxi.
How long to stay
Because the collection is essentially one monument, an hour is usually enough, including time to read the panels explaining the reliefs.
When to go
It rarely gets as crowded as the major Roman sites, so time of day matters less here. Mornings tend to be quieter and give the best light through the glass walls onto the marble.
Nearby
- Mausoleum of Augustus (0.1km) - Augustus's own tomb, a natural pairing given the shared history.
- Piazza del Popolo (0.5km) - a short walk for the square and its churches.
- Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps (0.5-0.6km) - easily combined in the same outing.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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