Altar in Rome. Altar of Peace: all about the ancient artifact

(lat. Ara Pacis Augustae) is a unique historical monument, erected in 13 BC as a memorial altar (ceremonial sacrifices were performed on January 30 and March 30). The landmark was erected in honor of the goddess of peace Pax and the military victories of Emperor Augustus, which put an end to the civil war into which the entire Roman Empire was drawn after the assassination of Julius Caesar.

Note that in ancient times the Romans did not know the goddess of peace Pax; her veneration was initiated personally by Augustus as part of his policy aimed at normalizing the life of civil society in the post-war period. The new goddess was depicted as a young woman with an olive branch and a cornucopia.

The memorial altar was a typical structure for such ceremonies of its time. The main artistic interest is represented by the marble walls, decorated with sculptural bas-reliefs, the subjects of which are subordinated to the idea of ​​universal worship and recognition of the greatness of Roman civilization.

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Architectural description

North and south side The Altar of Peace depicts a sacrificial procession led by Emperor Augustus (as Pontifex Maximus). He is followed by the priests, the family of Augustus, senators, patricians and important citizens of Rome. Even after two thousand years, observing the bas-reliefs in their modern state, one can speak of the high skill of the sculptors, who achieved a portrait likeness of all those present. Particularly well depicted are joyful children, smiling and talking to each other.

West side represents two goddesses who patronized Rome. The first of these is the earth goddess Tellus, the patroness of fertility and abundance. Tellus is immortalized with two babies in her arms, one of whom she breastfeeds, and the other sitting on her lap. Flowers, a rich harvest and figures of girls, personifying the earthly elements, complete the composition. Symbolizing the well-being of the city, these bas-reliefs served as a reminder of the emperor's tireless care for his people. The image of the second goddess on the western side, represented by the goddess Roma, has hardly survived, but apparently she sat on a throne of spears and swords of defeated enemies, holding in her hands the image of the goddess of victory Victoria, symbolizing the peace achieved by weapons.

East side demonstrates historical scenes of the formation of the Roman state - the story of Romulus and Remus, as well as Aeneas making sacrifices to the Penates.

Thus, the Altar of Peace, being an important monument of antiquity, gives every tourist the opportunity to get some idea of ​​the structure, culture and traditions of Roman society.

In the 6th century, after the fall of Rome (476), the Tiber River overflowed its banks and completely flooded the Altar of Peace. Only in the 16th century, when the water receded, were individual surviving sculptural elements and reliefs of the structure discovered.

Systematic excavations and reconstruction began in the 19th century. In 1938, the architect Vittorio Morpurgo created a special security building for the ancient monument. After 50 years, the structure fell into disrepair, began to collapse and threatened the safety of the Altar of Peace. Therefore, in 2006, a new modern museum complex was built for the attraction, timing its opening to coincide with the celebration of the founding of Rome. The building by architect Richard Meier, made of glass and white travertine, includes not only a room with an altar, but also auditoriums and exhibition rooms.

The Altar of Peace is an altar in Rome dedicated to the goddess of peace. The monument was made on behalf of the Roman Senate in 13 BC. in honor of the return of Emperor Augustus from a three-year trip through Roman Spain and Gaul. Consecrated in 9 BC. during the celebration of the peace Augustus brought to the Roman Empire as a result of numerous military victories.

The Altar of Peace consists of a small altar in the center and four walls surrounding it. Along the walls there are two-level borders, which show images of peace and prosperity as a result of Roman supremacy. In addition, the altar was supposed to remind the Romans of the achievements of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

The Altar of Peace stood within an elegant marble enclosure, which depicted scenes of traditional Roman virtues, as well as the emperor himself and his wife during the performance of sacrifices. Men, women and children are also depicted here addressing the gods - it is interesting that the depiction of children at that time was an innovation, if not an unprecedented phenomenon. And today the Altar of Peace is considered a masterpiece, the most famous sculptural work of the Augustan era. Two-thirds of the upper scenes on the monument are occupied by images of clergy, and the remaining space is occupied by figures from Roman mythology - Romulus, Remus, King Numa, Aeneas, etc. Augustus probably considered himself a descendant of Aeneas, so the choice of figures was determined. At the bottom of the monument there are scenes of nature.

Initially, the Altar of Peace was located on the northern outskirts of Rome - it stood on the northeastern corner of the Campus Martius, an area that Augustus turned into a kind of open-air museum. In the 2nd century AD the altar was surrounded by a protective wall, and it gradually became immersed in a layer of earth. The first fragments of the monument were discovered in 1568 under the building of the Palazzo Chigi - they were placed for storage in the Villa Medici, the Vatican, as well as the Uffizi and Louvre galleries. In 1859, another fragment was found in the same area under the building of the Teatro Olympia, which was part of the Palazzo Peretti. Half a century later, after the discovered fragments were identified as part of the Altar of Peace, a request was sent to the Ministry of Public Education to conduct further excavations. Permission was received, but when half of the monument had already been excavated and 53 fragments had been carefully studied, the excavations had to be stopped. Only in 1937, on the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Augustus, it was decided to resume work using the latest technology. And in 1938, by order of Benito Mussolini, a special building was built next to the Mausoleum of Augustus to protect the Altar of Peace - this was the Duce’s attempt to create a theme park of Ancient Rome for the glory of fascist Italy.

Today, on the site of the building erected by order of Mussolini, stands a new structure designed by the American architect Richard Meier. It was opened in 2006. The City Hall of Rome plans to create a pedestrian zone along the banks of the Tiber leading to the monument.

It symbolizes the presence in the daily life of the Romans of state religious holidays, which have long been held in compliance with traditions. Rituals carried out since ancient times have always included certain symbols. The Altar of Peace, located in Rome, was associated with certain traditions that united people at that time.

Sacred sacrifices in honor of the gods, ritual ceremonies of soothsayers and priests - all this was aimed at maintaining the social cohesion of society, at its education and development in the necessary direction by the rulers. The Altar of Peace was the site of public feasts and represented all the peaceful endeavors of Rome. The found Altar of Peace dates back to 9 BC. The majestic structure, created under Emperor Augustus, meant peace that reigned in the Mediterranean after many years of wars and strife. Peace was brought by Emperor Augustus after campaigns in Spain and southern Gaul (now the territory of France). Erected by decision of the Senate, the monument symbolized the power and strength of the emperor, who managed to bring the long-awaited peace to the country.

Historians believe that the Altar of Peace in Rome is part of a complex of monumental architectural structures located in the Campo Marzio (Campus of Mars) area along the ancient street Via Lata (now Via del Corso). Not far from the ritual buildings was the Mausoleum of Augustus. It is also believed that a huge sundial (Horologium Augusti) was part of the ancient complex.

In 10 B.C. The first two obelisks brought by Emperor Augustus ended up in Rome. From the inscriptions on these obelisks one can understand that they symbolize the victory over Egypt and are dedicated to the Sun God. One of them, originally placed in the arena of the Circus Maximus, is now located in Piazza del Popolo. The second obelisk is also now in Rome. It was used as a sign for a sundial and is now placed in front of the Palazzo Montecario.

The symbolic role of the smaller obelisk was quite significant. Emperor Augustus considered September 23, the day of the autumnal equinox, to be his birthday. On this day, the shadow of the obelisk touched the Altar, indicating that Octavian Augustus was born to restore peace in the state after a long period of internal and external turmoil.

The Altar of Peace was erected in a place not chosen by chance by the ancients. The Field of Mars has always been associated with the god of war, Mars, and was used to train warriors. July 4, 13 BC, when Augustus returned with victory from Spain and Gaul, the Senate issued a decree on the construction of the Altar of Peace. Emperor Augustus was proclaimed in this decree as a peacemaker and defender of the state. The solemn consecration ceremony took place on January 30, 9 BC, the birthday of Livia, the wife of Augustus. The Altar of Peace was a structure made of marble, which was located in the open air and had a ritual purpose. Here the Romans made ritual sacrifices and performed traditional ceremonies.

The Altar of Peace in Rome was erected next to the Tiber, so it constantly suffered when the river flooded. According to surviving evidence, even in the 2nd century AD, the Altar of Peace already had significant damage - many parts of the structure were broken and separated. Year after year, the silt and sand carried by the river raised the surface level around the Altar of Peace, ultimately hiding the monumental monument for several hundred years, which eventually fell into oblivion.

The miraculous discovery of an ancient artifact

Having happily forgotten about the sacred monument, the Romans did not try to look for it. In the middle of the 16th century, the first fragments of the Altar of Peace were unexpectedly discovered while clearing the ground for the foundation of the Palazzo Fiano, a building that can now be seen on via Lucina and via del Corso. In 1536, during preparations for the construction of the palazzo, nine large marble blocks decorated with bas-reliefs were pulled out of the ground. The ancient blocks were immediately purchased by representatives of wealthy families. Several were bought by Cardinal Giovanni Ricci of Montepulciano, he later transported them to Tuscany, and the rest turned out to be the acquisition of the Medici family in Florence, and also ended up in the Vatican and the Louvre in France.

In 1859, work was carried out to strengthen the foundation of Palazzo Fiano, and it turned out that scattered fragments of the ancient artifact were still in the ground under the building. During the renovation, a relief of Aeneas and the head of the god Mars from the Lupercal relief were discovered and removed. The German art historian Friedrich von Dune, a professor at the University of Huidelberg, was the first to suggest that it is worth connecting the found fragments with the Altar of Peace, which was discussed by Octavian Augustus in “Res Gestae Divi Augusti” (“Acts of the Divine Augustus”), he created this autobiographical the work itself.

However, it took another 20 years to agree with the hypothesis put forward; already in 1881, historians came to the conclusion that these fragments belong to the Altar of Peace in Rome, revered by the ancients. After this, it was proposed to continue the excavations and try to recreate the majestic structure. Work on the restoration of the Altar of Peace in Rome was carried out until 1903; 53 fragments of the Altar of Peace were found on the surface. Apparently, the continuation of the excavations was stopped by the fear of destruction of the building located nearby.

Fragments of the Altar of Peace, recovered during excavations in the early 1900s

At the beginning of the twentieth century, an idea arose - to collect the remains together and try to reconstruct the Altar of Peace. This proposal was made by the President of the Piedmontese Society of Archeology and Fine Arts, Orestes Mattirolo, who then subjected the fragments of the ancient structure to serious study. But this idea did not receive unanimous positive support. On the contrary, the idea was even given a political coloring, because in 1921 the fascist party came to power in Italy, and Benito Mussolini, who received the post of Chairman of the Council, declared himself Duce - the successor of the ancient Roman emperors. On May 10, 1936, he proclaimed the Italian Empire.

Mussolini Peace Altar

The idea of ​​reviving the glory of Great Rome did not leave supporters of fascism in Italy. The Altar of Peace in Rome was supposed to symbolize the greatness of the fascist regime. Benito Mussolini himself identified himself with Emperor Augustus and argued that all his actions were aimed at continuing the continuity of the Roman Empire. Art and architecture played an important role in promoting the revival.

Resumption of excavations

In 1937, it was decided to resume excavations. To avoid destruction, the latest technological advances were used. During the excavations of the Altar of Peace, the soil was frozen to preserve its strength; this made it possible to obtain a large number of fragments of the Altar of Peace that remained in the ground. This was due to the planned 1938 celebration of the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Augustus, the first Roman emperor.

A year later, the excavations were completed, and it was necessary to put all the fragments that appeared on the surface together. This turned out to be the most difficult. After all, no sources that could help restore the appearance of the Altar of Peace in Rome were found. Neither drawings nor drawings have survived. Only two coins from Ancient Rome from the eras of Nero and Domitian, on which the Altar of Peace was depicted from two different sides, could help.

To assist in the process of restoring the original appearance of the Altar of Peace in Rome, in February 1938, the King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele III, issued a special decree, according to which a separate department for the study of the legacy of Emperor Augustus was created at the National University. The result of the faculty’s work was to be the unification of all the found fragments, even those that ended up in private collections. However, some original fragments, which for one reason or another could not be returned, still remain in the Vatican Museums, the Louvre Museum and the Uffizi Gallery.

After thinking about the location of the future restored Altar of Peace, it was decided to install it near the dilapidated mausoleum of Augustus. For such a reconstruction it was necessary to demolish quite a lot of buildings next to the mausoleum; large-scale destruction was often led by Mussolini himself. The main leadership over such a grandiose project was entrusted to the architect Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo. It was he who was entrusted with the construction of a key structure promoting fascism. At the same time, new palazzos arose on the site of destroyed buildings, powerful, majestic, with obligatory propaganda symbols on the facades. These palazzos can still be seen today if you find yourself in Emperor Augustus Square, in the center of which is the restored Altar of Peace.

Opening of the Altar of Peace in Rome on September 23, 1938

As planned, on September 23, 1938, on the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Emperor Augustus, the Altar of Peace was opened on an imperial scale. The Altar of Peace was housed in a reliquary designed by the architect Morpurgo. The reliquary was created from red porphyry with a white travertine base.

View of the pavilion of Vittorio Marpurgo

Everything in the reliquary was supposed to remind of the relationship between the events of the past and the present. On the walls of the covered pavilion were the epigraphic texts “Res Gestae Divi Augusti” (Acts of the Divine Augustus), set out in the processing of the philologist Enrica Malcovati. Mussolini wanted all his actions to evoke associations with the acts of Emperor Augustus.

When Italy became a participant in World War II, the Altar of Peace in Rome was closed to the public. The altar was surrounded by a two-meter wall. The pavilion's huge stained glass windows were dismantled and stored indoors in the San Lorenzo area. On May 10, 1940, the Italians became participants in the war and all measures were taken to save the relic. The Altar of Peace was covered with sandbags to ensure its safety. But on July 19, 1943, Rome came under American air attack and bombs hit the Morpurgo stained glass storage area, the originals were destroyed, and sandbags almost completely destroyed the reliefs made during the restoration of 1937-38. The Altar of Peace needed to be restored again, just like the world around it.

The year 1949 marked the beginning of the revival of the Altar of Peace in Rome. The Supreme Council of Antiquities and Fine Arts organized a competition of ideas, which was supposed to stop the controversy surrounding the Altar of Peace, as well as deprive this building of any political idea. It was proposed to reconstruct the Altar of Peace in Rome and move it to the Academy of Fine Arts. But the Roman municipality decided to leave the artifact in its original place, enclosing it with a 4-meter wall, thereby depriving it of its imperial grandeur.

Altar of Peace in Rome before reconstruction in 1970

In 1970, it was decided to carry out a thorough reconstruction of the building that housed the Altar of Peace. The initiator of the restoration work was the Rotary Club, which held a competition of projects and established the “Ara Pachis Award”, awarded for the best idea for restoring the monument. Stained glass windows appeared again instead of blocked window openings. And the fence that covered the structure and made it difficult to examine the artifact was decided to be demolished. Many years were spent preserving the Altar of Peace in the form that symbolized this ancient monument. But the Altar of Peace was destroyed due to temperature changes and gas pollution in Rome, despite all attempts to preserve it.

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In 1997, a new idea by American architect Richard Meier appeared. He envisioned the possibility of building a new pavilion that would meet the latest requirements, in which the Altar of Peace would be properly protected.

In 2000, large-scale work related to the reconstruction of the Altar of Peace began.

Start of reconstruction 2000

From the building of Vittorio Morpurgo, only one eastern wall was left with the epigraphic text of Octavian Augustus “Res Gestae Divi Augusti” applied to it in 1938.

Architect Richard Maiera designed the new building and began bringing it to life.

The new opening of the Altar of Peace in Rome took place in 2006, the opening was attended by the mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni, as well as representatives of the Fiamma Tricolore party. There was again a political scandal; party representatives accused the government of Rome of spending too much money on the restoration of the Altar of Peace “to make another foreign architect happy.”

According to surviving documentary sources, it was known that the Altar of Peace in the time of Augustus was richly decorated. The bas-reliefs, like all ancient Roman statues, were colored. After the reconstruction, it was decided to use digital technologies to revive the Altar of Peace. As a result, on December 22, 2009, the sides of the monument were illuminated with projectors, superimposing color images on the friezes. This experimental technology, used for the first time in the history of archaeology, opened up the monument to the public in a new vision, and was subsequently used to present other archaeological sites of Ancient Rome.

A unique museum, presenting only one exhibit for inspection, is located on the banks of the Tiber. This is the Altar of Peace. And that very only exhibit “shared” its name with the museum.

The Altar of Peace Augusta is dedicated to the Roman goddess of peace and is considered one of the oldest examples of ancient Roman sculpture and architecture. The construction of the altar was initiated by the Senate after the triumphant victory and return of the great Emperor Augustus from the campaign against Gaul and Spain (Iberia).

Altar of Peace. A little history

Construction of the monument to the glory of Augustus began in July 13 BC. Four years later, the work was completed, and on January 30, 9 BC. the altar was consecrated by the Senate. On this day, the so-called era of the “Roman world” began. The Altar of Peace in Rome was located in its northern part on the Campus Martius near the Via Flaminia road. The fall of the Roman Empire and barbarian invasions led to significant destruction of the monument. And then it was completely washed away by the waters of the Tiber.

The year 1568 opened a new page in the book called “The Altar of Peace”. That year, during construction work on a new building, pieces of bas-reliefs from an ancient Roman monument were found. These fragments of sculptural compositions quickly “scattered” into private collections, and from there they ended up in the Louvre, and in the Villa Medici. Only three hundred years later did archaeologists find out what they had encountered. Then large-scale excavations began in the area. Search work continued until the 20s of the 20th century, and in the 30s all parts of the altar were assembled into a single whole.

The work took place under the strict guidance of Benito Mussolini, a true admirer of Augustus. The dictator, who considered himself the heir of the great emperor, ordered the monument to be restored and placed next to the tomb of the first emperor. In 1938, on the banks of the Tiber, Mussolini's favorite architect Vittorio Morpurgo erected a building, inside of which the Altar of Peace itself was located. True, in the 90s of the last century the building fell into disrepair and began to threaten the safety of the monument of ancient Roman architecture. In 2003, another architect, a native of America, began building a new museum complex.
The grand opening of the museum, built by Richard Meier, took place on the 2759th anniversary of the capital - April 21, 2006.

What is the Altar of Peace?

The altar, erected in honor of the great emperor, is extremely simple and laconic in form.
Its walls are carved from Carrara marble by Greek craftsmen and decorated with bas-reliefs and friezes. There is a procession about to lay the stone and a relief of Tellura. But the most valuable is the bas-relief of the northern part of the altar, depicting the family of Emperor Augustus (himself, his wife Livia, stepson Tiberius and daughter Julia). Some bas-reliefs still cause controversy among theologians, philosophers and historians today.

Essentially, the Altar of Peace consists of tables depicting wine and animals offered to the gods as sacrifices, and a body surrounding them. Almost the entire interior space is occupied by the throne. There is a passage between the two tables. Most likely, it was needed so that the substances used in the sacrifice could flow out freely.

In the new building, in addition to the only exhibit, there are also exhibition halls for temporary exhibitions and an auditorium for lectures. In addition, one of the walls of the pavilion built by Morpurgo has been preserved here. The glorious deeds of Emperor Augustus are inscribed on it.

The Altar of Peace Museum is located at Via Muzio Clementi, 9, 00193 Roma in Italy. It is open to visitors from 9.00 to 19.00. Day off is Monday. You can get to it using line A of the capital's metro. Exit - Flaminio stop.

Contacts

Address: Lungotevere in Augusta, 00186 Roma, Italy

Telephone: +39 06 0608

Opening hours: Tue - Sun from 09:00 to 19:00, Mon - closed

Price: 10.50€, reduced price – 8.5€

Official site: www.arapacis.it

How to get there

Metro: Spagna station (line A)

Buses: stop Augusto Imperatore/Ara Pacis (No. 81, 628, N25)

Italy is a country that today is associated with hearty pasta, pizza, tanned young ladies and real macho men. And once upon a time, part of the huge Roman Empire was located in its vastness and all roads led to the city, which is the modern capital.

Rome is full of attractions, much of which appeared about two thousand years ago. The Roman Forum is probably known to everyone, but this is not all that can be seen in the Italian capital.

Lovers of antiquity and just tourists eager to see something unusual will love the ruins, the first Christian churches and pagan altars. In this article we will talk about the Altar of Peace, an architectural monument from the era of Octavian Augustus.

Altar of Peace in Rome - a little history

Construction decision Altar of Peace (Ara Pacis) was passed by the Roman Senate on July 4, 13 BC. At that time Ti was the consul of Rome

Beria Nero. The monument was erected in honor of the return of Emperor Augustus after victorious battles in Spain and Gaul. Its discovery took place on January 30, 9 BC. Magistrates, priests and vestals were required to perform annual sacrifices on the altar.

The altar was on Champ de Mars, north of Agrippa's buildings. In the old days, infantry and cavalry maneuvers took place there. Today this is the place where is located Palazzo Fiano Peretti Almagia(corner of Corso and Via in Lucina), west side of Via Flaminia.

In the 16th century, Ara Pacis Augustae was located in the floodplain of the Tiber River, where it was buried under four meters of silt. The first remains of the altar were discovered near the Palazzo Fiano in 1568. Further fragments were found in 1859. From the second half of the 1800s. Excavations began to be carried out regularly. Since 1903, they began to purposefully search for the remains of the Altar of Peace.

In 1938, Benito Mussolini built a protective building for the altar near the Mausoleum of Augustus.

Research done in the 90s. The 20th century showed that the altar was poorly protected. The city administration decided to carry out a major reconstruction and replace the building, which appeared in 1938. The modern complex was built in 1996 – 2006. Since April 21, 2006, the Altar of Peace Museum has been open to visitors.

Altar of Peace in Rome - description

When we first hear about Ara Pacis, we cannot immediately understand that this is an ancient monument or an exhibition hall. Thanks to the efforts of modern architects, the incredible has been achieved. In addition to housing an altar from the era of Emperor Augustus, the complex hosts the best exhibitions in Rome.

Altar of Peace Museum— a rectangular body made of glass and concrete. The most valuable monument of the Augustan era is now reliably protected from dust, exhaust gases, vibration, changes in temperature and humidity. During the construction of the museum complex, innovative technologies were used to protect the Altar of Peace from destruction. The room was designed by the architectural studio of American Richard Meier.

To reach the central pavilion, visitors walk through a darkened area. The natural light that illuminates Ara Pacis is filtered through 500 square meters of crystal panels. This makes it possible to feel the unity of the museum space with the outside world, and also helps to create the silence necessary to enjoy the monument to its fullest.

The altarpiece is a universally recognized masterpiece, the most famous surviving example of sculpture that existed in ancient Rome. It differs from Greek samples presence of non-idealized figures, vol.

Life-size deer, and recognizable portraits of people. It was supposed to show the military superiority of the Roman Empire and visually recall the glorious Julio-Claudian dynasty.

The main part of the Altar of Peace is table on which sacrifices took place. There are steps leading up to it. There are special passages around the altar. They were probably used to drain blood and water used to wash the altar. The central part of the ancient Roman altar is surrounded by walls.

The material from which the Altar of Peace is built is honed white marble- in the old days, it made it more noticeable among other buildings in Rome. It depicts episodes of sacrifice to the gods. Among the figures on the walls you can see men, women, children, clergy, service personnel, city guests or slaves.

The images of Emperor Augustus in a laurel wreath (symbol of peace), his son-in-law Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, wife Livia, stepson Tiberius, daughter Julia, Gaius Julius Caesar Vipsanian, Lucius Domitius Agenobarba, Sextus Appuleius, Domitius, Germanicus, Gnaeus Domitius Agenobu, Anthony the Younger, Anthony the Elder and others. The middle part of the walls of the monument is occupied by images of figures that are mentioned in the myths of Ancient Rome, below - sculptures of nature (plant ornaments).

On the eastern wall of the Altar of Peace there is a poorly preserved relief with a female warrior. Art critics think it's Roma. She sits on a pile of weapons taken from the enemy. The image has been restored, which is why many scientists consider it to be incorrect. Difficulties are also connected with the fact that the Altar is on the coins of Nero and Domitian, but there is no mention of its images in documentary sources.

Other panels survived better. On them - goddess of fertility and prosperity with the twins on his lap, the moment when the shepherd Faustulus found Romulus and Remus, the sacrifice of a pig. The north wall has about 46 surviving or partially surviving figures. There are priests, members of the imperial family with their companions.

Scientists are inclined to believe that the original location of the Altar of Peace allowed that on the birthday of Augustus, a shadow from a sundial located nearby would fall on the structure.

Where is the Altar of Peace Museum and how to get there

The Altar of Peace is located on the shore, at the corner of Lungotevere in Augusta and via Tomacelli. This is the Campo Marzio area.

How to get to Altar:

• To get to the architectural monument you can drive on to Flaminio station and walk about 500 meters.
• If you want to shorten the time, sit at Piazza Flaminio for buses No. 628-926 and get off at the stop “Augusto Imperatore/Ara Pacis”. From Spagna metro station you can walk along via Condotti and via Tomacelli. You need to move towards the main river of Rome. You can also get to the attraction by buses No. 224, 590.

There is a car park on the Tiber embankment.

Museum opening hours:

• Tuesday-Sunday from 9.00 to 19.00.
• On December 24 and 31 you can visit the Altar of Peace from 9.00 to 14.00.

Ticket prices:

• adult - 10,50 € ,
• preferential - 8,50 € .
• For Roman citizens - 8.50 € and 6.50 € respectively.
• Depending on the temporary exhibitions that take place in the museum, the price varies. So, from March 12, 2015, entrance to the museum and exhibitions “Espositione Universale Rome. Una citta nuova dal Fascismo agli anni ’60” and “Beverly Pepper all’Ara Pachis” will cost €14.00 (€12.00) and €12.00 (€10.00) for Romans.
• An audio guide will cost 4,00 € .
• Free entry provided to all children under 6 years old, residents of Rome under 18 years old, over 65 years old, with an income of less than 15,000 €, guides, translators, etc.

It is possible to purchase tickets online. In this case, it is enough to print out the electronic receipt and present it at the turnstile. Ara Pacis is also included in the tourist map.

Altar of Peace on the map of Rome: