The Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace, was built to celebrate Augustus’s consolidation of Roman power and inaugurated in 9 BC. Turismo Roma describes it as one of the greatest artistic works of antiquity, and UNESCO specifically names the Ara Pacis among the monuments that contribute to the Outstanding Universal Value of Rome’s historic center.
Quick facts
- Best for: travelers interested in Augustan propaganda and art, visitors pairing it with the Mausoleum of Augustus
- Known for: Its sculpted marble reliefs and its central role in the Augustan political and artistic program.
Why it ranks
The Ara Pacis ranks in this guide because it is a major Augustan monument with unusually rich historical legibility, is named by UNESCO among Rome’s significant monuments, and becomes even more meaningful when read together with the nearby Mausoleum of Augustus.
Location and links
Service area and category
- City: Rome
- Region: Lazio
- Country: Italy
- Category: Historical site
Editorial summary
The Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace, was built to celebrate Augustus’s consolidation of Roman power and inaugurated in 9 BC. Turismo Roma describes it as one of the greatest artistic works of antiquity, and UNESCO specifically names the Ara Pacis among the monuments that contribute to the Outstanding Universal Value of Rome’s historic center.