After decades of neglect, one of the most important monuments of ancient Rome, the mausoleum of the first emperor Augustus, has been restored and will be reopened to the public.
O mausoleum is the largest circular tomb in the world and was built in 28 BC. near the banks of the Tiber River to house the remains of Augustus and his heirs, including the emperors Tiberius, Caligula and Claudius.
“This is a historic moment,” Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi told reporters, stating that the site will open to tourists on March 1st, with free entry for everyone until April 21st, the day the city marks its founding in 753 BC.
“Reopening a monument like this is a sign of hope, as we look to the future with good faith, despite the uncertainties of the pandemic. We need to work for the future and maintain our traditions,” she added.
Mausoleum of Augustus in Rome turned into castle and amphitheater
One of the most impressive buildings in the city, the site underwent many changes after the fall of the Roman Empire, becoming at one point a fortified castle, then a hanging garden and, later, an amphitheater for bullfights and performances.
At the beginning of the last century, it was transformed into a grand theater for concerts and operas before fascist dictator Benito Mussolini ordered the auditorium to be dismantled in an attempt to restore the ancient Roman landmarks.
Over the years, the place deteriorated. The restoration cost 10 million euross.
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