Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the centre, the 36m-high obelisk MAP GOOGLE MAP was brought by Augustus from Heliopolis, in an-
cient Egypt, and originally stood in Circo Massimo. To the east is the viewpoint of the Pincio Hill Gardens. This
is not one of Rome's original seven hills, as it lay outside the original city boundary - it was included within the
city from the 3rd century.
Guarding the piazza's southern end are Carlo Rainaldi's twin 17th-century baroque churches, Chiesa di Santa
Maria dei Miracoli MAP GOOGLE MAP and Chiesa di Santa Maria in Montesanto MAP GOOGLE MAP ,
while over on the northern flank is the Porta del Popolo MAP GOOGLE MAP , created by Bernini in 1655 to
celebrate Queen Christina of Sweden's defection to Catholicism. Beside the gate is the treasure-trove of art that is
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo.
DON'T MISS...
» The obelisk
» The view from the Pincio Hill Gardens
PRACTICALITIES
» MAP
» Flaminio
West of Via del Corso
MUSEO DELL'ARA PACIS
MAP GOOGLE MAP
MUSEUM
( 06 06 08; http://en.arapacis.it ; Lungotevere in Augusta; adult/reduced €8.50/6.50; 9am-7pm Tue-Sun, last ad-
mission 6pm; Flaminio) Many Romans detest Richard Meier's minimalist glass-and-marble
pavilion (the first modern construction in Rome's historic centre since WWII). Inside is
the less-controversial Ara Pacis Augustae (Altar of Peace), Augustus' great monument to
peace. One of the most important works of ancient Roman sculpture, the vast marble altar
(it measures 11.6m by 10.6m by 3.6m) was completed in 13 BC.
It was originally positioned near Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, slightly to the southeast
of its current site. The location was calculated so that on Augustus' birthday the shadow
of a huge sundial on Campus Martius would fall directly on it. Over the centuries the altar
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