The long-neglected Piazza Augusto Imperatore has been remodeled and reopened, with a shallow-stepped staircase that connects the area with Via di Ripetta. The result is a marble-lined pedestrian space that's a new meeting point and outdoor space in the area, and will be the access point to the monumental mausoleum of Augustus, the first Roman emperor, when it finally opens after a lengthy restoration, potentially in 2027. Alongside the piazza is a bookshop, cafe and ticket office.
Augustus' mausoleum, 45m wide and 90m high, was much larger than that of Hadrian, across the Tevere. Only the base remains. It was built in 28 BCE and is the final resting place of Augustus, buried here in 14 CE, and his favorite nephew and heir Marcellus. Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini had it restored in 1936 with an eye to being buried here himself, and the buildings that surround the square were built during the fascist era. They've recently taken on a new lease of life, with the Bulgari Hotel occupying one side.
