Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella

The Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella is one of the most emblematic monuments on the Via Appia Antica in Rome. Built between 30 and 20 BC, it was erected as a tomb for Cecilia Metella, daughter of a Roman consul and wife of Marcus Licinius Crassus, a prominent Roman general. This mausoleum is easily recognized by its imposing cylindrical structure, which stands on a square base, and by its travertine decorations that include friezes and reliefs depicting arms and shields, symbols of power and nobility. The mausoleum was part of a larger estate that included a villa and a number of outbuildings. In medieval times, the building was transformed into a stronghold by the Counts of Tusculum and later by the Caetani, who built a castle next to the mausoleum, reinforcing the structure and giving it an even more imposing appearance. Today, the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella is an important archaeological site that can be visited, and is part of the Appia Antica Archaeological Park, which allows visitors to explore one of the most evocative stretches of ancient Rome, with remains of villas, baths and ancient mausoleums. The Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella is located at the third mile of the Via Appia Antica and is one of the most remarkable examples of Roman funerary architecture.

Architectural Structure: The tomb is a cylindrical construction about 11 meters high and 29 meters wide. The base is decorated with a Doric frieze, with shields and military-themed motifs that probably reflected the status of Cecilia Metella’s family. The cylinder is constructed of travertine and tufa, materials common in Roman monumental buildings.

Funerary Inscription: An inscription is visible on the eastern side of the mausoleum that reads: *”CAECILIAE Q. CRETICI F. METELLAE CRASSI “*, meaning “To Cecilia, daughter of Quintus Metellus Creticus, wife of Crassus.” Quintus Metellus Creticus was a prominent Roman consul who conquered Crete, while Crassus belonged to the family of Marcus Licinius Crassus, an ally and rival of Julius Caesar.

Strategic Function in the Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, the building was turned into a fortification to control the Appian Way. The Caetani family, a powerful medieval lineage, built a castle next to the mausoleum to defend access to the city. This transformation gave the mausoleum a fortress-like appearance, partly preserving the original structure and enriching it with defensive elements.

Archaeological and Naturalistic Context: The Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella is located within the Appia Antica Archaeological Park, one of Rome’s most extensive and fascinating archaeological and natural areas. The area is famous for the remains of Roman villas, aqueducts, and mausoleums, and allows visitors to immerse themselves in a landscape that has remained largely unchanged since antiquity.

Studies and Research: Due to its imposing structure and centuries-long history, the mausoleum has been the subject of much archaeological and architectural study. It has been speculated that Cecilia’s family chose such a prominent location on the Appian Way to highlight their prestige. The area around the mausoleum has been the subject of excavations that have revealed remains of other funerary structures and ancient roads.

Visits and Tourism: The mausoleum is open to the public and can be visited, along with the nearby medieval castle, with a ticket that includes access to other sites on the Appia Antica. The area is ideal for walking or biking, thanks to the many trails that wind along the ancient Roman road and allow visitors to admire historic monuments surrounded by nature.