Rome is a city with many ancient sights but, at the same time, always ready to surprise you with something new.
One of the latest highlights to add on your bucket list for Rome, is a night immersive experience that brings ancient Rome to life.
Starting from March 27th 2026, after sunset, you will be able to admire the Ara Pacis in its original colors, just as it was designed in ancient times.
What is the Ara Pacis and why should you see it?
After the assassination of Julius Caesar, Rome was shaken by a long period of civil wars.
Peace was eventually restored during the reign of Augustus. To celebrate this new era of stability and prosperity, in 9 BC Augustus built this altar, and called it “Ara Pacis”, the altar of peace.
The monument consists of a marble enclosure surrounding an inner altar, all made of luminous white Carrara marble. During your visit, you can walk inside the enclosure and around the altar itself.
The Ara Pacis was a religious altar, just as many other altars in antiquities, used for pagan rituals that often included animal sacrifices to the gods.
What makes it truly unique, however, are the detailed reliefs carved on its exterior. These are not just decorative, they are a powerful example of Augustus’ political messaging.
The intentions of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome and adoptive son of Julius Caesar, were to present himself as the bringer of peace after years of conflict. Through the imagery on the Ara Pacis, he promoted symbols of harmony, prosperity, and renewal.
This theme appears across many monuments from his time: idyllic scenes, fertility symbols, references to motherhood, lush vegetation, and animals in peaceful settings. Romans experienced this period almost like a Renaissance, a time of optimism and a return to traditional values.
It’s fascinating to see how Augustus shaped his public image through art and architecture. In a way, what modern politicians do today through TV, social media, and billboards, Augustus achieved through monuments like the Ara Pacis.
For centuries, we’ve seen these reliefs in plain white marble, as their original colors had been lost. Now, for the first time, you have the chance to experience them as they once were, vivid and full of life.
What to expect at the Ara Pacis night experience
If you visit the Ara Pacis at night on weekends, you’ll enjoy a 45-minute immersive experience combining storytelling with spectacular video mapping.
Through light and narration, the monument comes alive with scenes from Rome’s legendary origins. You’ll see the she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, as well as ceremonial processions featuring Augustus and members of his family.
Without overwhelming you with details, the experience offers a close look at Augustus’ vision of Rome. You’ll also be struck by the incredible level of detail in the decorations, where every small element carries symbolic meaning.
How to visit the Ara Pacis at night
Starting March 27, 2026, the experience will take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM (times may vary during the Summer).
There are three sessions each evening, each lasting approximately 45 minutes.
Visits are organized in small groups of up to 25 people. Headsets are provided and available in multiple languages.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.arapacis.it or directly on-site.
Want to experience more of Rome at night?
If Rome is magnificent by day, it becomes truly magical by night.
The crowds fade away, lights reflect on the cobblestones, the sound of fountains becomes the city’s background music.
If you’re curious to discover more of Rome after dark, take a look at our small-group night tours. On these tours you explore Rome’s iconic sights and lots of unexpected wonders you might miss otherwise, all seen and felt in a different light.
Our tours are not packed, not rushed, and not stuck in tourist spots — because this is how we’d show Rome to a close friend. You can learn more about how our Rome tours work, the best Rome tours or browse all our small-group tours to see the experiences currently available.
