Rome, June 10 – The monumental Mausoleum of Monte del Grano in the Quadraro district of Rome has reopened its doors to the public following extensive restoration work, attracting hundreds of visitors. On Sunday, June 7, an impressive 500 citizens visited the ancient circular tomb, making it a significant cultural event for the city.
Restoration and Reopening Attracts Crowds
The Mausoleum, known as the third largest ancient Roman burial site after those of Hadrian and Augustus, has been brought back to its former glory. This restoration was part of the PNRR program, specifically through the Next Generation EU Caput Mundi plan. Alongside the Mausoleum, the nearby tomb at Largo Talamo also reopened.
“The intervention on the Mausoleum of Monte del Grano, financed with 179 thousand euros and managed by Roma Capitale on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, mainly concerned protection and enhancement works of the monument, such as waterproofing the roof and improving lighting,” stated a representative from Roma Capitale.
Visits to the Mausoleum are available by reservation only through the Capitoline Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, by calling 060608. The ticket price is 4 euros (3 euros reduced), with free entry for Mic Card holders and certain categories of residents.
Historical Significance of Monte del Grano
Located in Parco XVII Aprile 1944, the Mausoleum of Monte del Grano appears from a distance as a simple hill crowned with olive trees. However, it conceals a majestic tumulus tomb. Its name, known since the Middle Ages, derives from its shape, resembling an “overturned bushel of grain,” or modius grani in Latin.
By the end of the 14th century, the Mausoleum was stripped of its external cladding to obtain lime. Two centuries later, a tower stood on its summit, which eventually collapsed in the early 20th century.
Imperial Connections and Archaeological Discoveries
Accessing the interior requires traversing a long corridor that opens into a circular cell. Originally divided into two levels, this cell was illuminated and ventilated by two skylights. In the late 16th century, a beautifully decorated sarcophagus was discovered within the tomb, now housed at the Capitoline Museums.
The sarcophagus’s lid depicted two reclining figures, initially identified as Emperor Alexander Severus and his mother, Julia Mamaea. This led to the Mausoleum being dated to the early 3rd century, during Alexander Severus’s reign. However, this identification has since been disproven. Brick stamps found within the Mausoleum suggest its construction predates this period, possibly dating back to the time of Emperor Hadrian.
Unraveling the Identity of the Deceased
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact identity of the figures, the grandeur and richness of the sarcophagus, coupled with the monumentality of the Mausoleum itself, strongly suggest the high status of the deceased. It is believed that the tomb belonged to a prominent member of the imperial family or the senatorial class.
The external appearance of the tomb also remains a subject of speculation. It is likely that it was delimited by a circular drum of travertine blocks, which supported a truncated conical tumulus covered with vegetation. This design, of Hellenistic origin, finds its most famous example in the Mausoleum of Augustus.
The Mausoleum Monte del Grano is conveniently located near the Porta Furba/Numidio Quadrato stop on Rome’s Metro Line A.
Upcoming Archaeological Openings
The Capitoline Superintendence’s calendar of archaeological site openings includes several other notable events:
- Saturday, June 13 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM): The Church of S. Urbano alla Caffarella, a captivating example of a pagan religious building transformed into a Christian place of worship, adorned with frescoes from the 11th and 17th centuries.
- Sunday, June 14 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM): A double event featuring the Roman villa of Tor de’ Cenci, a suburban residence whose use extended from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD, and a new section of the archaeological area of the Circus Maximus, expanding its visitor route with a portion of the Aventine side’s hemicycle.
These openings highlight Rome’s continuous efforts to preserve and showcase its rich historical heritage, offering both residents and tourists unique opportunities to explore its ancient past.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_giugno_10/roma-quadraro-centinaia-di-visitatori-al-mausoleo-di-monte-del-grano-dopo-il-restauro-deda29f9-a2fc-4006-8de6-215329b7dxlk.shtml
