Mausoleo di Pompeo Magno: Ancient Roman Tomb on the Appian Way
Explore the Mausoleo di Pompeo Magno on the Appian Way, a window into ancient Roman funerary architecture and history.
The Mausoleo di Pompeo Magno, or Torre Selce, stands as a testament to ancient Roman history along the Via Appia Antica. While not definitively the tomb of Pompey the Great himself, as historical accounts suggest he was buried in his family's mausoleum near his villa in the Alban Hills , this impressive tower mausoleum offers a tangible connection to the past. Originally, the structure was composed of four superimposed cubes, creating a towering presence for travelers approaching Albano. Though damaged during World War II, its height was once comparable to a modern five-story building. Today, the ruins still evoke a sense of grandeur and provide insight into the architectural styles and funerary customs of the Roman Empire. Located along the Appian Way, the Mausoleo is surrounded by other ancient ruins and monuments, making it a worthwhile stop for those exploring this historic road. The Appian Way itself, commissioned in 312 BCE, served as a crucial military and trade route, lined with tombs and markers of Roman society.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the Appian Way is uneven and can be dusty.
- Visit on a Sunday when the Appian Way is closed to motorized traffic for a more pedestrian-friendly experience.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities along the Appian Way.
A brief summary to Mausoleo di Pompeo Magno o Torre Selce
- Via Appia Antica, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, 00178, IT
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the center of Rome, take Metro Line A to the San Giovanni stop. Transfer to bus line 218 or 118. The 118 bus runs from the Colosseum or Piazza Venezia and travels along a good length of the Via Appia Antica. The 218 bus runs from Basilica di San Giovanni. Get off at the stop closest to the Mausoleo di Pompeo Magno on the Via Appia Antica. A single bus-metro ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes.
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Walking
If you are near the Appia Antica Regional Park, the Mausoleo di Pompeo Magno is a short walk along the Via Appia Antica. Follow the signs; the mausoleum is located on the left side of the road. Be prepared for a pleasant stroll through this historic area, but wear comfortable shoes as the road can be uneven in places.
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Taxi
Taxis are available throughout Rome. A taxi from the city center to the Appian Way takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost is around €20-€30. Ensure the meter is running.
Attractions Nearby to Mausoleo di Pompeo Magno o Torre Selce
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Via Appia Antica
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Mausoleum of Casal Rotondo
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Capannelle Racecourse
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Villa of the Quintili
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Complesso di Santa Maria Nova
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Santa Maria Nova Complex
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Antiquarium di Lucrezia Romana
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Villa Appia Antica
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Sepolcro di Tiberio Claudio Secondo Filippiano
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Tomb of Hilarus Fuscus
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Piazza san Pietro
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Archi dell'Acquedotto Claudio
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Arboreto della Via Appia
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Acquedotto Acqua Marcia
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Park of the Aqueducts
Landmarks nearby to Mausoleo di Pompeo Magno o Torre Selce
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Casal Rotondo
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Acquedotto Felice - Viale Appio Claudio
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Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella
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Tombs of Via Latina
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Catacombs of Saint Sebastian
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Basilica of St Sebastian Outside the Walls
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Via dei Quintili
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Via del Poggio Laurentino, 118
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Piazza Guglielmo Marconi
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Fountain of Carlotta
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Palais des Offices (EUR)
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Porta San Sebastiano
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Arch of Drusus
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P.za Roberto Malatesta
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Piazza dei Condottieri