Temple of Venus and Roma, Rome

The Temple of Venus and Roma is located in Rome near the Colosseum and is considered to be a part of Forum Romanum. In ancient times, it was the most ambitious religious building project. In 121 AD, during Emperor Hadrian’s reign, the temple was decided to be built on the spot where portico of Emperor Nero's Domus Aurea used to be. The construction site took up a huge area. The plinth on which the building stood was 145 meters long and 100 meters wide. It consisted of two separate cellas. One part was devoted to Roma, the deity of Rome, and the other one to Venus, Roman goddess of beauty. The Emperor himself created the temple design. The building was completed during the rule of Antoninus Pius. In year 307 the temple was almost burned to the ground and later renovated under Emperor Maxentius.

The ruins of the temple

Today, the most important temple of Rome can only offer a glimpse of its impressive ruins – several rows of granite columns. The west part, where Roma sat on the throne, remains to be the best-preserved one. This cella was built onto the church called “Santa Francesca Romana” which is why it managed to stay relatively intact. 20 magnificent columns of the Temple of Venus and Roma serve as proof of former grandness of the sacral place.

Interesting to know

As is known, the design of the temple was developed by Emperor Hadrian. According to the legend, an outstanding Roman architect Apollodorus of Damascus was asked to review and judge it. He made a mistake by recklessly remarking that Emperor could do a much better job if he grew kale. He then was charged with treason and put to death because of his audacity.

How to get

The ruins of the Temple of Venus and Roma are located in the center of Rome, right in front of the Colosseum. You can get here if you take the subway to the Colosseo station or by buses № 60, 75, 85, 87, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810, 850, С3.