Tempio di Romolo (Temple of Romulus), Rome
The Temple of Romulus occupies a position between the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina and the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine. Despite its name, the true origin and intended dedication of the temple have been subjects of ongoing debate among historians and archaeologists.
Traditionally, it was believed that the Temple of Romulus was dedicated by Emperor Maxentius to honor his young son, Valerio Romolo, who sadly passed away at the tender age of four in 309. However, recent studies have challenged this view, suggesting that the temple might actually be associated with the Penates of Rome or dedicated to Jupiter. According to these alternative theories, the temple was founded by Romulus himself, the legendary founder and first king of Rome, on the very spot where the Romans clashed with the Sabines.
The Temple of Romulus is characterized by its distinct circular shape and a dome constructed using concrete. The entire structure is crafted from bricks, a common building material of the time. The circular hall is flanked by two symmetrical apsidal halls, creating a harmonious layout. On the exterior, you can observe four small niches that were likely intended to house decorative statues, adding an artistic touch to the temple's facade.
Upon approaching the temple, one encounters an entrance adorned with two porphyry columns. Porphyry, a type of marble highly prized in ancient times, was considered as valuable as gold and is now extremely rare. The original bronze door, still in place today, showcases a green hue and boasts a perfectly functioning lock, a testament to the longevity of its craftsmanship.
Traditionally, it was believed that the Temple of Romulus was dedicated by Emperor Maxentius to honor his young son, Valerio Romolo, who sadly passed away at the tender age of four in 309. However, recent studies have challenged this view, suggesting that the temple might actually be associated with the Penates of Rome or dedicated to Jupiter. According to these alternative theories, the temple was founded by Romulus himself, the legendary founder and first king of Rome, on the very spot where the Romans clashed with the Sabines.
The Temple of Romulus is characterized by its distinct circular shape and a dome constructed using concrete. The entire structure is crafted from bricks, a common building material of the time. The circular hall is flanked by two symmetrical apsidal halls, creating a harmonious layout. On the exterior, you can observe four small niches that were likely intended to house decorative statues, adding an artistic touch to the temple's facade.
Upon approaching the temple, one encounters an entrance adorned with two porphyry columns. Porphyry, a type of marble highly prized in ancient times, was considered as valuable as gold and is now extremely rare. The original bronze door, still in place today, showcases a green hue and boasts a perfectly functioning lock, a testament to the longevity of its craftsmanship.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Tempio di Romolo (Temple of Romulus) on Map
Sight Name: Tempio di Romolo (Temple of Romulus)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Food Tasting Walking Tour
Whether it’s a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy’s most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caffès are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.
On this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
On this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour
It's a known fact that "Rome wasn't built in a day." But when it was finally built, it stood the test of time and became "the eternal city." Many have heard that "all roads lead to Rome," but very few probably realize that inside Rome itself all roads lead to the Forum.
The central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum (also known by its Latin name... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum (also known by its Latin name... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome
Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour
Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called ‘Tridente’ is one of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas, formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and the adjacent Via del Corso. It is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian/international... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour
The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Vatican Walking Tour
Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world’s smallest sovereign state, as well as a symbol (and headquarters) of the Roman Catholic faith. Although only 44 hectares in surface, one is amazed by the vastness of this place and the sheer size of everything. When gazing around in all directions, you realize how much can be achieved by people working in faith for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy
For ice cream lovers and dabblers this guide is a treasure chest of Rome’s best gelato shops. There are gelaterias everywhere. Many visitors to Rome only have a few days to explore the city. You owe it to yourself to make the most of your time and find the gelato locals eat. Often the authentic...
Souvenirs Shopping: 15 Authentic Italian Things To Buy in Rome
Rome is the Eternal City and, as such, the list of gift options available here is countless. Whether it's something edible, drinkable, wearable or pleasing to the eye that you want - you will find it all here in abundance. However, if time or budget is the factor, perhaps you might want to...
10 Best Food Markets in Rome Italy
Of all the things Italy is most famous for (cars, music, fashion, movies, etc.), food is, undoubtedly, top of the list. Rome may well not be the whole Italy, but no Italy is whole without Rome... And the Romans, much as all their fellow-Italians, like it "fresco", hence the abundance of...