Templum Veneris et Romae (Temple of Venus and Roma), Rome
The Temple of Venus and Roma is said to be the largest temple of Ancient Rome. Constructed by Emperor Hadrian on the Velian Hill, between the eastern edge of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, it was dedicated to two goddesses: Venus, the goddess of love and bringer of good fortune, and Roma, the personification of eternal Rome.
The construction began in 121 AD and was completed 20 years later, with the official inauguration taking place another six years after that. The temple suffered damage from a fire in 307 AD, and eventually underwent modifications.
Raised on a platform measuring 145 by 100 meters, the temple's main structure, sized 110 by 53 meters, reached a height of 31 meters (complete with the statues on top). It consisted of two main chambers, each housing a cult statue of a deity. There, Venus and Roma were depicted seated on thrones. The chambers were arranged symmetrically, with the chamber of Roma facing west to the Roman Forum, and that of Venus facing east toward the Colosseum.
The entrance to each chamber was adorned with a row of four columns. Surrounding the temple, colonnaded entrances terminated in staircases leading down to the Colosseum. This arrangement provided a grand and impressive approach to the building.
One fascinating aspect of it, devised by Emperor Hadrian, was the symbolic connection between the two goddesses. By placing the divinities of Venus and Rome back-to-back in a single temple, a subtle symmetry was achieved in a sense that the Latin word "AMOR" (meaning love) can also be read as "ROMA" (which means Rome), if spelled backward.
Within Venus's chamber, there was an additional altar where newlywed couples could make sacrifices.
While the Temple of Venus and Roma no longer stands in its complete form, its remnants and historical accounts provide valuable insights into the colossality and ingenuity of Roman imperial architecture.
The construction began in 121 AD and was completed 20 years later, with the official inauguration taking place another six years after that. The temple suffered damage from a fire in 307 AD, and eventually underwent modifications.
Raised on a platform measuring 145 by 100 meters, the temple's main structure, sized 110 by 53 meters, reached a height of 31 meters (complete with the statues on top). It consisted of two main chambers, each housing a cult statue of a deity. There, Venus and Roma were depicted seated on thrones. The chambers were arranged symmetrically, with the chamber of Roma facing west to the Roman Forum, and that of Venus facing east toward the Colosseum.
The entrance to each chamber was adorned with a row of four columns. Surrounding the temple, colonnaded entrances terminated in staircases leading down to the Colosseum. This arrangement provided a grand and impressive approach to the building.
One fascinating aspect of it, devised by Emperor Hadrian, was the symbolic connection between the two goddesses. By placing the divinities of Venus and Rome back-to-back in a single temple, a subtle symmetry was achieved in a sense that the Latin word "AMOR" (meaning love) can also be read as "ROMA" (which means Rome), if spelled backward.
Within Venus's chamber, there was an additional altar where newlywed couples could make sacrifices.
While the Temple of Venus and Roma no longer stands in its complete form, its remnants and historical accounts provide valuable insights into the colossality and ingenuity of Roman imperial architecture.
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Templum Veneris et Romae (Temple of Venus and Roma) on Map
Sight Name: Templum Veneris et Romae (Temple of Venus and Roma)
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:
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