Tempio di Antonino e Faustina (Temple of Antoninus and Faustina), Rome
What's known today as the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda in the Roman Forum was adapted from the ancient Temple of Antoninus and Faustina. Like many other churches in Rome, this one was built over an older structure, reflecting the city's characteristic blend of ancient and modern layers. Although much of the structure has been modified over time, the original portico with its marble Corinthian columns remains intact.
Emperor Antoninus Pius, one of Rome鈥檚 so-called 鈥淔ive Good Emperors鈥�, built the temple in 141 AD to honor his deceased wife, Faustina the Elder, whom he deified. This marked the first time an empress was granted a permanent presence in the Roman Forum. After Antoninus Pius died in 161 AD, his successor, Marcus Aurelius, rededicated the temple to honor the imperial couple.
The structure was built on a high podium with an inscription on the fa莽ade declaring its dedication to the 鈥渄ivine Antoninus and Faustina鈥� by order of the Senate. The portico, supported by eight massive Corinthian columns (each standing 17 meters tall), is the most striking feature, while its frieze, adorned with griffins, acanthus scrolls, and candelabra, later influenced Renaissance and Neoclassical art.
Coins from the era suggest the temple originally had a gated entrance from the Sacred Street and housed statues of Faustina and Antoninus Pius, fragments of which were later discovered. By the 7th century, the temple was converted into a Christian church, renamed after Saint Lawrence, based on the belief that his sentencing took place there. Over time, medieval modifications included attempts to dismantle the columns for materials and the removal of much of the temple鈥檚 original marble facing.
In the 15th century, Pope Martin V granted the church to the Guild of Apothecaries, which still operates a small museum nearby. During Emperor Charles V鈥檚 visit in 1536, parts of the church were demolished to restore the temple鈥檚 classical elements. Later, in 1602, renovations gave the church a single nave and three chapels, with notable artworks like Pietro da Cortona鈥檚 鈥淢artyrdom of Saint Lawrence鈥� and Domenichino鈥檚 鈥淢adonna and Child with Saints.鈥�
Today, the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda represents a remarkable fusion of Roman antiquity and Catholic tradition, symbolizing Rome鈥檚 layered history within its ancient walls.
Emperor Antoninus Pius, one of Rome鈥檚 so-called 鈥淔ive Good Emperors鈥�, built the temple in 141 AD to honor his deceased wife, Faustina the Elder, whom he deified. This marked the first time an empress was granted a permanent presence in the Roman Forum. After Antoninus Pius died in 161 AD, his successor, Marcus Aurelius, rededicated the temple to honor the imperial couple.
The structure was built on a high podium with an inscription on the fa莽ade declaring its dedication to the 鈥渄ivine Antoninus and Faustina鈥� by order of the Senate. The portico, supported by eight massive Corinthian columns (each standing 17 meters tall), is the most striking feature, while its frieze, adorned with griffins, acanthus scrolls, and candelabra, later influenced Renaissance and Neoclassical art.
Coins from the era suggest the temple originally had a gated entrance from the Sacred Street and housed statues of Faustina and Antoninus Pius, fragments of which were later discovered. By the 7th century, the temple was converted into a Christian church, renamed after Saint Lawrence, based on the belief that his sentencing took place there. Over time, medieval modifications included attempts to dismantle the columns for materials and the removal of much of the temple鈥檚 original marble facing.
In the 15th century, Pope Martin V granted the church to the Guild of Apothecaries, which still operates a small museum nearby. During Emperor Charles V鈥檚 visit in 1536, parts of the church were demolished to restore the temple鈥檚 classical elements. Later, in 1602, renovations gave the church a single nave and three chapels, with notable artworks like Pietro da Cortona鈥檚 鈥淢artyrdom of Saint Lawrence鈥� and Domenichino鈥檚 鈥淢adonna and Child with Saints.鈥�
Today, the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda represents a remarkable fusion of Roman antiquity and Catholic tradition, symbolizing Rome鈥檚 layered history within its ancient walls.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: 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.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Tempio di Antonino e Faustina (Temple of Antoninus and Faustina) on Map
Sight Name: Tempio di Antonino e Faustina (Temple of Antoninus and Faustina)
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.
Trastevere Walking Tour
Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city 鈥� Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour
Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city 鈥� a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word 鈥減alace鈥� 鈥� indicating the emperor鈥檚 residence (鈥淧alatium鈥�), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Holy Sites Walking Tour
As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.
Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
Vatican Walking Tour
Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world鈥檚 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: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour
In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city鈥檚 most popular attractions are located within them.
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Food Tasting Walking Tour
Whether it鈥檚 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鈥檚 most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caff猫s 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
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鈥檚 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...
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...
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...