Tempio di Romolo (Temple of Romulus), Rome
The Temple of Romulus, wedged between the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina and the Basilica of Maxentius along the Sacred Street, is traditionally linked to Valerius Romulus, the son of Emperor Maxentius. However, its true origins remain debated.
Some historians suggest that it originally served as a vestibule for the Temple of Peace, later repurposed by Maxentius, in the 4th century AD, as a temple honoring his son, who died in the year 309 at the tender age of four. Medieval sources and coins inscribed with 鈥渋n eternal memory鈥� phrase support this theory, though some argue the inscription may refer to a mausoleum on the Appian Way. Others claim the temple was dedicated to Constantine I.
A 19th-century theory proposes that the structure was once linked to the Temple of the Penates, which stood on the Velia Hill and, according to legend, was founded by Romulus, the mythical founder of Rome. Regardless of its origins, the temple was later incorporated into a Christian complex when Pope Felix IV converted part of it into the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian in 527 AD. Over time, the structure underwent several modifications.
Architecturally, the circular temple is notable for its brick construction, concrete dome, and a fa莽ade that originally featured four statues. Its most striking feature still in place is the grand entrance, framed by two red porphyry columns, a material considered as valuable as gold in antiquity. Among its most remarkable elements is the original bronze doors, a rare surviving example from ancient Rome, still functioning with their original locking mechanism. Inside, a central circular hall is flanked by two symmetrical apsidal halls, maintaining a harmonious layout.
Despite centuries of change, the Temple of Divine Romulus remains one of the best-preserved structures in the Roman Forum.
Some historians suggest that it originally served as a vestibule for the Temple of Peace, later repurposed by Maxentius, in the 4th century AD, as a temple honoring his son, who died in the year 309 at the tender age of four. Medieval sources and coins inscribed with 鈥渋n eternal memory鈥� phrase support this theory, though some argue the inscription may refer to a mausoleum on the Appian Way. Others claim the temple was dedicated to Constantine I.
A 19th-century theory proposes that the structure was once linked to the Temple of the Penates, which stood on the Velia Hill and, according to legend, was founded by Romulus, the mythical founder of Rome. Regardless of its origins, the temple was later incorporated into a Christian complex when Pope Felix IV converted part of it into the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian in 527 AD. Over time, the structure underwent several modifications.
Architecturally, the circular temple is notable for its brick construction, concrete dome, and a fa莽ade that originally featured four statues. Its most striking feature still in place is the grand entrance, framed by two red porphyry columns, a material considered as valuable as gold in antiquity. Among its most remarkable elements is the original bronze doors, a rare surviving example from ancient Rome, still functioning with their original locking mechanism. Inside, a central circular hall is flanked by two symmetrical apsidal halls, maintaining a harmonious layout.
Despite centuries of change, the Temple of Divine Romulus remains one of the best-preserved structures in the Roman Forum.
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 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.
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
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
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
Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome Walking Tour
Rome has long played host to pilgrims鈥攁fter all, it's home to the Pope, the Catholic Curia, and a treasure trove of relics linked to apostles, saints, and martyrs. Back in the day, the Via Francigena provided a straight shot for the faithful traveling from England to Rome. Upon arrival, it was tradition to visit the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul. When a Jubilee rolled around, the spiritual... view more
Tour Duration: 6 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 17.4 Km or 10.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 6 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 17.4 Km or 10.8 Miles
Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour
t's a known fact that Rome wasn't built in a day. But since it was built, the city has stood the test of time and become "eternal." A popular proverb says, "all roads lead to Rome," but very few realize that, inside Rome itself, all roads lead to the Forum.
Indeed, the central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum and the Imperial Forums once served as the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Indeed, the central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum and the Imperial Forums once served as the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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...
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...