Tempio di Vesta (Temple of Vesta), Rome

The Temple of Vesta was a central religious site in ancient Rome. Unlike most temples, it did not house a cult statue but instead contained an eternal flame, symbolizing the city鈥檚 security and prosperity. This flame was tended by the Vestal Virgins, priestesses devoted to the goddess Vesta, protector of the hearth and home. The temple鈥檚 circular design, inspired by early Roman homes, classified it as a tholos, with a central hearth where the sacred fire burned.

Tradition attributes the temple鈥檚 foundation to Numa Pompilius, Rome鈥檚 second king, in the 7th century BC. Numa also established the House of the Vestal Virgins, appointing the first two priestesses, a number that later grew to six. These young women, chosen from noble families, took a 30-year vow of chastity, and any failure in their duties or violations of their vows could result in severe punishments, including live burial. However, the Vestals also wielded considerable influence, with the power to free slaves and prisoners. Harming them was a crime punishable by death.

The temple鈥檚 architecture evolved over centuries, incorporating Greek influences, particularly its 20 fluted Corinthian columns, a marble podium, and a wide staircase leading to an interior chamber with an 8.6-meter diameter. It was also believed to house sacred relics, including the Palladium, a divine image said to protect Rome.

Over the centuries, the Temple of Vesta suffered multiple fires and reconstructions. It was first destroyed during the Gallic invasion in 390 BC, but the Vestals rekindled the flame as a sign of Rome鈥檚 resilience. Fires in 241 BC, 210 BC, and the 1st century BC led to further rebuilding, notably by emperors Augustus and Nero. After another major fire in 191 AD, Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, oversaw its last significant restoration. In 394 AD, Emperor Theodosius I ordered its closure, marking the end of the Vestal order as Christianity became the empire鈥檚 dominant faith.

The Renaissance dealt another blow to the temple, seeing its marble repurposed for churches and palaces in 1549. What remains today is a reconstruction from the 1930s during Mussolini鈥檚 excavations of the Forum. Behind the ruins stands the House of the Vestal Virgins, leading up to the Palatine Hill. While often called a temple, in Roman religious tradition, it was considered a shrine, rather than a full-fledged temple.

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

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Tempio di Vesta (Temple of Vesta)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

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.

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

Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called 鈥楾ridente鈥� 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

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

"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

Filmed entirely in the heart of Rome, Roman Holiday is one of those timeless films that beckons you to hop on a Vespa and lose yourself in the intoxicating beauty of the Italian capital. Released in 1953, this beloved classic has captured hearts across generations, thanks to its irresistible blend of romance, adventure, and charm鈥攁nchored by two of Hollywood鈥檚 brightest stars, Audrey Hepburn... view more

Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.5 Km or 5.3 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

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

View all walking tours in Rome, Italy

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...

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...