The Temple of Venus and Roma (Latin: Templum Veneris et Romae) was the largest known temple in ancient Rome, standing majestically between the Basilica of Maxentius and the Colosseum. Dedicated to Venus Felix, the goddess of love and fortune, and Roma Aeterna, the divine embodiment of the Eternal City, this monumental structure symbolized both beauty and power the very essence of Rome itself. Once among the empire’s most impressive temples, it remains one of the most fascinating archaeological sites to visit today.
To fully immerse yourself in its ancient atmosphere, book a Colosseum Tour with Kirba Tours. This experience offers a comprehensive journey through the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, placing the Temple of Venus and Roma at the heart of your exploration of imperial grandeur.
The Vision of Emperor Hadrian
The temple’s story began under Emperor Hadrian, who personally designed its plans, a rare instance of an emperor acting as architect. Construction began in 121 AD, was inaugurated in 135 AD, and was later completed by Emperor Antoninus Pius in 141 AD. The temple replaced the atrium of Nero’s Domus Aurea, where the colossal statue of Nero once stood. Hadrian ordered the statue rededicated to the sun god Sol and moved it with the help of 24 elephants, making room for his monumental new project.
Despite its grandeur, Hadrian’s architectural vision was not universally admired. According to historian Cassius Dio, the architect Apollodorus of Damascus criticized the proportions and design of the temple, claiming the statues of the goddesses were too tall for their chambers. His critique reportedly enraged Hadrian, leading to the architect’s execution, a dramatic reminder of how art, politics, and ego intertwined in the ancient world.
Architecture and Symbolism
The Temple of Venus and Roma occupied an immense podium measuring approximately 145 by 100 meters, with a colonnaded portico stretching around the sanctuary. Designed in the Hellenistic tradition, it featured twin cellae (inner chambers), each facing outward: one dedicated to Venus Felix and the other to Roma Aeterna. The structure symbolically united divine beauty and the eternal spirit of the city, reflecting Hadrian’s passion for Greek culture and symmetrical design.
The temple originally had flat wooden roofs and no apses, but after a fire in 307 AD, Emperor Maxentius restored it with vaulted ceilings and richly decorated apses. Columns of porphyry and marble framed the niches that held statues and imperial symbols, giving the site a majestic appearance typical of late imperial architecture. These architectural elements influenced later buildings, including the nearby Basilica of Maxentius.
Restoration and Decline
Over the centuries, the temple underwent multiple restorations and transformations. In the late fourth century, Emperor Eugenius briefly revived it as part of an attempt to restore pagan worship. However, with the rise of Christianity, the temple gradually declined. By 625 AD, Pope Honorius I removed its bronze roof tiles to reuse them for St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, marking the beginning of its decay.
A powerful earthquake in the ninth century further damaged the temple, and soon after, the Basilica of Santa Maria Nova — today known as Santa Francesca Romana was built over part of its remains. Despite centuries of neglect, the temple’s ruins continued to inspire artists, historians, and archaeologists, offering a tangible connection to the grandeur of ancient Rome.
Rediscovery and Modern Restoration
During the 20th century, the site experienced a revival thanks to extensive archaeological excavations and restorations. Between 1933 and 1935, under the direction of architect Antonio Muñoz, a major reconstruction project took place. Workers unearthed and reassembled 22 granite columns from the original portico, while Muñoz introduced creative landscaping to evoke the temple’s ancient form. Shrubs and trees were used to outline missing architectural elements — a unique blend of archaeology and landscape design.
Although time and neglect eventually erased these “botanical reconstructions,” modern restorations have stabilized the ruins. After decades of closure, the Temple of Venus and Roma reopened to the public in 2010, allowing visitors to once again walk among the remains of one of antiquity’s most significant temples.
Visiting the Temple Today
Today, the temple stands as a powerful reminder of Rome’s enduring legacy. Located between the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, it offers one of the most scenic and historically rich walks in the city. Visitors can admire the preserved columns, the apses of the two cellae, and the panoramic view of the ancient Via Sacra that once connected the heart of imperial Rome.
For those passionate about history and architecture, the Temple of Venus and Roma is not just an archaeological site — it’s a gateway to understanding how art, religion, and empire coexisted in the ancient world. Its ruins may be silent, but they still speak of an era when faith and beauty shaped the destiny of civilization.
