Lacus Juturnae Archaeological Site
Small sacred spring and shrine in Roman Forum
A small sacred spring and basin in the Roman Forum near the Temple of Vesta. Visitors encounter the sunken stone basin on Forum tours and learn about its role in Roman public religion.
Lacus Juturnae at a Glance#
Address: Roman Forum (near Temple of Vesta), Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00186 Rome, Italy
Website: https://parcocolosseo.it/
Hours: Roman Forum / Palatine hours: generally daily 8:30am-5:00pm (seasonal changes) - check Colosseum visitor info
Admission: Included with Roman Forum / Colosseum combined ticket
About Lacus Juturnae#
Lacus Juturnae is a small sacred spring and basin in the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy, associated in antiquity with the goddess Juturna. It is one of the Forum’s surviving named water features.
The modern visible feature comprises a small paved basin and the remains of fountain architecture; it is a minor point of interest when walking the Forum and is often noted for its religious associations rather than size. Interpretive panels and guidebooks place it next to the Temple of Vesta and the House of the Vestals.
In Roman antiquity the spring was venerated as the source of the goddess Juturna and used in rituals by officials and the Vestal Virgins; the site was maintained into the Imperial era and recognized in literary sources. The basin and marble fittings visible today are largely later restorations and reconstructions of earlier arrangements.
Lacus Juturnae lies inside the Roman Forum in central Rome, immediately adjacent to the circular Temple of Vesta and the vestal complex.
How to Get to Lacus Juturnae#
Located inside the Roman Forum complex, reachable from the Colosseum area via the main Forum entrances on Via dei Fori Imperiali. Nearest metro: Colosseo (Line B).
Tips for Visiting Lacus Juturnae#
- Seek the fountain and the small exedra area early - the Lacus Juturnae niche is modest and easy to miss in a crowd.
- Bring a map of the Forum - the Lacus sits amid ruins that are less obvious than the surrounding temples and arches.
Best Time to Visit Lacus Juturnae#
Spring and autumn provide comfortable conditions for exploring the Roman Forum and discovering small features like Lacus Juturnae.
Weather & Climate near Lacus Juturnae#
Lacus Juturnae's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (713 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 7° | 74 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.4h |
| February | Good | 4° - 13° | 8° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.5h |
| March | Very Good | 6° - 16° | 11° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.2h |
| May | Excellent | 12° - 23° | 18° | 41 mm | some cloud | 68% | 2.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.4h |
| June | Ideal | 16° - 27° | 22° | 30 mm | mostly sunny | 62% | 2.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 15.0h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 25° | 15 mm | clear | 55% | 2.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 14.7h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 25° | 33 mm | clear | 55% | 2.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Excellent | 16° - 27° | 21° | 65 mm | mostly sunny | 64% | 2.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 89 mm | some cloud | 73% | 1.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 97 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 1.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
| December | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 8° | 84 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
