Temple of Romulus Religious Site

Address: Roman Forum, Rome, Italy (near the Curia and Basilica of Maxentius)

The Temple of Romulus is a well-preserved circular Roman building in the Roman Forum, traditionally associated with Valerius Romulus, the son of Emperor Maxentius. It is noted for its intact bronze doors and its circular cella within a brick-faced concrete drum.

The structure dates to the early 4th century AD and is commonly linked to the imperial building activity of Maxentius; the identification as a temple to Romulus is based on later inscriptions and historical interpretation. Over time the building survived by being repurposed and later incorporated into medieval and post-medieval structures, which helped preserve its fabric.

The temple stands on the eastern side of the Roman Forum, close to the Palatine and adjacent to the larger forum structures and monuments. It is accessible from the main Forum visitor routes and is visible from the pathways that cross the archaeological area.

• Surviving features: The building retains its original monumental bronze doors and an unusually complete circular plan for a Roman temple.

The Temple is on the northwest side of the Roman Forum near the Basilica of Maxentius. Enter the Forum from the Via dei Fori Imperiali or from the Colosseum side; follow signs to the Forum’s northern area.

• Approach the Temple of Romulus from the Roman Forum via the Via Sacra to appreciate the surviving bronze doors and the circular cella.
• Look for the medieval brickwork additions; they tell the story of adaptive reuse over centuries.
• The temple's small size makes early morning the best time to photograph without shadowed columns.