Temple of Saturn
Religious Site Ancient Roman temple in Forum Romanum, held state treasury
At the Roman Forum, the Temple of Saturn survives as a colonnaded ruin with an inscribed podium; visitors study its imperial-era foundations and photograph the temple’s columns amid the Forum’s ruins.
The Temple of Saturn is an ancient Roman temple at the western end of the Roman Forum in Rome, traditionally dated to 497 BC and long associated with the Roman state treasury. It is one of the Forum’s most recognisable ruins.
Ruins include a high podium and a colonnade of eight standing Ionic columns with part of the entablature and inscription still visible. The site is compact and encountered along the Forum’s main pedestrian route.
The temple was rebuilt several times across the Republic and Imperial periods and served as the aerarium - the public treasury - in later Roman times. Its remaining columns date from later reconstructions rather than the earliest foundation.
It sits at the western edge of the Roman Forum, immediately east of the Capitoline Hill in central Rome, within walking distance of the Colosseum and other major Forum monuments.
- Viewing tip: The best-preserved view is from the Capitoline and the central walkway of the Roman Forum; morning visits avoid the largest tour groups.
- Surviving remains: Eight standing Ionic columns and the high podium are the most visible remains.
How to Get to Temple of Saturn #
Located in the Roman Forum in central Rome, adjacent to the Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum. Walk from the Colosseum or from Piazza Venezia; nearest metro is Colosseo (Line B).
Tips for Visiting Temple of Saturn #
- Visit at opening time to see the Forum and the Temple of Saturn before tour groups arrive.
- Look for the inscription on the temple's remaining columns and the bases of the podium for donors' names.
- Combine a visit with the Capitoline Museums for context on Roman religion and public architecture.
Best Time to Visit Temple of Saturn #
Spring through early autumn for pleasant walking weather and longer opening hours; avoid the midday heat in summer.
Weather & Climate near Temple of Saturn #
Temple of Saturn'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 (705 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 15 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 96 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
