Temple of Venus and Roma
Religious Site Largest temple in ancient Rome, beside Colosseum
Hadrian’s twin‑temple project near the Colosseum occupies a broad ruined platform. Visitors explore surviving columns and cellae foundations while linking the site to nearby Forum layers and imperial Rome.
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The Temple of Venus and Roma is an imperial Roman temple on the eastern edge of the Roman Forum, designed by Emperor Hadrian in the early 2nd century CE. It was dedicated to the goddesses Venus Felix and Roma Aeterna and was notable for its monumental scale.
The temple comprised twin cellae and faced the Forum and the nearby Colosseum, forming part of the grand imperial architectural programme. Its large footprint and paired internal chambers made it one of the most prominent religious buildings of imperial Rome.
Construction is associated with Hadrian and was completed in the first half of the 2nd century CE; the temple saw repairs and partial reconstructions in later centuries. Substantial archaeological remains survive at ground level and are visible to visitors exploring the Forum and Colosseum area.
The temple stands between the Roman Forum and the Colosseum in central Rome, on the Velian Hill, and is accessible as part of the major archaeological circuit through Rome’s ancient centre.
- Builder and date: Constructed under Emperor Hadrian in the early 2nd century CE and dedicated to Venus and Roma, it was among the largest temples in ancient Rome.
How to Get to Temple of Venus and Roma #
Reached from the Colosseum and Roman Forum entrances; nearest metro Colosseo (Line B) and multiple bus routes serve the area.
Tips for Visiting Temple of Venus and Roma #
- The Temple of Venus and Roma is adjacent to the Colosseum - find a viewpoint on the Palatine for the best perspectives.
- Because the site is open-air, visit early to avoid heat and the largest tour groups.
- Read up on Hadrian's architectural reforms - the temple reflects imperial ambition and a 2nd-century reinterpretation of urban space.
Best Time to Visit Temple of Venus and Roma #
Part of the Colosseum/Forum complex; combine visits and aim for morning for best light and smaller crowds.
Weather & Climate near Temple of Venus and Roma #
Temple of Venus and Roma'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).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (74 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 (60 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 (58 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 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (65 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 (89 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 97 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 (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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