Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
A majestic Roman temple dedicated to love, showcasing grand columns and a rich history that spans from imperial Rome to a medieval church.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic Roman temple dedicated to love, showcasing grand columns and a rich history that spans from imperial Rome to a medieval church.
"This temple is an absolute gem that beautifully captures the grandeur of ancient Rome."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven ancient stones in the Roman Forum. :athletic_shoe:
Look for the Scars
Notice the grooves on the columns, remnants of attempts to dismantle the temple. :hammerandwrench:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Towering Corinthian Columns
Roman Forum
Six giant cipollino Corinthian columns, remarkably well-preserved, showcase ancient Roman artistry and craftsmanship.
Richly Carved Frieze
Temple Facade
Admire the intricate details of the frieze, a testament to the skill of ancient Roman artisans.
The 'High' Baroque Doorway
Temple Entrance
A unique feature where the medieval church entrance sits significantly above the ancient Roman ground level.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to the Roman Forum
Understanding the Temple's Layers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven ancient stones in the Roman Forum. :athletic_shoe:
Look for the Scars
Notice the grooves on the columns, remnants of attempts to dismantle the temple. :hammerandwrench:
Imagine the History
This temple was built for love and later became a church. :heart: :church:
Combine with Forum Visit
It's part of the larger Roman Forum experience. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven ancient stones in the Roman Forum. :athletic_shoe:
Look for the Scars
Notice the grooves on the columns, remnants of attempts to dismantle the temple. :hammerandwrench:
Imagine the History
This temple was built for love and later became a church. :heart: :church:
Combine with Forum Visit
It's part of the larger Roman Forum experience. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, describing it as a beautifully preserved gem that transports them back in time. The grandeur of the columns and the intricate frieze are frequently praised, as is the fascinating historical layering of the ancient temple and later church. It's considered a must-visit highlight within the Roman Forum for its architectural beauty and rich heritage.
"Seeing this takes you back in time. You can look at all the ancient buildings and they are some what preserved to be able to see what it would be like to be in the ancient downtown of Rome. It’s worth the trip and seeing all the history here."
Clayton Scelzi (CScelzi)
"On the Via Sacra, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina is one of the Forum’s most striking survivals. Built in AD 141 for the deified Faustina the Elder and later rededicated to include Antoninus Pius, it gave an empress a full cult temple in the city’s central square. A high podium carries six giant cipollino Corinthian columns with a richly carved frieze, their shafts later scarred by cutting grooves. In the early Middle Ages the cella became the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, eventually linked to Rome’s apothecaries’ guild. Excavations lowered the Forum to ancient level, leaving the Baroque doorway high above the steps, exposing how temple and church occupy the same shell. (Pre-restoration photo taken July 2012)"
Loo Yeo
"Beautifully preserved, a cool place to see in the Roman Forum! The mix of old Roman and church style is really interesting. It’s a nice, quiet spot to relax and think about history."
Michael S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina is located within the Roman Forum. You can reach it by taking public transport to the Colosseo metro station (Line B) and then walking a short distance to the Forum entrance. Many visitors combine their visit with the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
While parts of the Roman Forum are accessible, the ancient terrain can be challenging. The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina itself is on a raised podium. Check with the official site for the most up-to-date accessibility information. :wheelchair:
Consider downloading an offline map or using a guided tour app. The Forum is vast, and having a plan helps you see key sites like the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina efficiently.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina is located within the Roman Forum, and your ticket for the Roman Forum (often combined with the Colosseum and Palatine Hill) grants you access. It's recommended to book tickets in advance online to avoid long queues. :ticket:
Opening hours vary seasonally, but the Roman Forum, including the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, is generally open from morning until an hour before sunset. Always check the official website for the most current hours. :clock1:
Typically, the Roman Forum is not open at night, so access to the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina would be limited to daytime hours. Special evening events or tours might occasionally be available, so check for announcements. :moon:
The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina is part of the Roman Forum archaeological area, which requires an entrance fee. This fee usually covers the Colosseum and Palatine Hill as well.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Built in AD 141, it was initially dedicated to the deified Faustina the Elder by her husband Emperor Antoninus Pius, and later rededicated to include him. It's a striking example of Roman imperial religious architecture. +1
It features a high podium with six large Corinthian columns and a richly carved frieze. The cella later became the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, and the Baroque doorway is notably high above the ancient ground level.
Access inside the main structure of the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina is usually limited as it houses the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda. You can admire its exterior and the surrounding Forum. :camerawithflash:
The best views are often from across the Forum, capturing the columns against the Roman sky. Early morning or late afternoon light provides beautiful illumination. +1
Yes, there are legends, including stories about workers being terrified by strange sounds and sparks when attempting to dismantle the columns. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the Roman Forum itself. You'll find numerous cafes, trattorias, and restaurants just outside the Forum entrances in the surrounding Monti neighborhood. :forkandknife:
Expect classic Roman cuisine, including pasta dishes like Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara, pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), and gelato.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the temple's grandeur. Midday sun can be harsh. +1
Tripod policies can vary. It's best to check the official Roman Forum regulations or inquire at the entrance. Small, portable tripods might be permitted in less crowded areas. :camerawithflash:
Try capturing the full facade with its columns, focusing on the contrast between the ancient structure and the sky. Details of the frieze are also highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a family-friendly guided tour that can bring the history to life with engaging stories. Look for tours that focus on myths and legends, which often captivate younger audiences. The contrast between the ancient temple and the later church can also be a point of discussion about how places change over time.
🏛️ History Buffs
Research the legends associated with the temple, such as the tales of its attempted dismantling.
📸 Photographers
Be mindful of the crowds, particularly during peak hours. Consider using a wider lens to encompass the temple within the broader Roman Forum landscape, or a telephoto lens to focus on intricate details of the frieze.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Love Story Behind the Temple
This act of remembrance was common among Roman emperors, who often sought divine status for themselves and their consorts. Building temples in their honor was a way to ensure their memory lived on and to foster a sense of continuity and divine favor for the empire. The temple's prominent location in the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Roman public life, underscores its significance.
Architectural Evolution: Temple to Church
This transformation is visually evident today. Excavations have lowered the Forum's ground level back to its ancient state, leaving the Baroque-era doorway of the church perched significantly higher than the original temple's base. This creates a striking visual contrast, highlighting how different historical periods have built upon and altered the same physical space. The temple's shafts also bear scars from attempts to cut grooves into them, a testament to its long and varied history.
Exploring the Roman Forum
Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain is uneven and involves a lot of walking. Consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and the midday heat, especially during summer months.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit