Tempio della Tosse (Temple of the Tosse)
A hauntingly beautiful, dilapidated Roman temple-church in Tivoli, offering a glimpse into history's forgotten corners.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for viewing ruins
Tempio della Tosse (Temple of the Tosse)
Best Time
Best light for viewing ruins
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hauntingly beautiful, dilapidated Roman temple-church in Tivoli, offering a glimpse into history's forgotten corners.
"It's a shame it was abandoned...it's somewhat reminiscent of Cardinal Reginald Pole's chapel."
View from Above
See it from Villa d'Este or Sanctuary of Hercules Victor for the best views. :camerawithflash:
Locked Gates
Expect to view from the road; it's not open to the public. :no_entry:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Evocative Ruins
Roadside, near Sanctuary of Hercules Victor
A hauntingly beautiful, dilapidated Roman temple-church, offering a glimpse into history's forgotten corners.
Panoramic Vistas
From Sanctuary of Hercules Victor or Villa d'Este
Admire the Tempio della Tosse from elevated viewpoints for a more complete and less obstructed perspective.
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Planning Your Visit
Access & Condition
Location & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
View from Above
See it from Villa d'Este or Sanctuary of Hercules Victor for the best views. :camerawithflash:
Locked Gates
Expect to view from the road; it's not open to the public. :no_entry:
Don't Trek Downhill
Avoid walking downhill from town specifically for this site; it's a disappointment. :walking:
Historical Context
It was a Roman temple, later a church. Its name may relate to a Madonna effigy. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
View from Above
See it from Villa d'Este or Sanctuary of Hercules Victor for the best views. :camerawithflash:
Locked Gates
Expect to view from the road; it's not open to the public. :no_entry:
Don't Trek Downhill
Avoid walking downhill from town specifically for this site; it's a disappointment. :walking:
Historical Context
It was a Roman temple, later a church. Its name may relate to a Madonna effigy. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Tempio della Tosse is a historically intriguing but largely inaccessible ruin. Visitors often note its dilapidated state and locked gates, advising against a dedicated trip solely to see it. Its appeal lies in its evocative atmosphere and historical context, best appreciated from surrounding viewpoints.
"Lots of wrong photos and reviews about this round structure (temple?). Can't enter as the gate was locked. It looked unmaintained and left to wither away unfortunately. Worth a stop and quick look from the outside if you are driving past but don't bother walking downhill from town like we did just to see it."
phong le
"Bella Italia.
The area around Tivoli is wonderful all you need to see of Italy is here at this place."
Jonathan Heise
"I'm updating and confirming... Let's start by saying it's not open to the public. That said, it's worth it—if not to peer at it from the street—at least to look for it from above...from Villa d'Este or, even better, from the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor, which is particularly close as the crow flies...but don't even think about reaching it on foot; it's far away and on private land. A Roman temple later converted into a church likely owes its name to an effigy of the Madonna with her mouth open, said to be due to a cough. It's a shame it was abandoned...it's somewhat reminiscent of Cardinal Reginald Pole's chapel, between the Caffarella and the Appian Way. Check out the photos and other reviews I've written about Tivoli and Rome and its wonders, and if I've been helpful, please leave a like."
Roberto Cecchini
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tempio della Tosse is located in Tivoli, about 40-60 minutes from Rome by car. Public transport to Tivoli is available, but reaching the temple itself from the town center might require a taxi or a significant walk, and access is limited. It's often best viewed as part of a larger tour of Tivoli's attractions.
While buses run to Tivoli from Rome, reaching the Tempio della Tosse directly via public transport is challenging. It's situated on private land and not a designated public attraction, making it difficult to access without a car or a specific guided tour that includes it.
Walking directly from Villa d'Este to the Tempio della Tosse is not recommended. While they are in the same general area of Tivoli, the temple is on private land and not easily reachable on foot from the main tourist sites. It's better viewed from elevated points or the road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No ticket is required as the Tempio della Tosse is not an officially open attraction. The gates are typically locked, and it is situated on private property. Visitors can only view it from the exterior or from surrounding vantage points.
The Tempio della Tosse does not have official opening hours as it is not a public monument. It is generally inaccessible, and visitors can only see it from the outside at any time of day.
Unfortunately, you cannot go inside the Tempio della Tosse. The structure is dilapidated and on private land, with its gates usually locked. Access is restricted, and it's best appreciated from a distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photographic opportunities are from the road leading to the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor, or from higher ground like Villa d'Este or the Sanctuary itself. These vantage points offer a more complete view of the temple's structure and its surroundings.
Yes, the Tempio della Tosse is highly photogenic due to its evocative, abandoned state. Its ruins and historical context make for dramatic and atmospheric photographs, especially when captured from a distance that shows its integration with the landscape.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
The original function of the Tempio della Tosse is uncertain. Theories suggest it might have been a Roman temple dedicated to the sun, Venus, or a nymphaeum, possibly commissioned by Emperor Constantine to celebrate work on the Via Tiburtina. It was later converted into a church in the 10th century.
The name 'Tempio della Tosse' (Temple of the Cough) is believed to derive from an effigy of the Madonna with an open mouth, which was said to be due to a cough. This name reflects its later use as a church.
No, the Tempio della Tosse is not well-preserved. It is described as dilapidated and abandoned, with much of its structure in ruins. This state of disrepair contributes to its evocative atmosphere but limits its accessibility and appreciation.
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Understanding the Tempio della Tosse
Later, in the 10th century, the temple was consecrated as a church dedicated to the Madonna. Evidence of Byzantine influence can be seen in its interior constructions. Despite its rich history and potential significance, the Tempio della Tosse is not adequately valued or maintained. It is partly located within private property, contributing to its inaccessibility and dilapidated state. Famous landscape artist Piranesi captured its image, highlighting its historical appeal even centuries ago.
Many visitors express disappointment at its unmaintained condition and locked gates, advising others not to make a special trip downhill just to see it. However, its evocative ruins and historical context make it a point of interest for those exploring the broader Tivoli area, especially when viewed from surrounding higher elevations like the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor or Villa d'Este.
Experiencing Tivoli's Historical Landscape
While the Tempio della Tosse itself is largely inaccessible, its presence adds to the layered history of the region. The surrounding landscape, with its ancient Roman roads like the Via Tiburtina, and the industrial archaeology of old factories, creates a unique tapestry of eras. Travelers often find the entire area around Tivoli to be a microcosm of Italian history and beauty.
When planning your visit, consider that many of Tivoli's attractions, including Villa d'Este, require tickets and can get crowded. The Tempio della Tosse, in contrast, offers a quiet, albeit unmaintained, historical footnote. Its charm lies in its abandonment and the stories it silently tells, best appreciated as part of a broader exploration of Tivoli's rich historical and scenic offerings.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit