The Temple of Romulus in Rome facts, information, and curiosities

The Temple of Romulus and the Temple of Peace, renamed by Christians as the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian, stand in the ancient part of Rome known as the Roman Forum. The basilica, originally part of the Temple of Romulus, similar to the Church of St. Ignatius in Rome, is a titular church, granted to the local diocese by the Pope himself.

In ancient times, this structure was a temple dedicated to Jupiter, also known as Jove (Zeus in Greece), the god of the sky, storms, and rain, as well as the father of gods and the supreme ruler of the world. Roman emperors and high-ranking officials often sought to emulate Jupiter’s image, as evident in Roman coins and medals.

The Temple of Romulus in the Roman Forum

The Temple of Romulus on the Roman Forum has a history dating back to the early 4th century AD, though its origins trace back further. Initially considered a vestibule or entrance to a large temple complex or directly to the Temple of Peace, also known as the Temple of Vespasian, named after its founder.

After unspecified events, the small building became an independent temple dedicated to Jupiter, lasting until 309 AD, when Emperor Maxentius dedicated it to his recently deceased son, Romulus. The well-preserved portal, made of valuable volcanic rock called porphyry, symbolizes a father’s great love for his deceased son. The bronze doors, dating back to the early 4th century AD, also survived.

Following the fall of Maxentius and the conquest of Rome by the future Emperor Constantine, all symbols of the previous ruler, including the status of the Temple of Romulus, were removed, and it was rededicated to Jupiter.

The interior of the Temple of Romulus has been well-preserved. In the 6th century, it was incorporated into the ecclesiastical structures of Rome, spared from the fate of other temples demolished by the church. This integration occurred when two buildings adjacent to each other on the former Roman Forum were donated to the church by King Theodoric the Great, and Pope Felix IV adopted them as a church.

In 1512, the church was handed over to the Franciscans, who remain its owners to this day. The Temple of Romulus is now open to visitors, serving as a significant attraction in the Roman Forum.

After World War II, during restoration work, the main entrance to the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian was moved to Via dei Fori Imperiali, separating the two monuments. The interior of the Temple of Romulus was stripped of medieval decorations, restoring the ancient structure as closely as possible to its original form.

Visiting the Temple of Romulus in the Roman Forum in Rome and practical information

Visiting the Temple of Romulus in the Roman Forum in Rome offers a unique experience, with the small building retaining the atmosphere of ancient temples. Despite Christian symbols and frescoes, the interior evokes the ambiance of ancient sacred places, reminiscent of the miniature interior of the Roman Pantheon on the Campus Martius.

Constructed with fired brick, the temple was once covered in bright marble plates during its heyday. In the Middle Ages, the marble decorations were removed, aligning with the contemporary doctrine that churches should be austere and not flaunt wealth. The central part of the church is cylindrical and culminates in a dome, unlike the Pantheon; the Temple of Romulus lacked an oculus and used torches to illuminate the interior.

Facing the portal, a passageway leads to the interior, believed to have once connected to a grand temple or, as some historians argue, an entire temple complex.

A glass barrier separates the passage between the Temple of Romulus and the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian, allowing visitors to glimpse inside the church. The temple’s interior space is sometimes used for temporary exhibitions, showcasing artefacts from various eras of the Roman Forum or early Christian times.

Currently, entry to the Temple is free with the purchase of a ticket for the Roman Forum. However, due to high interest, authorities are considering introducing an additional fee to manage the flow of visitors. Keep in mind that this building bears nearly two thousand years of history.

Noteworthy Facts about the Temple of Romulus on the Roman Forum

• The Temple of Romulus likely dates back to the late 3rd century AD.
• Situated east of the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, near the necropolis, it was the site of over forty graves from various eras discovered during excavations in the early 20th century.
• Initially dedicated to Jupiter and later to Romulus, the son of Emperor Maxentius.
• Despite being renamed as a Catholic Church, the temple is still best known by its original name, the Temple of Romulus.
• The portal leading to the Temple of Romulus is made of porphyry, a valuable volcanic rock. Porphyry was used in ancient times for precious vases, representative columns, and sarcophagi of esteemed Roman citizens.
• Some ancient scholars suggest that the period when the temple was dedicated to Romulus, the son of Maxentius, is a mere legend. They argue that until its transformation into a Catholic Church, the temple was dedicated to Jupiter or household gods known as the Penates.
• The dome on the Temple was the only such structure in the entire Roman Forum.
• The large bronze doors guarding the entrance to the Temple of Romulus are among the few surviving doors in all of Rome and still have a functioning mechanism.

Polish version