Temple of Antoninus and Faustina

We find ourselves now in the very heart of the Roman Forum, standing before a structure that is arguably the 'best preserved temple to an emperor and an empress' in all of Rome. The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina occupies what…

The most striking feature of the temple's facade is its majestic portico, which features ten massive Corinthian columns made of a rare and beautiful material known as 'Cipollino' marble. This stone, which is actually a type of…

Directly above the columns, the original stone lintel remains perfectly preserved, bearing a bold Latin inscription that tells the story of the temple's dedication. The top line, added after the Emperor's death, reads 'To the…

Growing up directly behind and through the ancient temple is the 17th-century Baroque church of San Lorenzo in Miranda. This 'ingabbiata' or caged church was built into the ruins of the temple during the Middle Ages, a common…

One of the most 'dramatic' things you can observe at this site is the stark evidence of how much the ground level of Rome changed over the centuries. If you look at the facade of the church, you will see a green door situated…

Beneath the church, you can still see the original Roman podium and parts of the side walls constructed from massive blocks of tufa, a local volcanic stone. The podium provided a raised, dignified base for the temple, elevating…

This site is a prime example of what art historians call 'spolia'—the reuse of ancient building materials in later structures. During the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, the rebuilding of Rome led to the destruction of many…

As we conclude our time at the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, take one last look at those scarred green columns and the bold inscription to a husband and wife who were once the most powerful couple in the known world. You have…