Round Temple
Step back in time at Ostia Antica, Rome's ancient port city, featuring the significant Round Temple and remarkably preserved ruins.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Round Temple
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Ostia Antica, Rome's ancient port city, featuring the significant Round Temple and remarkably preserved ruins.
"A constant surprise, walking around and always finding something new and interesting."
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be walking on ancient cobblestones and uneven paths. Prioritize comfort for a better experience!
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially during summer. There are limited places to refill or buy drinks inside the site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Round Temple
Forum of Ostia Antica
An ancient sanctuary dedicated to the cult of Rome and Augustus, showcasing impressive architectural remnants.
Capitolium
Forum of Ostia Antica
The main temple of the Roman colony, offering a glimpse into the religious heart of the ancient city.
Theater of Ostia Antica
Ostia Antica
A well-preserved Roman theater where you can imagine ancient performances and gatherings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Ostia Antica
Navigating the Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I'm making a trip to Rome this summer, what lees knows places and historical sites I should visit ?
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be walking on ancient cobblestones and uneven paths. Prioritize comfort for a better experience!
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially during summer. There are limited places to refill or buy drinks inside the site.
First time going to eternal city! Your favourite spots of history often overlooked?
The Loneliness of Ostia Antica
🗺️ Get a Map or Guide
The site is vast. A map or audio guide will help you navigate and understand the history of each structure.
☀️ Seek Shade
During hot days, take advantage of the shaded areas within the ruins to escape the sun.
All Roman sites in Rome
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be walking on ancient cobblestones and uneven paths. Prioritize comfort for a better experience!
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially during summer. There are limited places to refill or buy drinks inside the site.
🗺️ Get a Map or Guide
The site is vast. A map or audio guide will help you navigate and understand the history of each structure.
☀️ Seek Shade
During hot days, take advantage of the shaded areas within the ruins to escape the sun.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ostia Antica as a stunning and surprisingly well-preserved archaeological site, offering a more intimate experience than Rome's crowded attractions. The Round Temple is noted as a significant historical landmark within the expansive ruins. Some find the site vast and recommend ample time and comfortable shoes, while others wish for more readily available refreshments.
"Described architecturally as a prostyle of the 1st century AD and adorned with a statue of victorious Rome, it appears today in the collective imagination of visitors as an enormous area in which underground structures predominate.
The pediment of the original temple with the attached decorations are located on the sides of a wall that to the eyes of the traveler appears as a canvas embellished with marble."
Michele Soldovieri
"Opposite the Capitol are the remains of the Temple of Rome and Augustus. It served as a sanctuary for the cult of the emperor and the cult of the city of Rome, thus possessing a clear symbolic and ideological significance. Construction likely began in the first century during the lifetime of Emperor Augustus.
Unfortunately, the cult image of the victorious Roma in Amazon costume can only be guessed at."
Gernot Berndt
"Yet another stunning site in the architectural park of Ostia Antica! It's a constant surprise, walking around and always finding something new and interesting."
daniele pedroni
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Ostia Antica, including the Round Temple, is by taking the Roma-Lido train from Piramide station in Rome. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Get off at the Ostia Antica stop, and the archaeological park is a short walk away.
Yes, Ostia Antica is very accessible by public transport. The Roma-Lido train is a convenient and affordable option for travelers staying in Rome.
Driving is possible, and there is parking available near the entrance to the archaeological park. However, public transport is often recommended to avoid parking hassles and traffic.
For a day trip from Rome, the Roma-Lido train is highly recommended. It's efficient, budget-friendly, and drops you right near the entrance to Ostia Antica.
Many tour operators in Rome offer day trips to Ostia Antica that include transportation. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to navigate public transport yourself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, admission to Ostia Antica is reasonably priced. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season, to save time and guarantee entry. Check the official Ostia Antica website for booking options.
Opening hours for Ostia Antica typically vary by season. It's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
The Round Temple is part of the larger Ostia Antica archaeological park, so its access is governed by the park's opening hours. There isn't a separate entry time for the temple itself.
Sometimes, combination tickets or passes that include other Roman attractions might be available. Inquire at ticket offices or check online for potential deals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ostia Antica is a vast archaeological site with much to explore, including well-preserved houses, baths, mosaics, a theater, and the Forum. The Round Temple is just one of many fascinating structures.
To fully appreciate Ostia Antica and the Round Temple, plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you're a history enthusiast, you could easily spend a full day exploring the entire site.
Yes, guided tours are often available and highly recommended to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the ruins, including the Round Temple.
Ostia Antica can be a great educational experience for children, allowing them to explore ancient Roman life. However, the extensive walking and uneven terrain might require careful planning for very young children.
Facilities typically include restrooms and sometimes a small cafe or refreshment stand. It's best to bring your own snacks and water, especially during busy periods.
📸 📸 Photography
The Round Temple, the theater, and the mosaics offer excellent photographic opportunities. The Forum area provides a grand overview. The late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful for capturing the ruins.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, tripods or professional photography equipment might require special permits. Always check onsite regulations.
The late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers soft, warm light that enhances the textures and colors of the ancient stones at the Round Temple.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at archaeological sites like Ostia Antica to preserve the integrity of the ruins and for safety reasons.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the Forum and details of the architecture. A wide-angle lens can be great for the theater and larger structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring plenty of snacks and water, as facilities can be limited. Consider an audio guide or a family-friendly tour to keep younger ones engaged. The relatively flat terrain in many areas makes it manageable for strollers, but be prepared for some uneven surfaces. Make it a treasure hunt to find specific mosaics or buildings!
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Recommendations: Allocate a full day to explore thoroughly. Consider hiring a specialized guide who can delve into the intricate details of the architecture and historical significance. Researching the site beforehand will enhance your appreciation of its complexities and the stories each ruin tells.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Round Temple
While the cult image of 'victorious Roma' can only be imagined, the temple's presence in the collective imagination is powerful. It's a key part of the architectural park of Ostia Antica, a site that constantly surprises visitors with its depth of history. The temple's location, opposite the Capitolium, further emphasizes its central role in the religious and civic life of the ancient port city.
Exploring the Round Temple provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to ponder the beliefs and practices of ancient Romans. It's a reminder of the empire's vast reach and the symbolic importance placed on its rulers and the city of Rome itself. The surrounding Forum offers context, showcasing the interconnectedness of religious, political, and social life in this once-thriving port.
Exploring Ostia Antica: Beyond the Round Temple
The Capitolium, the main temple of the colony, stands as a testament to the city's religious importance. Other significant areas include the Baths of Neptune, known for their stunning mosaics, and the Piazzale delle Corporazioni, a square that once housed the offices of shipping companies. The sheer scale and preservation of Ostia Antica make it feel like stepping back in time, with many areas appearing almost as they did centuries ago.
Navigating Ostia Antica requires comfortable shoes and ample time. The site is vast, and each corner reveals new discoveries, from bakeries and taverns to grand public buildings. It’s an immersive experience that provides a deeper understanding of Roman daily life, far beyond what can be gleaned from the ruins of Rome itself.
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