Little is left of the Temple of Bellona. The columns belong to the Temple of Sosianus and the Temple of Bellona is located just behind it. Until the 20th century, it was thought that the temple had been completely lost but the remains of the podium were uncovered in the 1930s.
1 / 8

Temple of Apollo Sosianus Rome

4.7
·215 reviews·Roma, Italy

Discover the majestic remnants of the Temple of Apollo Sosianus and Bellona, offering a tranquil glimpse into ancient Roman religious life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon sun

Columns glow beautifully

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Little is left of the Temple of Bellona. The columns belong to the Temple of Sosianus and the Temple of Bellona is located just behind it. Until the 20th century, it was thought that the temple had been completely lost but the remains of the podium were uncovered in the 1930s.

Temple of Apollo Sosianus Rome

Best Time

Afternoon sun

Columns glow beautifully

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the majestic remnants of the Temple of Apollo Sosianus and Bellona, offering a tranquil glimpse into ancient Roman religious life.

4.7
(215 reviews)

"A hidden gem offering a peaceful, reflective experience away from Rome's tourist crowds."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free to Explore

Wander through the site and marvel at the history without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:

Combine with Jewish Ghetto

Extend your historical journey by visiting the nearby Portico of Octavia and the Jewish Ghetto. :world_map:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 215 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Surviving Corinthian Columns

Surviving Corinthian Columns

Temple of Apollo Sosianus

Three towering columns, remnants of the Augustan rebuild, stand testament to the temple's former grandeur.

Temple of Bellona Ruins

Temple of Bellona Ruins

Adjacent to Temple of Apollo Sosianus

Discover the foundational outlines of the ancient temple dedicated to the goddess of war, a site of Senate meetings.

View of Theatre of Marcellus

View of Theatre of Marcellus

Overlooking the Theatre of Marcellus

Enjoy a unique perspective of the ancient amphitheater from the temple courtyard, a stunning juxtaposition of history.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Quiet Antiquity

Unlike Rome's major attractions, the Temple of Apollo Sosianus offers a peaceful escape. Visit during off-peak hours to truly soak in the history and imagine ancient rituals without the crowds. It's a chance for a more personal connection with Rome's past.

Combine with Nearby Gems

This site is best experienced as part of a larger exploration. Pair your visit with the adjacent Theatre of Marcellus and the historic Jewish Ghetto for a richer understanding of Rome's layered history and architecture.

Best Times

When
Afternoon sun
Why
Columns glow beautifully
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer visitors, peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🏛Con questa meravigliosa vista sul Teatro di Marcello e sulle rimanenti colonne del Tempio di Apollo Sosiano, il Cortile è accessibile dalla sede del Dipartimento delle Attività Culturali di Roma Capitale a Piazza di Campitelli 7.❓Ci eravate mai stati? #tempiodiapollososiano #rionecampitelli
@annaparlani
269 likes • 4.1K views

Free to Explore

Wander through the site and marvel at the history without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:

Combine with Jewish Ghetto

Extend your historical journey by visiting the nearby Portico of Octavia and the Jewish Ghetto. :world_map:

Temple of Apollo Sosianus, this is all that is left of this temple dedicated to the god Apollo. The scale of this temple would have been huge judging by the surviving columns, I spent quite awhile here just taking in the site. Apollo is one of those major gods you read about and they have always fasinated me. #rome #italy #apollo #TempleofApolloSosianus #roman #ancient #ancientrome #romanempire #a...
@lizzieceinwyn
56 likes • 576 views

Photography Gold

The contrast of ancient ruins with Renaissance architecture is perfect for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:

Quiet Reflection

Enjoy a peaceful experience away from the usual tourist crowds. :person_walking:

Tips

from all over the internet

Free to Explore

Wander through the site and marvel at the history without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:

Combine with Jewish Ghetto

Extend your historical journey by visiting the nearby Portico of Octavia and the Jewish Ghetto. :world_map:

Photography Gold

The contrast of ancient ruins with Renaissance architecture is perfect for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:

Quiet Reflection

Enjoy a peaceful experience away from the usual tourist crowds. :person_walking:

Access Point

Enter via Piazza di Campitelli 7, through the Department of Cultural Activities courtyard. 🚪

What Travellers Say

4.7
(215 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Temple of Apollo Sosianus as a peaceful, free, and historically rich archaeological site, offering a welcome respite from Rome's busier attractions. Its integration with the Theatre of Marcellus and proximity to the Jewish Ghetto enhance its appeal for those seeking a deeper understanding of the city's layered past.

"Need to see, free to walk through. Amazing to know the history behind these sites. Interesting to know people live at the top of the Marcellus theater and that it was once completely covered by buildings and a landfill. Pictures cannot do it justice when you get to stand beside it."

Jeff

"Tucked just behind the grand Theatre of Marcellus, the Temples of Apollo Sosiano and Bellona are lesser-known gems that whisper of Rome’s layered history. Though only fragments remain a few standing columns and foundational outlines these temples still evoke the majesty and spirituality of ancient Roman religious life.

The Temple of Apollo Sosiano, with its Corinthian columns and partial reconstruction, is especially striking when lit by the afternoon sun. It dates back to the Republican era but was rebuilt in the time of Augustus, reflecting the Emperor’s deep connection to Apollo as his divine protector. Just beside it, the Temple of Bellona, goddess of war, stood as a symbol of Rome’s military might — where Senate meetings were held before campaigns.

What makes this site special is the atmosphere. It’s not crowded like the Forum or Colosseum. You can pause, reflect and imagine the rituals, declarations and decisions that once shaped the empire.

Tip:
Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Portico of Octavia and the Jewish Ghetto for a deeper sense of Rome’s historical layers.

A short visit but a meaningful one for those who appreciate quiet corners of antiquity."

Boxa Net

"This archaeological site is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Rome.
The contrast between ancient ruins and the surrounding Renaissance architecture is breathtaking.
Even though it’s not as famous as the Colosseum or Roman Forum, it offers a more peaceful and reflective experience.
You can enjoy the history without the overwhelming crowds.
Perfect for photography and a short historical stroll.
Definitely worth a visit, especially if you love Roman history and want to explore beyond the tourist-packed areas."

Misha Smiley

What People Like

Free admission
Peaceful atmosphere
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Limited remaining structures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Temple of Apollo Sosiano is located near the Theatre of Marcellus. You can access the site and its courtyard from Piazza di Campitelli 7, through the courtyard of the Department of Cultural Activities of Rome Capital. It's also visible from Via Montana and Via del Teatro di Marcello. 🚌 🚇

Yes, several bus lines stop near the Theatre of Marcellus, making it easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro stations are a bit of a walk, but buses are a convenient option. 🚌

Absolutely! It's a pleasant walk from many central Rome attractions like the Roman Forum or Capitoline Hill, allowing you to see more of the city's ancient heart. 🚶

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Temple of Apollo Sosiano and the adjacent Temple of Bellona ruins are free to visit and explore. You can walk through the site and admire the remains without purchasing a ticket. :moneywithwings:

The grounds of the Portico di Octavio and the Theatre of Marcellus, where the temples are located, are generally open daily from 9 am to 7 pm. It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes. :clock1:

The main viewing areas are generally accessible, though as an ancient archaeological site, some parts might have uneven terrain. The courtyard access is typically straightforward. ♿

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You'll see the impressive remains of two ancient temples: the Temple of Apollo Sosiano, with its three surviving full-height Corinthian columns, and the ruins of the Temple of Bellona. The site offers a unique glimpse into Roman religious and political life. :statueofliberty:

A visit is typically short, often around 30 minutes to an hour, especially if you're combining it with nearby sites. It's a place for a meaningful, reflective stop rather than an all-day affair. :stopwatch:

One of the biggest draws is that it's significantly less crowded than major Roman attractions like the Colosseum or Roman Forum. This allows for a more peaceful and personal experience. :peopleholdinghands:

Dedicated to Apollo, this temple dates back to the Republican era and was rebuilt by Augustus. It reflects Apollo's importance in Roman culture and Augustus's personal devotion. The Temple of Bellona was a site for important Senate meetings. 📜

Yes, photography is highly encouraged! The juxtaposition of ancient ruins against the backdrop of modern Rome and the nearby Theatre of Marcellus makes for stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the area around the Theatre of Marcellus and the adjacent Jewish Ghetto is brimming with excellent trattorias, pizzerias, and cafes offering delicious Roman cuisine. 🍕 :wine_glass:

You'll find authentic Roman dishes, including pasta classics like Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara, as well as Roman-Jewish specialties in the Ghetto. :spaghetti: :artichoke:

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the three standing columns against the sky, frame the ruins with the Theatre of Marcellus in the background, and look for interesting angles that highlight the contrast between ancient and modern architecture. :iphone:

The late afternoon sun can cast a beautiful golden light on the ancient columns, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the textures of the stone. Early morning also offers softer light and fewer people. 🌅 :city_sunset:

Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the ruins and their surroundings. Look for details in the stonework and the Corinthian capitals. Don't forget to include the Theatre of Marcellus in your shots for context. 📷

Temple of Apollo Sosianus Rome (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide