Temple of Hadrian Rome
A striking facade of 11 Corinthian columns from 145 AD, now part of Rome's stock exchange, offering a glimpse into layered history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See history come alive
Temple of Hadrian Rome
Best Time
See history come alive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking facade of 11 Corinthian columns from 145 AD, now part of Rome's stock exchange, offering a glimpse into layered history.
"A fascinating hidden gem, blending ancient grandeur with modern Rome."
📸 Capture the Contrast
Juxtapose ancient columns with modern life for stunning photos. Look for unique angles!
🧐 Look for Details
Don't just glance! Spot bomb shrapnel marks and placeholders for original marble.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Corinthian Columns
Piazza di Pietra
Eleven towering Corinthian columns from 145 AD, a breathtaking remnant of Emperor Hadrian's grandeur.
WW2 Bomb Shrapnel Marks
Exterior facade
Visible craters on the ancient stone, a poignant reminder of Rome's more recent turbulent history.
Incorporated into Stock Exchange
Piazza di Pietra
Witness history alive as the temple's facade is integrated into the modern Chamber of Commerce building.
Planning Your Visit
A Hidden Gem Amidst the Bustle
Beyond the Facade
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Contrast
Juxtapose ancient columns with modern life for stunning photos. Look for unique angles!
🧐 Look for Details
Don't just glance! Spot bomb shrapnel marks and placeholders for original marble.
Temple of Hadrian, Rome.
📍 Near the Pantheon
It's an easy walk from the Pantheon, making it a perfect stop on your Roman itinerary.
💡 Hidden Gem Alert
Many visitors walk by without realizing its significance. Appreciate this historical treasure!
Temple of Hadrian, Rome, Italy.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Contrast
Juxtapose ancient columns with modern life for stunning photos. Look for unique angles!
🧐 Look for Details
Don't just glance! Spot bomb shrapnel marks and placeholders for original marble.
📍 Near the Pantheon
It's an easy walk from the Pantheon, making it a perfect stop on your Roman itinerary.
💡 Hidden Gem Alert
Many visitors walk by without realizing its significance. Appreciate this historical treasure!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Temple of Hadrian as a fascinating 'hidden gem' that showcases Rome's ability to integrate ancient history into modern life. Its imposing columns and unique historical context, including bomb shrapnel marks, are frequently highlighted as memorable features. While not an attraction you can enter, its striking facade and central location make it a worthwhile stop.
"Hadrian’s Temple is one of those hidden corners in Rome that many tourists pass by without realizing its history. Built in 145 AD and dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, today only a row of majestic columns remains, now part of a modern building.
I always stop here for photoshoots especially when the light hits those ancient columns just right.
It’s a perfect mix of Roman history and urban Rome. Definitely worth a visit, even just for a quick photo stop!"
Mojtaba Razaghi
"Tucked away in the heart of Rome, the remains of the Temple of Hadrian are a fascinating glimpse into the city’s layered history. Though often overlooked in favor of more famous ruins, this site—now partially incorporated into a modern building in Piazza di Pietra—is well worth a visit.
Built in 145 AD by Emperor Antoninus Pius in honor of his predecessor, Hadrian, the temple once stood as a grand structure in ancient Rome. Today, only 11 massive Corinthian columns remain, but they are still an impressive sight. Standing at 15 meters high, these fluted marble columns give a sense of the scale and grandeur that once defined the temple. The contrast between the ancient ruins and the more modern 17th-century Palazzo that now surrounds them makes for a striking visual.
What makes this spot particularly interesting is how seamlessly Rome weaves its past into its present. The temple’s remains have been adapted into a newer building, now housing the Rome Chamber of Commerce, and at night, atmospheric lighting highlights the columns beautifully. If you visit in the evening, the golden glow adds an almost mystical quality to the ruins.
It’s easy to walk past without realizing the significance of what you’re seeing, but when in Rome, it’s always worth stopping to appreciate the stories these ancient stones tell. Whether you’re exploring the nearby Pantheon or simply wandering through the city, take a moment to admire the Temple of Hadrian—you won’t regret it!"
I. Morgan
"The temple is located at walking distance from the Pantheon; the remains of it have been incorporated into a 17th-century papal palace, which is now hosting the Rome Chamber of Commerce.
You can still see 11 of the original huge columns on the façade of the building, and you can see more ruins inside, where you can also sit to watch a documentary about the place.
The entrance is free and there is not too much to see, but it’s a nice place to take a break, chill and rest."
Adri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Temple of Hadrian (Hadrianeum) is centrally located in Piazza di Pietra, a short walk from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. You can easily reach it by foot if you're exploring the historic center. Several bus lines also stop nearby, making it accessible via public transport.
Yes, it's quite easy to find, especially if you're heading towards the Pantheon. It's a prominent facade on Piazza di Pietra, though some visitors might overlook its historical significance at first glance.
Walking is the best way to explore the area. You can combine a visit to the Temple of Hadrian with other nearby attractions like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a ticket to see the exterior of the Temple of Hadrian. It's an open-air monument integrated into the current Chamber of Commerce building.
As the temple is part of a functioning building, its exterior can be viewed at any time. The piazza itself is always accessible.
You cannot go inside the ancient temple structure itself, as it's incorporated into the modern Chamber of Commerce building. However, you can admire its impressive facade and columns from the piazza.
There is no entrance fee to view the Temple of Hadrian from the outside. It's a free historical site to appreciate.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Temple of Hadrian's surviving wall and columns have been incorporated into the building that now houses the Chamber of Commerce of Rome.
Built in 145 AD, it was dedicated to the deified Emperor Hadrian by his successor Antoninus Pius. It's a remarkable example of Roman architecture and its adaptation over centuries.
Look for the eleven surviving Corinthian columns, the original cella wall, and unique details like craters from WW2 bomb shrapnel and placeholders for missing marble.
It's generally less crowded than major attractions like the Colosseum or Pantheon, making it a more relaxed experience. However, it can get busier during peak tourist seasons.
It's very close to the Pantheon, and a short walk from other major sights like the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. There's also a beautiful fountain across the piazza.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots are from Piazza di Pietra, allowing you to capture the full facade with the columns. Experiment with angles to include the modern building for contrast.
Yes, the Temple of Hadrian is beautifully illuminated at night, offering a different, atmospheric perspective for photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the columns and the entire facade. A standard lens will work well for details like the bomb shrapnel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great stop for families because it's easily accessible and doesn't require a long, structured visit. You can quickly see the impressive facade and discuss its history, then move on to nearby attractions like the Pantheon or a gelato shop. The piazza itself is a safe space for kids to move around a bit while parents take in the sights.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Explorers
It's an ideal stop during a self-guided walking tour of the historic center. You can easily integrate it between visits to the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, appreciating the historical layers of Rome without feeling rushed. The piazza offers a great place to sit, sketch, or simply observe the blend of ancient and modern life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Monument: History and Adaptation
This integration means the Temple of Hadrian is a unique site where ancient Roman grandeur meets modern civic life. Visitors can marvel at the sheer scale of the original construction while also appreciating how Rome has continuously built upon its past. The presence of placeholders for the original marble cladding and even visible craters from World War II bomb shrapnel offer poignant layers of history, telling stories of both imperial power and more recent conflicts.
Exploring the Temple of Hadrian offers a different kind of historical immersion compared to more preserved ruins. It prompts reflection on how ancient structures can be repurposed and continue to serve a function in contemporary society. It’s a powerful reminder that Rome is not just a city of ruins, but a living, breathing entity where history is constantly being reinterpreted and integrated.
Experiencing Piazza di Pietra
Across from the temple's remaining columns, you'll find a beautiful fountain, adding to the piazza's charm. This spot is perfect for enjoying a gelato or simply people-watching. The juxtaposition of the ancient temple, the fountain, and the surrounding modern buildings creates a unique visual tapestry that captures the essence of Rome's layered urban landscape.
Many visitors discover the Temple of Hadrian serendipitously while walking between other major attractions like the Pantheon. This unexpected encounter often leads to a deeper appreciation for the city's hidden historical gems. The piazza provides an excellent vantage point for photography, especially during the golden hour or after dark when the temple is beautifully illuminated.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit