Temple of Minerva Medica, Rome, Italy

The erroneously named Temple of Minerva Medica is, in fact, a ruined nymphaeum of Imperial Rome, built in the 4th century. Nymphaeum is a building devoted to the nymphs and often connected to the water supply. The decagonal structure in opus latericium is relatively well preserved, the full dome having collapsed only in 1828. It is surrounded on three sides with other chambers added at a later date. There is no mention of it in ancient literature or inscriptions.

The structure represents a transition in Roman secular architecture between the octagonal dining room of the Domus Aurea and the dome of the Pantheon, in particular, and the architecture of nearby Byzantine churches. The diameter of the hall is about 24 metres, and the height was 33 — important from the structural point of view, especially for the ribs in the dome. In the interior are nine niches, besides the entrance; and above these are ten corresponding round-arched windows. Both the interior and exterior walls were once covered with marble.

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User Reviews

David Smith (4 years ago)
I didn't expect to come across ancient Roman ruins on a train pulling into Termini station! This is a nymphaeum dating back to the 4th century.

Arif Gazi (4 years ago)
Not that much to explore ?

Ogochukwu Ojukwu (Megamoney96) (5 years ago)
Great ascent temple! Its a remarkable place

Kosala Dissanayaka (6 years ago)
one of the great panoramic point that i have found right next to the busy centre of ROME. nice location also the hotel next to the temple is an interesting thing. i loved this old train. little bit of noizy. but looks traditional

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