Temple of Hercules Victor, Rome, Italy

The Temple of Hercules Victor is a monopteros, a round temple of Greek 'peripteral' design completely encircled by a colonnade. Dating from the later 2nd century BC, and perhaps erected by L. Mummius Achaicus, conqueror of the Achaeans and destroyer of Corinth, the temple is 14.8 m in diameter and consists of a circular cella within a concentric ring of twenty Corinthian columns. These elements supported an architrave and roof, which have disappeared. The original wall of the cella, built of travertine and marble blocks, and nineteen of the originally twenty columns remain but the current tile roof was added later. Palladio's published reconstruction suggested a dome, though this was apparently erroneous. The temple is the earliest surviving marble building in Rome.

By 1132 the temple had been converted to a church, known as Santo Stefano alle Carozze. Additional restorations (and a fresco over the altar) were made in 1475. A plaque in the floor was dedicated by Sixtus IV. In the 17th century the church was rededicated to Santa Maria del Sole.

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Brad (15 months ago)
The Temple of Hercules Victor is a round Greek peripteral style temple built during the 2nd century B.C. It is surrounded & supported by 20 Corinthian columns nearly 10 metres in height. It seems 19 are still original while the tin roofing was added much later. Have a look-see when passing by. It is a very well preserved ancient temple..

Hussein Azmy (16 months ago)
A cool ancient Roman temple dedicated to Hercules. Entrance is supposedly possible on certain days, subject to prior reservation but I could not verify this

Becky T (17 months ago)
This is one of the oldest temples in Rome from the 2nd century BC. If nearby it may be worth a quick look, but otherwise there is little to see or read without having a guide.

Pong Lenis (18 months ago)
Very lovely temple, it’s been restored and it’s in very nice condition. It’s well preserved and maintained, there’s lots to do and see in and around this area. I really enjoyed my time here and I would definitely recommend visiting the temple and the surrounding sites.

Kakha Khmelidze (2 years ago)
This is a very old temple named after mythological Hercules. It is located next to the Tiber, on the territory of the oldest Roman Forum (lat. Forum Boarium). There is an assumption that the legendary marble Mouth of Truth was transferred to the medieval temple opposite from this beautiful, round marble ancient Roman temple. By the way, this is the oldest ancient Roman temple built of Greek marble.

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