Il Tempio di Adriano — Attraction in Rome

The Temple of the Deified Hadrian in Rome (Tempio di Adriano) is one of the lesser-known yet fascinating monuments of the Eternal City. It was built in 145 AD by Emperor Antoninus Pius in honor of his predecessor, Hadrian, who was deified after his death. The temple once stood as a majestic complex in the Campus Martius, but today only eleven of its original Corinthian columns remain, incorporated into the 17th-century papal customs office, which is now the headquarters of the Rome Chamber of Commerce.

Each column is about 15 meters high, made of white marble with intricate fluting, giving a sense of elegance and solemnity. Walking near them, you can still feel the scale of the ancient Roman architectural style and imagine the grand temple that once dominated the area.

In the evening, the Temple of Hadrian takes on a special charm. The columns are beautifully illuminated, highlighting their details against the dark Roman sky. The soft golden light makes the ruins look alive again, almost as if they whisper stories of emperors, gods, and ceremonies from nearly two thousand years ago. At night, when the crowd of tourists becomes smaller, the place gains a more intimate atmosphere — calm, mysterious, and contemplative.

The temple stands not far from Piazza di Pietra, a lively square with cafés and restaurants. This creates a unique blend of ancient Rome and modern life: you can sit nearby, enjoy an Italian espresso or dinner, while admiring a monument that has witnessed...

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...

Probably, the construction of the building was commissioned by the emperor Hadrian who intended to dedicate it to his wife Vibia Sabina, who died and was deified in 136. However, the works were completed around 145 by his son and successor Antoninus Pius who dedicated it to the deified Hadrian .

The temple consisted of eight columns on the short sides and thirteen on the long ones; it stood on a high podium accessible from the east side via a stairway. The architrave , largely restored, has a rich decoration with palmettes and lion heads. The interior consisted of semi-columns resting on high plinths decorated with reliefs depicting the personifications of the Roman provinces. These reliefs are found today in the Capitoline Museums and in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

In 1695, Carlo Fontana incorporated the remains of the temple into the Palazzo della Dogana di Terra, for goods arriving in Rome by land.

In 1831, the building housed the headquarters of the Rome Stock Exchange .

In 1873 the building was purchased by the Chamber of Commerce which made it its headquarters. The renovations were carried out by...