Explore Temple of Portunus
The Temple of Portunus is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman temples in Rome. It was built in the 2nd century BCE, during the Roman Republic, and was dedicated to the god Portunus. It is thought to have been built by a wealthy merchant who wanted to honor the god that protected his trade and commerce.
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The Temple of Portunus is an example of early Roman temple architecture. It is rectangular, with a single cella and a porch supported by four columns. The columns are made of tuff, a type of volcanic rock, and the temple is faced with travertine, a type of limestone.
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The Temple of Portunus is adorned with a number of decorative elements, including intricate friezes and reliefs. The frieze above the entablature depicts the myth of Hercules and Cacus, while the reliefs on the cella walls show scenes from the life of Portunus.
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The Temple of Portunus underwent a major restoration in the 18th century, during the Baroque period. The restoration was overseen by architect Francesco Piranesi, who added a number of decorative elements to the temple, including the statues of Castor and Pollux on the pediment.
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The Temple of Portunus is significant for its historical and cultural value. It is a testament to the early Roman Republic and its architectural and engineering achievements. It is also significant for its religious value, as it is one of the few surviving temples dedicated to the god Portunus.
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Portunus was an important god in Roman religion, as he was the god of harbors and ports, which were essential to Rome's trade and commerce. He was also believed to have the power to protect sailors and their ships from harm.
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The Temple of Portunus is located in the Forum Boarium district of Rome, which was the site of the city's main cattle market. The temple was likely built in this location because of the area's association with commerce and trade.
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The Temple of Portunus had a significant influence on later Roman temple architecture. Its rectangular shape, single cella, and porch supported by four columns became a standard for later Roman temples, such as the Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum.
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The Temple of Portunus is currently open to visitors and is managed by the Italian government. It is a popular tourist attraction, and its historical and architectural significance continues to be appreciated by visitors from around the world.
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Know Before You Go
Location: The Temple of Portunus is situated in the historic district of Rome, specifically in the area known as the Forum Boarium. It can be found near the Tiber River, close to the Circus Maximus.
Opening hours: The temple is generally open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. However, it's always recommended to check the official opening hours in advance, as they might be subject to change.
Best time to visit: To avoid crowds and fully appreciate the beauty of the Temple of Portunus, it's advisable to visit during the early morning or late afternoon. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, providing a more serene experience.
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By bus: Several bus lines operate in Rome, and you can check the local public transport website or inquire at the nearest bus stop for the routes that pass near the temple.
By taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout the city. You can hail a taxi or find one at designated taxi stands. Simply provide the driver with the address or name of the temple, and they will take you there.
By train: The closest train station to the Temple of Portunus is Roma Ostiense. From there, you can either take a short taxi ride or walk to the temple, which is about 1.5 kilometres away.
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FAQs
What is the Temple of Portunus?
The Temple of Portunus is an ancient Roman temple located in Rome, Italy. It was built in the 2nd century BCE and is dedicated to the god Portunus, the ancient Roman god of harbors and ports.
Who built the Temple of Portunus?
The identity of the architect and builder of the Temple of Portunus is unknown. However, it is thought to have been built by a wealthy merchant who wanted to honor the god that protected his trade and commerce.
What is the architectural style of the Temple of Portunus?
The Temple of Portunus is an example of early Roman temple architecture. It is rectangular in shape, with a single cella and a porch supported by four columns. The columns are made of tuff, a type of volcanic rock, and the temple is faced with travertine, a type of limestone.
What is the significance of the Temple of Portunus?
The Temple of Portunus is significant for its historical, cultural, and religious value. It is a testament to the early Roman Republic and its architectural and engineering achievements. It is also significant for its religious value, as it is one of the few surviving temples dedicated to the god Portunus.
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What are some other notable features of the Temple of Portunus?
Some other notable features of the Temple of Portunus include the intricate carvings on the temple's entablature and the use of different types of stone in the temple's construction.
Can I take photographs inside the Temple of Portunus?
Photography is allowed inside the Temple of Portunus, but flash photography and tripods are not permitted. Visitors are encouraged to respect the temple's historical significance and avoid damaging its structure or artifacts.
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