Temple of Hadrian

The Temple of Hadrian, located in Piazza di Pietra in Rome, is a monument of extraordinary historical and architectural importance. Built in 145 AD by Emperor Antoninus Pius, the temple was dedicated to the memory of his father-in-law, Emperor Hadrian, one of the most famous and respected emperors in Roman history. The temple originally stood within a larger complex that included a porticoed square and other public buildings, highlighting its centrality in the public life of ancient Rome. The site chosen for the temple was not random. Piazza di Pietra, now located in the Colonna district, was an area of great political and commercial importance, close to the Forum of Augustus and other governmental buildings. The choice of this location emphasized the symbolic importance of the temple and imperial cult. The building was surrounded by a series of Corinthian columns in white marble, supporting an entablature decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from Hadrian’s life and allegorical representations of the empire’s provinces. Today, a significant part of the temple’s original structure remains in the form of the colonnade. Eleven out of the thirteen Corinthian columns on the northern side are still standing, each about 15 meters high. These imposing columns, which once formed part of the pronaos, the colonnaded entrance of the temple, give an idea of the grandeur and magnificence of the building. The bases of the columns and the remains of the entablature add further details to the impressive overall view, highlighting the sophisticated craftsmanship of Roman architects and sculptors. Over the centuries, the Temple of Hadrian has undergone numerous changes and adaptations. During the Middle Ages, the building was incorporated into a fortification and later transformed into a customs house. These subsequent uses altered the original structure, but also contributed to its preservation. In the 17th century, architect Carlo Fontana was commissioned to adapt the temple to house the headquarters of the Customs of Land and Sea. Fontana retained the original columns and integrated the Roman structure into a new Baroque building, which now houses the Stock Exchange of Rome. The history of the Temple of Hadrian is rich in anecdotes and curiosities. It is said, for example, that some of the temple’s columns were used in the Middle Ages to build the surrounding churches and palaces. Additionally, the marble blocks of the structure were reused for various construction projects, a fate common to many Roman monuments that were considered a valuable source of building materials. From an artistic point of view, the remains of the temple offer a fascinating glimpse into Roman art and architecture. The decorations on the entablature, although partially damaged, still show finely carved details depicting scenes from the emperor’s life and allegories of the Roman provinces. These reliefs were designed not only to celebrate Hadrian, but also to convey a message of power and unity of the empire. Piazza di Pietra, where the temple stands, is now one of the most picturesque corners of Rome. The contrast between the ancient Roman columns and the surrounding Baroque buildings creates a unique atmosphere, where past and present harmoniously blend. The square is a meeting place for Romans and tourists, who can admire the temple’s remains and reflect on the city’s long history. The conservation and enhancement of the Temple of Hadrian have been the subject of numerous interventions over the years. Recently, restoration work has been carried out to consolidate the ancient structures and protect the sculpted reliefs from weathering and pollution. These interventions are essential to preserve the historical and artistic heritage of the temple and ensure its accessibility for future generations.