Temple of Hadrian

In 145 CE, Antoninus Pius, the deified emperor Hadrian's adoptive son and successor erected the Temple of Hadrian (Templum Divus Hadrianus, also known as Hadrianeum) on the Campus Martius in Rome, Italy. The Temple of Hadrian was constructed in memory of the great Roman Emperor Hadrian, who ruled Rome for 21 years while bringing prosperity and peace. Prior to being correctly credited as the Temple of Hadrian finished under Antoninus Pius, this structure was known as the Basilica of Neptune.

The other side of the temple, as well as both ends, vanished in the past. Only one side of the cella wall, which was constructed into a palazzo in the nineteenth century and still houses the Rome Borsa, and eleven fluted columns with Corinthian bases and capitals are still visible. The temple originally faced East (towards the Corso), and evidence of vaulting beneath the front steps shows that it had eight columns across the front and thirteen on either side. These traces also include the remnants of clamps, which indicate that pilasters were attached to the colonnade.

From the main facade, a 4-m high staircase led up to the portico. This was a typical element of Roman temple architecture in antiquity. The temple's original ground level was several meters below the site's present street level, which is an intriguing geological fact revealed by the remains. This indicates that the city has risen throughout that time.

The temple was constructed from "Proconnesian" marble, a gray and white stone. Only toward the end of Hadrian's reign did this particular variety of marble start to be used; it originated in northeastern Turkey. The columns were also made of limestone and Giallo Antico marble, a yellow-hued marble from Tunisia.

In modern times, the Hadrian's Temple serves as a museum and exhibition space. Tourists can see some of the remains of the temple through the model display.