Tempio di Apollo Palatino (Temple of Palatine Apollo), Rome

Tempio di Apollo Palatino (Temple of Palatine Apollo), Rome

The Temple of Apollo Palatinus, also known as Palatine Apollo, was a significant temple situated on the Palatine Hill in ancient Rome. Originally dedicated by Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, to his patron deity Apollo, it stood adjacent to the Temple of Cybele. This temple was the second one in Rome specifically dedicated to Apollo, following the Temple of Apollo Sosianus.

Previously, the remains of the Temple of Apollo Palatinus were mistakenly believed to belong to the Temple of Jupiter Victor until excavations in 1956 clarified their true identity. The construction of the temple was initiated by Octavian, later known as Augustus, in fulfillment of a vow made after his victories. The temple was built on the spot where a lightning bolt had struck the interior of Augustus' property on the Palatine Hill. Its dedication took place on October 9, 28 BC. Notably, Augustus' private residence was directly connected to the sanctuary of the temple.

The temple's precinct, known as the area Apollinis, featured an artificial terrace measuring 70 by 30 meters, supported by opus quadratum sub-structures. Within this precinct, an altar with the sculptural group known as "Myron's Herd" was situated on an elaborate base. The northern part of the terrace elevated the temple on a high podium constructed with tufa and travertine blocks in load-bearing sections and cement elsewhere. The temple itself was built with Carrara marble blocks, featuring a pronaos (entrance porch) and a facade adorned with full columns on the front, with a continuation of the same column order in half-columns against the exterior walls of the cella (inner chamber).

During the excavation, various polychromatic terracotta slabs with relief depictions of mythological subjects, known as the "lastre Campana" type, were recovered. Adjacent to the temple, the Bibliotheca Apollinis Palatini (Library of Apollo Palatinus) comprised two apsidal halls adorned with a row of columns along the walls. Ancient sources indicate that the temple possessed ivory doors and housed numerous sculptures. The pediment of the temple included two bas-reliefs depicting the hunting of the Galatians from Delphi and Chian artwork from the 6th century BC, featuring sculptures of the Niobids by Bupalus and Athenis.

Surrounding the temple was a portico known as the portico of the Danaids, featuring columns made of yellow giallo antico marble. The spaces between the column shafts were adorned with black marble statues of the fifty Danaids, and the portico also contained a sculpture of Danaos holding an unsheathed sword, as well as equestrian statues depicting the sons of Egypt.

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Tempio di Apollo Palatino (Temple of Palatine Apollo) on Map

Sight Name: Tempio di Apollo Palatino (Temple of Palatine Apollo)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

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Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called ‘Tridente’ is one of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas, formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and the adjacent Via del Corso. It is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian/international...  view more

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Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

A movie beloved by generations of people, "Roman Holiday" (1953) was filmed entirely in Rome and starred two of Hollywood's greatest icons: Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The romantic comedy would go on to earn three Oscars, including the best actress trophy for Hepburn, who is entirely sympathetic in a role that could have been off-putting. The main storyline centers on a day of...  view more

Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles
Trastevere Walking Tour

Trastevere Walking Tour

Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city – Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

The historic center of Rome is packed with numerous landmarks and genuine works of art, to see all of which may take days if not weeks. This Rome Introduction Walk II highlights some of the key sights emerged during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, comprising some truly magnificent marvels of architecture. Among the featured landmarks here are the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
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In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.

Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

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