The Temple of Saturn In Rome: History Facts & Why Was the Temple Built

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Planning to visit the Temple of Saturn in Rome? This guide provides everything you need to know about how to visit the Temple of Saturn in Rome, including where it’s located, how to get there, and what to look for when exploring this iconic ruin in the Roman Forum.

The Temple of Saturn is one of the oldest and most important monuments of ancient Rome. Learn about its rich history, why the Temple of Saturn was built, and its role in the political and religious life of the city. Begin your visit and discover the stories hidden behind the majestic columns of the Temple of Saturn!

How to Visit the Temple of Saturn in Rome (Templum Saturni – Aedes Saturni)

You can visit the Temple of Saturn, one of the oldest and most symbolic monuments of the Roman Forum, with any ticket that grants access to the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.

No separate ticket is required, the Templum Saturni stands right along the main archaeological route between the Forum and the Capitoline Hill, making it one of the easiest landmarks to see during your visit.

Here are your best options for visiting the Temple of Saturn:

• Roman Forum + Colosseum skip-the-line ticket : Book your entry online (see last price here) and head straight into the archaeological area without waiting in long queues.
• Guided Colosseum Tour & Roman Forum: If you want to understand the temple’s importance, from its role in Saturnalia celebrations to the famous Roman state treasury once housed behind its columns, a guided tour is ideal (check this tour). Your guide will walk you through the Aedes Saturni’s history and show you the best angles for photos.
• Rome Pass: If you’re planning to visit several top attractions such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, and more, an all-in-one Rome sightseeing pass like the Roma Pass or Omnia Card or Rome Turbopass can simplify your planning and help you save time and money.

👉 Check all current tickets and guided tours here to choose the option that best fits your visit to the Roman Forum and the Temple of Saturn.

Temple of Saturn Location & How to Get There

The Temple of Saturn in Rome is one of the oldest and most iconic monuments in the Roman Forum. Easily recognizable by its eight towering columns, it stands proudly at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, right where ancient Rome’s political and commercial life once thrived.

You’ll find the Temple of Saturn just steps away from the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Vespasian, and the Tabularium viewpoint. Its central position inside the Forum makes it a natural stop during any visit, and most travelers walk past it while exploring the main archaeological route between the Forum and the Palatine Hill.

How to get to the Temple of Saturn :

• By metro: Take Line B (the blue line) and get off at Colosseo station. Enter the Roman Forum via the Via dei Fori Imperiali entrance. Once inside, follow the main path toward the Capitoline Hill, the Temple of Saturn is about a 10-minute walk from the entrance.
• By bus: Buses 51, 75, 85, 87, and 118 all stop near Via dei Fori Imperiali or Piazza Venezia. From either stop, simply follow the signs to the Roman Forum entrance, then continue along the Via Sacra until you reach the base of the Capitoline Hill.
• On foot: If you’re coming from the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, or the Capitoline Museums, you can reach the Temple of Saturn in under 10 minutes. It’s perfectly located for a combined visit with the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Roman Forum’s central area.

You can check the exact location of the Temple of Saturn in Rome and get the best walking directions directly on Google Maps below.

Temple of Saturn Opening Hours

The Temple of Saturn in Rome is part of the Roman Forum archaeological complex, which means you can visit it during the Forum’s standard opening hours. 

While the temple itself is an outdoor monument and always visible from the main path, access to its base and viewpoint depends on the Forum’s schedule. Certain walkways around the podium may occasionally be closed if preservation work is underway.

The Roman Forum typically opens : 

• at 8:30 am, 
• closing time is around 4:30 pm in winter and up to 7:15 pm in summer. The last entry is usually one hour before the site closes, so plan accordingly.
• Closed on: December 25 and January 1.

Visiting tip: Try to visit the Temple of Saturn early in the morning or close to sunset. The light hits the columns beautifully from the Capitoline Hill, giving you some of the most atmospheric views in the entire Roman Forum, and much better photos with fewer crowds.

Cool Facts About the Temple of Saturn

Check out these Temple of Saturn facts so you can impress your friends with your great knowledge!

Throw a couple of these into casual conversation to look like an expert!

• Inside the temple stood a huge statue of Saturn, whose feet were bound with wool
• At the time of the Saturnalia festival, the ties around the feet were loosened symbolically to show his liberation
• On the day of the Saturnalia feast, slaves were temporarily liberated like Saturn, and their masters served them!
• The pagan Saturnalia festival eventually morphed into the Christmas celebrations we know today
• Saturn lends his name to Saturday!

Rome Temple of Saturn Architecture & Building Materials

The Temple of Saturn remains that are visible today consist of the columns that have become one of Rome’s most iconic images.

The eight granite columns are topped off with the inscription about the Temple of Saturn reconstruction, and they rest on huge blocks of travertine.

The majority of the most recent building’s materials were taken from other buildings or structures – only a couple of the columns for example are made from one single piece of stone.

What Was the Temple of Saturn Rome Used For?

Saturn was the god of agriculture and wealth, and local Romans would have brought offerings in the form of fruits and vegetables or grains.

As wealth grew, the temple would eventually become a temporary store for the state treasury, reflecting the traditional belief that Saturn protected the earnings of the residents. At times, national archives and standards were also kept safe in the temple.

The temple was also the focal point of the Saturnalia celebrations, where Romans brought sacrifices before having a massive street party.

What Were Religious Duties Of The Temple Of Saturn

The temple of Saturn was dedicated to the god of Saturn. Inside stood a huge ivory statue of the god of agriculture.

Romans brought gifts and offerings as a thank you for enjoying a good harvest. By keeping the god happy they would be guaranteed further success with their crops and businesses.

Temple of Saturn History Including the Reconstruction

The first temple was constructed in the first century BC – supposedly by Rome’s last king Tarquinius Superbus.

It is believed to have survived right through to the 1st Century BC with a few upgrades as the building began to age. Finally, it became due for a huge upgrade around 42BC.

Eventually, it appears the temple was damaged by fire and again restored in or around the 4th century AD. An inscription on the remains from that time reads “SENATVS POPVLUSQVE ROMANVS / INCENDIO CONSVMPTVM” and alludes to the fact that the building was destroyed by fire.

Top Attractions near Temple of Saturn in Rome

After visiting the Temple of Saturn, you’re in a great location to explore more of ancient Rome. This part of the Roman Forum is full of famous ruins, important landmarks, and amazing viewpoints, all within easy walking distance.

Here are some nearby landmarks you’ll definitely want to check out:

• Roman Forum: Right beside the Temple of Saturn, the Forum is filled with ancient temples, arches, and old pathways. Walking here feels like stepping into ancient Roman life, where markets, politics, and public events once happened. To see the Forum, it’s often best to get a combo ticket that includes multiple sites. Check availability for your dates here >>
• Colosseum: Just a short walk from the Temple of Saturn, the Colosseum (get your tickets here>>) is Rome’s most famous monument. Once home to gladiator fights and roaring crowds, it’s a must-see. Most visitors explore it with a combo ticket that includes the Forum and Palatine Hill.
• Arch of Septimius Severus: Just a few steps away, this large triumphal arch celebrates Roman military victories. Its detailed carvings and size make it a great spot for photos and history lovers.
• Capitoline Hill: Climb this historic hill for some of the best views of the Roman Forum. It is also home to the Capitoline Museums and buildings redesigned by Michelangelo, combining art, history, and architecture.
• Palatine Hill: A short walk brings you to the legendary birthplace of Rome. Explore ancient palaces, gardens, and viewpoints overlooking the Forum and Circus Maximus. It is one of the most scenic and peaceful places nearby.
• Tabularium: Located under the Capitoline Museums, this ancient archive once held official Roman records. Today, its stone arches offer one of the best views of the Forum and make a great photo opportunity.
• Temple of Vespasian and Titus: These tall columns are close by and easy to overlook, but worth a stop. They stand as a striking reminder of Rome’s emperors and ancient craftsmanship.
• Curia Julia: This well-preserved building once served as the official Senate House of ancient Rome. Inside, senators debated laws and shaped the empire’s future. Today, it offers a fascinating look at Roman political life and impressive ancient architecture.

With so many major attractions surrounding the Temple of Saturn, you are always just a few steps away from another unforgettable part of Rome’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Temple of Saturn is one of the most popular attractions in Rome.

As such, we get a LOT of questions about it. Check out some of the most common here.

Who Built the Temple of Saturn?

The first temple was built over an already existing altar, purportedly by Rome’s last King Tarquinius Superbus.

How big was the Temple of Saturn?

The temple was 22.5 metres by 40 metres.

How old is the Temple of Saturn?

There has been a temple on the same site since 498BC.

How tall is the Temple of Saturn?

The original was 19m in height.

When was the Temple of Saturn built?

The first temple was built in 498BC.

Who destroyed the Temple of Saturn?

The temple was destroyed in the middle of the 15th century as the Roman Forum began to lose importance.

Why was the Temple of Saturn built?

It was constructed in dedication to the Roman god Saturn.

Conclusion

The Temple of Saturn in Rome is just one of many great historical treasures on display in the remains of the Roman Forum!

Combine your trip with a combo visit to the Colosseum (tickets available here >>) so you can hit off many of the greatest attractions in Rome in one go. Check out some of the other classic Roman Forum things to see here to get you in the mood.