The Temple of Vesta in Tivoli

The Temple of Vesta (actually called the Aedes Vestae) in the Roman Forum was the first temple to be built in the Forum proper. According to many historians, the first temple could have been built as far back as the 8th century BCE. It was rebuilt and improved many times over the centuries, and when we think “Temple of Vesta” it’s usually the one that comes to mind. After all, this lovely and important little temple witnessed some of Rome’s most awesome and awful spectacles—triumphs, infamous assassinations, and world-changing political speeches and events that resonate to this day.

Yet there’s another Temple of Vesta that is just as accessible, and that’s the Temple of Vesta in the town of Tivoli. This temple’s birth happened quite a bit later—perhaps in the 1st century BCE. I’ve used a photograph I snapped of this beauty for the thumbnail of this article, and I’ve included a great old postcard below, to give you a big picture view. And I think this temple deserves some love too!

A vintage postcard showing the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli

At first glance, the architecture and design—particularly the circular shape—are similar to that of the more famous temple in Rome. Nonetheless, there is some debate about whether this is actually a temple to Vesta or to Hercules.  This is a similar situation to the Temple of Hercules Victor (see below photo) by the Tiber in Rome, which for many years was believed to be a Temple to Vesta…and which in my novel Brides of Rome I treat as something of a dual-purpose temple to both Hercules and Vesta, thus giving a nod to both schools of thought.

The so-called Temple of Hercules Victor by the Tiber River in Rome

Regardless, if you’ve read Brides of Rome, you’ll know that I do treat the temple in Tivoli as a true, devoted Temple of Vesta. In fact, it has a fairly prominent role in the novel.  And if you ever have the opportunity to visit Italy, I encourage you to get off the beaten path (I’m looking at you, Rome) and visit this temple. You can get quite close to it and, like it’s more famous sister in Rome, you can feel is presence in a very impactful and emotional way.

At least I did…but I’m a softie for such things!

The Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy - a beauty!