Vesta Rises from the Rubble…

I thought those who follow this site would appreciate this post and the below remarkable black and white photograph.

The photo for this blog is of the original press photograph of the Temple of Vesta shortly after it was restored in 1930.

This was the first time this lovely temple, or what remains of it, saw the sun in centuries after first being excavated from the rubble by – would you believe it – Napoleon, leaving Mussolini to finish the job.  I am so happy to have this important piece of Vestal history in my collection.

If you’re wondering what the area looked like shortly before this, take a closer look at the below. To the left, you’ll see some tall columns – that’s what’s left of the Temple of Castor and Pollux, located just steps away from  the Temple of Vesta.  In the foreground, you can see the stumps of the columns of the round Temple of Vesta.