Temple of Hadrian (Tempio di Adriano)

The Temple of Hadrian, a unique monument in Rome, dates back to the 2nd century AD and was built to honor Emperor Hadrian, who was revered as a deity. Today, visitors can see 11 hulking columns that are all that remain of the original structure. These ancient columns now protrude from a neoclassical building constructed in 1831, creating a striking focal point in the pleasant Piazza di Pietra. The juxtaposition of the ancient and the more recent architecture offers a vivid glimpse into the city’s layered history.