Great Altar of Hercules, Ancient Roman altar in Forum Boarium, Italy
The Great Altar of Hercules sits in the Forum Boarium, an ancient marketplace located near the Tiber River. The structure is built from large stone blocks and stands among the scattered remains of other ancient Roman constructions in this archaeological zone.
The altar was built in the 2nd century BC as a dedication to Hercules, the god of strength and commercial success. The structure endured through the centuries, evidence of its importance to Roman society.
The altar served as a place where merchants and traders offered prayers and sacrifices to Hercules, whom Romans revered as a protector of commerce. The location shows how closely business and religious devotion were intertwined in the daily life of ancient Rome.
The altar is within walking distance of the church Santa Maria in Cosmedin and easily accessible on foot. The site is best visited during daylight hours when the surrounding remains are clearly visible.
The altar features marble decorations that reveal the wealth and organization of this ancient marketplace. These details show that high-quality materials were used for this important religious site, not simple wooden structures.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
