Temple of Apollo Palatinus

The Temple of Apollo Palatinus is a sanctuary on the Palatine Hill constructed from white Carrara marble with a columned entrance hall and interior chambers. The complex contained two library halls with columns that functioned as meeting spaces and archives for official records.

Augustus commissioned the temple's construction following a lightning strike on his property and dedicated it to Apollo on October 9, 28 BC. The sanctuary became a major religious and political center in early imperial Rome.

The temple served as a place where Romans came to honor Apollo and seek his favor through offerings and prayers. The ornate interior reflected how central the god was to Roman religious life and civic identity.

The site sits on the Palatine Hill within an archaeological park, so expect stairs and uneven ground throughout your visit. Comfortable shoes are essential when walking among the ancient ruins, especially in sun and heat.

The portico displayed fifty black marble statues of the Danaids positioned between columns of yellow giallo antico marble. This striking arrangement of female figures was unusual for Roman temples and made the sanctuary particularly eye-catching.