Temple of Flora in Rome, Ancient religious sanctuary on Quirinal Hill, Rome, Italy
The Temple of Flora was an ancient sanctuary on the Quirinal Hill in Rome, situated at the end of Via delle Quattro Fontane. The site lay between the Pincian and Quirinal hills, near the former Porta Quirinalis gate.
The sanctuary was founded in 238 BCE after the Floralia festival was introduced into the Roman calendar. It remained active until the fourth century, when pagan practices gradually declined.
The temple was linked to a circus where Romans held performances during the Floralia celebrations in late April and early May. These springtime festivities were an important part of the Roman calendar and drew crowds of spectators.
Visitors today find little above ground, as most remains lie buried beneath modern structures. Archaeological excavations from 1825 near the Capuchin Cross uncovered imperial-era walls that reveal the original extent of the temple complex.
The foundations of Palazzo Barberini contain ancient arches that once formed part of the circus attached to this sanctuary. These architectural elements were incorporated into the Renaissance structure, showing the continuity between ancient and modern Rome.
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