Fodor's Expert Review Tempio di Venere e Roma

Once Rome's largest temple, was, in fact, originally two temples back-to-back. The half dedicated to Venus, facing the Colosseum, is the section seen today; its twin, which once faced the Forum, was dedicated to the goddess Roma, and is now the foundation of the church of Santa Maria Nova. Begun by Hadrian in AD 121, the temple is accessible from the end of the Forum near the Arch of Titus, and offers a great view of the Colosseum.