The Temple of Vesta and the House of the Vestal Virgins, Rome - an amazing site with history dating back 2800 years !

While in Rome, Italy in October we visited the Temple of Vesta and the House of the Vestal Virgins, which is located in the Palatine Hill archaeological site in the centre of the city, which is quite incredible.

The temple itself was a round structure, of which only ruins remain now, although you can clearly make out what it would have been like from the remains that have been pieced back together.

There really isnt much to see of the temple itself left, with a scattering of other pillar remains, and part of the circumferential circle, other than that seen in the post above.

Its site was quite prominent next to the palaces on the Palatine Hill giving an idea of just how important it must have been. My daughter had seen details of it on youtube not long before we went, quite by chance, and so she was quite stunned to then see it in person, only a few weeks later.

In particular, it was the House of the Vestal Virgins, directly behind it which was of particular interest to me. I remember seeing it when we were last in Rome (15 years previously) and also reading up about it a few decades ago when I was very much into Roman history.

The house was the residence of the vestal virgins and contained a lovely atrium (courtyard) and pools. The building itself is pretty much gone now, but its incredible to be able to walk around the old courtyard, see the pools and the statues of the vestals.

The site has origins back to the 7th century BC (2,800 years) which is quite incredible. What we see today was probably from rebuilding around 100AD or so, so still of decent age (1900 years), with the buildings used on until the 11th or 12th century - so over a 1000 years of use - thats pretty good value for money !!!

The statues are stunning, with each one being different - although in various states of decay. The vestals themselves were priestesses of Vesta, and 'ran the temple' for better words !

Vesta was a powerful goddess, and as such they had considerable influence including association with the pontifex maximums (one of the most senior, if not, the most senior religious role in ancient Rome, and precursor to the Pope before Christian times). So they were an important lot !

The Cult of Vesta survived until around the 4th century AD, and then was disbanded, probably due to the growing influence of Christianity on the Roman state.

The site leaves behind an incredible amount of history, and its amazing to think that we can now freely wander around what would have been a very sacred site back then.

The Palatine Hill site is quite huge (way bigger than I ever imagined) and as such its nestled amongst other fantastic remains on all sides - its quite incredible really.

In particular, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina (above left) and the Basilica of the Saints Cosmas and Damian (above right) are very impressive.

Its just one of those sites that you know is just that bit extra special. The history is incredible, with questions about who may have walked there, and what might have happened, abounding as you look around - it really is a stunning place.

If you ever get the chance, you simply have to visit the Palatine Site in Rome, it will blow you away. We really enjoyed it, and personally I cant wait to go back - seeing it just twice is not enough for me !

Until the next time !