Remains of ancient Roman temple restored
Rome, 17 Sept. (AKI) - The facade of an ancient Roman building, the Temple of Hadrian, has been restored in the Italian capital, Rome, at a cost of more than one million euros.
The temple was built in 145 A.D. by Emperor Antoninus Pius in honour of the previous emperor Hadrian who was deified after his death.
The temple is located in the Piazza di Pietra in the historic centre of Rome near the celebrated Pantheon. It now houses the city's stock exchange and Chamber of Commerce.
Andrea Mondello, president of the chamber, told Adnkronos International that he was pleased with the results.
"We've worked very hard. This is a work of quality rather than quantity," Mondello said.
The temple stands in what was Campus Martius or the Field of Mars which at one time was used for military training and also witnessed triumphal processions that celebrated Roman victories.
One external wall of the temple - with its 11 Corinthian columns - survives and pieces of its original marble base can still be seen.
The facade was incorporated into a Medieval fortress and the later part of a 17th century papal palace.
The restoration took eighteen months and was financed by the Chamber of Commerce, which has been based there since 1874.
Rome's Mayor, Gianni Alemanno, said this piazza had been restored to its former splendour and thanked the chamber for its commitment.
