Temple of Caesar (Tempio di Cesare)

The Basics

The Temple of Caesar (Temple of Divus Iulius) was largely dismantled in the 15th century, so little of the original structure still stands. Visit with a guide who can help interpret these and other important ruins in the Roman Forum as part of an ancient Rome tour. Most include stops at Rome’s top archaeological sites paired with skip-the-line access to the Colosseum. Travelers with children can opt for a family-friendly tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Wear a hat and comfortable shoes and apply sunscreen when visiting the Temple of Caesar, which is in the outdoor Roman Forum archaeological site.

• Visitors cannot enter the temple ruins—only view them from the outside.

• The Forum is an especially fascinating tour for Roman history enthusiasts and can be fun for kids when visited with a family-friendly guide.

• The site is accessible to wheelchair users via an elevator at the entrance, though the remains themselves are spread across rough terrain and only a portion is easy to navigate with a wheelchair.

How to Get There

The Roman Forum is located alongside the Colosseum and Palatine Hill in the center of Rome near the Colosseo station on metro line B, which also stops at the main Termini train station.

When to Get There

Visit the Roman Forum, located outdoors, in early morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid the midday heat and crowds. If visiting in winter, opt for mild days with clear skies if possible. The archaeological site tends to be less crowded midweek than on weekends.

The Legend of the Temple of the Comet Star

The Temple of Caesar is also known as the Temple of the Comet Star and is the only sacred building dating from the Roman era to be devoted to a comet. It is said that a few years after Caesar’s death, a comet appeared over Rome for seven days. Many Romans took it to be the soul of the deified Julius Caesar, as well as an endorsement of the ascension of Augustus Caesar, his successor.

Ways to explore

Visiting the Temple of Caesar is just one stop of many when roaming the sprawling ruins of the Roman Forum. Join an ancient Rome tour to explore the site with a guide who can help you navigate and interpret the site; the Roman Forum is typically paired with the nearby Colosseum and Palatine Hill (Palatino) for a comprehensive tour of the area. However, those who are really fascinated by the famous Roman can find private tours that exclusively cover the life and death of Julius Caesar, while simultaneously visiting ancient Roman landmarks.

Accessibility

Travelers using wheelchairs should head to the nearby elevator at the Salara Vecchia entrance of the Roman Forum, although the site is only partially accessible.

Age limits

All ages are welcome, although its history may be lost on young visitors.

What to pack

Sunscreen, water, camera

What to wear

Sun hat, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

You cannot enter the temple ruins, but can view them from outside.

Amenities

Public restrooms, drinking fountains, audio guides, bookshop

Address

The Temple of Caesar is nearest the Largo della Salara Vecchia entrance to the Roman Forum, which is within the heart of Rome’s historical center. Those sightseeing in the city can usually walk there or take public transportation.

Driving

While you could drive to the Temple of Caesar and the Roman Forum, parking nearby is extremely difficult. Instead, take a taxi or book a rideshare.

Public transportation

Take metro line B to the Colosseo station near the Arch of Titus entrance, or ride the 85 or 87 bus to the Fori Imperiali bus stop outside the archaeological park.

Best times to visit

Visit the Roman Forum in early morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Best days to visit

The archaeological site around the temple tends to be less crowded midweek than on weekends.

Best months to visit

Aim for the shoulder season months—such as April to June and October to early November—for nice weather and fewer other visitors.

Special events

The temple is a key location for commemorating the Ides of March on March 15, the day Julius Caesar was assassinated, with a procession and speeches.