Tivoli

Temples of Vesta and Sibyl in Tivoli

The Temple of Vesta (Tempio di Vesta) in Tivoli, from which there is only a rotunda and fragments of walls, is equally attractive to connoisseurs of ancient architecture and lovers of nature and beautiful views. Nearby is the worse-preserved Temple of the Sibyls (Tempio di Sivilla) and the famous Sibilla Restaurant.

History of creation

The temple was built in the 1st century BC on the hill of the ancient acropolis of the city of Tibur, as Tivoli was previously called. Etruscan rule and Greek artistic traditions had a strong influence on local art, affecting also architecture. The base of the structure, as it were, grows out of the rock, harmoniously continuing it, and rushes to an elegant round rotunda on ten columns of the Corinthian style (initially there were eighteen).

The frieze is decorated with reliefs depicting bull skulls (tribute to the Roman tradition of sacrifice), and heavy garlands hanging from them. A cella is inscribed in the circle of the rotunda - the core of the entire building, the place where the rites were held. The dome of the rotunda had an opening for the exit of the smoke of the sacred fire burning here in honor of Vesta.

Entrance to the cell, according to Etruscan custom, was cut through only one (from the front side of the building). Nearby are the picturesque waterfalls of the Agnien River, contrasting with the heavy walls of the sanctuary.

The Temple of Vesta has retained the name of its creator - as the inscription on the architrave says, his name was Lucius Gellius. It is not known who he was dedicated to - Vesta, Hercules, the prophetess Albunei or the local hero Tiburn. Nearby is another unidentified sanctuary - presumably the temple of the Sibyl of Tiburtinsky, the things of the virgin who lived in these places. In addition to the rectangular skeleton and two ionic columns, nothing was preserved from the building, and this temple is much inferior in picturesqueness to its round brother. The walls were decorated with paintings that did not survive to this day.

Further fate

In the 4th century Roman emperor Theodosius (Flavius ​​Theodosius) ordered to close the temple of Vesta. Thus began the period of desolation. Later, the building was turned into the Catholic Church of Santa Maria della Rotonda (Santa Maria della Rotonda)that greatly contributed to the preservation of the ancient monument. But in the XVI century. the church ceased to function, and all Christian annexes were demolished. It is curious that the church of St. George was also located in the temple of Sibyl of Tiburtinsky for a long time.

More than these two interesting monuments of ancient architecture have not been restored. But the area in which they were located underwent restoration. By order of Pope Gregory XVI (Gregorius PP. XVI), in 1835, work was carried out to restore the floodplain of the Agnienne River, which suffered from the flood of 1826, thanks to which you can admire wonderful grottoes and waterfalls from the hills.

Some buildings outside of Italy were copied from the Sanctuary of Vesta: its imitation in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew (UK), Mussenden in Downhill (Northern Ireland), the Temple of Love in Little Trianon (France).

Where is

The temples are part of the park ensemble of Villa Gregoriana in Tivoli. Other Tivoli attractions, Villa d'Este, can be reached in 15 minutes on foot. Tivoli is a great place for a country vacation; cozy restaurants are scattered around in many places. Read my review about the Sibilla restaurant overlooking the waterfall, which is located right next to the temple - I sincerely recommend it. Here is an instruction how to get to Tivoli.

Watch the video: Wikipedia Temple of Vesta, Tivoli (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Tivoli, Next Article

Mouth of truth
Italy

Mouth of truth

Who watched the film "Roman Vacations", he remembers how the protagonist launched his hand in the mouth of truth and .... Walking around Rome, take a look at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin and see this marble bas-relief. But be prepared to stand in line to test yourself on a "lie detector" and take a picture with the attraction.
Read More
People Square
Italy

People Square

Piazza del Popolo is a beautiful large square surrounded by churches, fountains and with a huge Egyptian obelisk in the center, which describes the acts of Pharaoh Ramses. Be sure to take a walk here in the evening when the square is beautifully illuminated. People's Square (Piazza del Popolo), photo by Flavio CDC People's Square (Piazza del Popolo) has always occupied an important place in the life of the Romans.
Read More
Rome Ciampino Airport
Italy

Rome Ciampino Airport

Rome Ciampino Airport is small but very economical. The low-cost airline Ryanair is based here. Wizzair and EasyJet also fly here. Airport Rome-Ciampino (Aeroporto di Roma-Ciampino), photo Jens-Olaf Walter Airport Rome-Ciampino (Aeroporto di Roma-Ciampino), or in another way - the airport. Giovanni Battista Pastine Airport, located in the Lazio region of Ciampino.
Read More
Castle of the Holy Angel. Mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian
Italy

Castle of the Holy Angel. Mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian

The castle-fortress of the Holy Angel attracts with its brutality and history. It was first a tomb, then a castle, the residence of the popes and at the same time a depository of their values ​​and a prison. Today it is a museum. And from the observation deck of the castle offers a stunning panorama of the city. Castle of the Holy Angel (Castel Sant 'Angelo) Castle of the Holy Angel (Castel Sant' Angelo) - a romantic and mysterious place.
Read More