Temple of Concord

Introduction

The Temple of Concord in Rome (Aedes Concordiae) is a profound symbol of political unity, social harmony, and cultural achievement. Located within the heart of the Roman Forum, this ancient sanctuary was dedicated to Concordia, the goddess of harmony and reconciliation. Its history is woven into the fabric of Rome’s most turbulent periods, standing as a testament to the city’s enduring quest for civic stability and unity.

From its foundation in 367 BCE, commemorating reconciliation between patricians and plebeians, to its grand reconstructions during the late Republic and Imperial eras, the Temple of Concord has served as a venue for Senate meetings, a repository of art, and a monument to Roman ideals. Today, its evocative ruins invite visitors to explore layers of history, architectural innovation, and political symbolism.

This guide covers everything you need to know for a memorable visit to the Temple of Concord, including its historical significance, architectural features, visiting hours, ticketing information, accessibility, and travel tips.

For in-depth background and travel logistics, see Adequate Travel, History Hit, and Time Travel Rome.

Origins and Historical Development

The Temple of Concord dates back to the early Roman Republic, with its foundation linked to the resolution of class conflict between patricians and plebeians. The first temple was reportedly vowed by Marcus Furius Camillus in 367 BCE, after the passage of the Lex Licinia Sextia, which allowed plebeians access to the consulship—a historic milestone for social equality (Adequate Travel).

Originally a modest structure, the temple’s location at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, near the Curia (Senate House) and Rostra (speakers’ platform), underscored its role as a monument to civic unity. Over time, it became a favored venue for Senate meetings, especially during periods of political strife.

Major Reconstructions & Architectural Evolution

Sullan and Tiberian Reconstructions

• 121 BCE (Sullan Restoration): In response to the murder of Gaius Gracchus and societal unrest, the Senate restored the temple to reinforce civic harmony (History Hit).
• 7 BCE–10 CE (Tiberian Rebuilding): Emperor Tiberius oversaw a comprehensive reconstruction, resulting in a grand temple measuring approximately 45 x 24 meters. Notably, the temple was wider than deep—a rare design, influenced by site constraints and the need to accommodate large assemblies. The structure featured a high podium, deep pronaos, and lavish Corinthian columns, with interiors adorned in marble and Greek artworks (Adequate Travel; Time Travel Rome).

Artistic and Political Role

The temple doubled as a museum, housing priceless Greek sculptures, paintings, and imperial spoils. Senate meetings and public ceremonies—such as Cicero’s oration against Catiline in 63 BCE—were held within its walls, emphasizing its role in political reconciliation and propaganda (Time Travel Rome).

What Remains Today

Presently, only scant remains of the Temple of Concord survive. Visitors will find the raised concrete and rubble podium, along with scattered marble fragments. Some decorative elements are preserved in the Capitoline Museums (colosseumrometickets.com). The original grandeur is mostly lost, due to centuries of neglect and material repurposing, especially during the Renaissance (jeffbondono.com; historytools.org).

Image: The remains of the Temple of Concord within the Roman Forum

Location and Setting

The Temple of Concord is situated at the northwest corner of the Roman Forum, adjacent to the Tabularium and near the Arch of Septimius Severus (Wikipedia; colosseumrometickets.com). Its central position placed it at the heart of Rome’s political and civic life, within walking distance of the Curia Julia, Rostra, and other major landmarks (visit-colosseum-rome.com).

Image: Map highlighting the Temple of Concord’s location in the Roman Forum

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Entry: Access to the Temple of Concord is included with the standard ticket to the Roman Forum, which is typically bundled with entry to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill (selectitaly.com). Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the entrance. As of 2025, adult tickets are around €16–€18, with reductions for EU youths and free entry for children under 18 (Italy Tourist Information). On the first Sunday of each month, entry is free but very crowded.

Opening Hours:

• Generally open daily from 9:00 AM until one hour before sunset.
• Closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
• Last admission is usually one hour before closing (storiesbysoumya.com).

How to Get There:
The Roman Forum is centrally located and accessible via Metro (Colosseo, Line B), tram lines 3/8, and several buses. The main entrance is near Piazza Venezia (storiesbysoumya.com).

Accessibility Information

The Roman Forum’s ancient, uneven terrain can present challenges for visitors with mobility impairments. There is a lift at the main entrance for wheelchair access to the Forum level, but pathways around the Temple of Concord are rough and steep in places (carrieannlightley.com). Accessible toilets are available, and some guided tours offer specialized routes. It is recommended to check current accessibility details in advance (vemrent.com).

Guided Tours & Visitor Tips

Guided Tours:
Many guided and audio tours of the Roman Forum include the Temple of Concord. Specialized tours can provide deeper insight into its political and cultural history (nomadepicureans.com). Information panels are available, but on-site interpretation is limited—consider hiring a local guide or using the Audiala app for enriched commentary.

Practical Tips:

• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better light.
• Duration: Allocate 2–3 hours for exploring the Forum and adjacent monuments.
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, refillable water bottle, and a camera.
• Facilities: Toilets are available; there are no cafés or shops within the archaeological park (nomadepicureans.com).
• Photography: The ruins are particularly photogenic with the backdrop of the Tabularium and Forum (booked.net).

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring these adjacent sites:

• Capitoline Museums: Display fragments from the Temple and other Forum artifacts.
• Temple of Saturn, Curia Julia, Basilica Julia, Arch of Septimius Severus: All within short walking distance, offering deeper context to Rome’s public life (colosseumrometickets.com).

FAQs

Q: What are the Temple of Concord’s visiting hours?
A: The site is open daily from 9:00 AM until one hour before sunset, with seasonal variations.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Adult tickets are approximately €16–€18, with reductions for EU youths and free entry for children under 18.

Q: Is the Temple of Concord wheelchair accessible?
A: Wheelchair access is possible at the main entrance, but terrain around the temple is challenging.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, most Roman Forum tours include the Temple of Concord. Private or thematic tours provide more focused insights.

Q: What should I bring?
A: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera.

Summary & Recommendations

The Temple of Concord stands as a powerful emblem of Rome’s ideals of unity, reconciliation, and cultural sophistication. Although its physical remains are modest, the temple’s historical narrative—from its foundation to its role as a Senate hall and art museum—adds depth to any visit to the Roman Forum. Early or late-day visits are recommended for an evocative experience, and guided tours or digital resources, like the Audiala app, can greatly enhance your understanding.

For up-to-date visitor information, ticket bookings, and historical context, refer to Italy Tourist Information, Adequate Travel, and History Hit.