The Temple of Venus and of Rome (Latin: Templum Veneris et Romae) was the largest known temple in Ancient Rome. Located at the far east side of the Forum Romanum near the Colosseum, it was dedicated to the goddesses Venus Felix (Venus the Bringer of Good Fortune) and Roma Aeterna (Eternal Rome) and contained giant statues of both.

The architect was the emperor Hadrian. Construction of the temple began in 121. It was officially inaugurated by Hadrian in 135, and finished in 141 under Antoninus Pius. Damaged by fire in 307, it was restored with alterations by the emperor Maxentius.

It was so large that a huge bronze statue of the Emperor Nero – known as the Colossus – had to be moved to another site. The Temple of Venus once had dozens of 50ft high white marble columns flanking an enormous nave and a coffered vaulted ceiling, but only 16 are still standing.

Entrance to the temple will be included in the 12 euro tickets which give visitors access to the Colosseum, the Forum and the Palatine Hill.