If you are lucky enough to be able to spend a few days in Rome, you will be spoilt for choice. There is a lot to see and do, as well as great food and a warm welcome waiting for you.

One of the best historical destinations is the Temple of Hercules Victor (which means Hercules the Winner). This beautiful and unusual edifice was built as a tribute to Hercules Olivarius.

It is built from what was, at the time, the most expensive building material, Pentelic marble that was quarried in Athens. At some point during the 1st Century CE 10 of the columns on the north side of the building were damaged. The damage was repaired using Luna marble.

A long and varied history

This building has a long and interesting history, which is why you should really take one of the many Temple of Hercules Victor tours. You will enjoy seeing the building and walking around it without a guide, but will completely miss out on learning about this fascinating building.

For example, the main reason the building is so well preserved is the fact that it was turned into a church in the 1100s. Records show that in 1132CE it was known as the church of San Stefano alle Carozze (the saint of the carriages).

In the 12-century the space between the outer columns were filled in with concrete faced brick with windows built into it. The building remained for many centuries after that as a church with a beautiful fresco being added in 1475CE, but not long after that, the church was deconsecrated. Yet in the 17th century it became a church again when it was known as the church of S. Maria del Sole (of the sun) only to be deconsecrated two centuries later.

This beautiful building is well worth experiencing properly, so be sure to treat yourself to a guided tour when you visit it.