Slide Show
Forum Boarium
Bordering the Tiber River, the Forum Boarium was an open space dedicated to the large meat and fish market in Rome. The Forum Boarium is identifiable by two small temples on the site: the Temple of Hercules and the Temple of Portunus. The temples have remarkably withstood the test of time. The Temple of Portunus dates from the 1st-century B.C. and the Temple of Hercules dates to 2nd-century B.C. The Temple of Hercules, built of Greek marble, is the only surviving ancient structure in Rome constructed from this material and it is one of the oldest buildings in Rome. The circular design, outlined with 20 Corinthian columns, is representative of the temple in which Hercules rested after completing his tenth labor. The Temple of Portunus is from the era of the Roman Republic and serves as a visual reminder and landmark of the commercial function that furnished the wealth of Rome.
The opportunity to work on both temples created new interest in the Forum Boarium and led to much improved landscaping, making it a more welcoming destination for visitors. The project also led to new research and the publication of a guide to the Forum Boarium in both English and Italian.
Temple of Hercules with Temple of Portunus in the background, 2005
In 1996, the Temple of Hercules was placed on the World Monuments Watch drawing attention to a highly significant monument in dire need of conservation treatment. WMF aided in the conservation of the Temple of Hercules by securing the structure with stainless steel and titanium elements. These fasteners tied together the new roof and the column capitals without disrupting the visual quality of the original architecture. The tuff podium and pavement had become exposed, replacement stones allowed for these surfaces to be brought back up to their original heights. Inside the temple, the eroding marble and plaster were cleaned and repaired and the rare 15th-century Christian frescos were conserved.
Temple of Hercules from distance, post-conservation, 2000
The 2006 World Monuments Watch included the Temple of Portunus, an equally important Roman temple immediately adjacent to the Temple of Hercules. The exterior and interior of the Temple of Portunus were in desperate need of repair. WMF and the Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Roma worked together to come up with a plan to restore the temple. The front pediment has been cleaned and conserved, and the columns are currently being restored, with an expected completion date in 2012. The wooden roof was reconstructed incorporating ancient roof tiles and a drainage system was implemented. Work on the interior of the temple, taking place between 2006 and 2008, included restoration of four interior walls and the conservation of frescos depicting the life of Mary that had become detached from the temple walls. At the entrance to the cella, a new door was installed.
Temple of Portunus, front and side facades, 2011
