Temple of Vesta
Located at Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00186 Roma, Italy, The Temple of Vesta was created in honor of the Vestal Virgins, who made a vow to a lifetime of celibacy. Breaking the promise of celibacy was punishable by death. The temple contained the Sacred fire of Vesta, which the Vestal Virgins would tend to. It was said that the Sacred fire was linked to the good fortune of the city, therefore it was critical to keep it intact. This building was discovered in 1883. The ones who took the vow lived in seclusion at a huge 3 story 50-room complex called the house of the Vestals.They had one purpose- to keep the sacred fire of vesta burning inside the temple day and night, never to go out.
Vesta is the Goddess of Fire and Hearth. Vesta represents the "sacred heart" or "hearth" of the home, which is the central fire which provides heat and the ability to cook food. The Temple of Vesta was dedicated to Vesta, and contained the Sacred Fire of Vesta which the famous Vestal Virgins tended to. All that remains today of the Temple of Vesta are three standing columns with part of a fourth column attached to part of a staircase of stairs. It is opened to site seeing in Tivoli, Rome. The last time it burned, in AD 191, the temple was restored by Julia Domna, the wife of Severus. Once a year, on June 15, the ashes of the tended fire were ritually thrown into the Tiber.
Vesta is the Goddess of Fire and Hearth. Vesta represents the "sacred heart" or "hearth" of the home, which is the central fire which provides heat and the ability to cook food. The Temple of Vesta was dedicated to Vesta, and contained the Sacred Fire of Vesta which the famous Vestal Virgins tended to. All that remains today of the Temple of Vesta are three standing columns with part of a fourth column attached to part of a staircase of stairs. It is opened to site seeing in Tivoli, Rome. The last time it burned, in AD 191, the temple was restored by Julia Domna, the wife of Severus. Once a year, on June 15, the ashes of the tended fire were ritually thrown into the Tiber.