Things to Do at Roman Temple of Augustus

The Roman Temple of Augustus, also known as Monumentum Ancyranum, stands as one of Ankara's most significant archaeological treasures and a testament to the city's ancient Roman heritage. Built between 25-20 BCE to honor Emperor Augustus, this remarkably well-preserved temple is famous worldwide for housing the Res Gestae Divi Augusti - Augustus's own account of his achievements inscribed in Latin and Greek on the temple walls. The temple was later converted into a church during the Byzantine period, which ironically helped preserve this invaluable historical document. Today, the temple serves as an open-air museum in the heart of Ankara's Ulus district, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Roman imperial propaganda and architecture. The structure represents a fascinating blend of Roman and local Anatolian building techniques, with its impressive limestone walls and classical proportions. The inscriptions on the walls, often called the 'Queen of Inscriptions,' provide historians with one of the most important primary sources about the early Roman Empire, making this site not just architecturally significant but also crucial for understanding ancient history.

The Roman Temple of Augustus is located in Ankara's historic Ulus district, easily accessible by public transportation. Take the Ankara Metro to Ulus station (M1 line) and walk approximately 5 minutes to reach the temple. Alternatively, numerous city buses serve the Ulus area, including lines 65, 96, and 620. If driving, limited parking is available in the surrounding streets, though the narrow roads in the old city can be challenging. The temple is within walking distance of other major attractions in Ulus, making it ideal to explore on foot. Taxis are readily available from anywhere in Ankara, and the journey from Kızılay (city center) takes about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.