Things to Do at Temple of Augustus and Rome

Complete Guide to Temple of Augustus and Rome in Ankara

About Temple of Augustus and Rome

Temple of Augustus and Rome stands as one of Ankara's premier attractions, where centuries of preserved history unfold within carefully maintained walls. The architecture showcases intricate stonework completed by master craftsmen over two decades, while interior exhibits house original artifacts dating back over 300 years. Entry costs 454 TRY ($14 USD), with guided tours available for an additional fee. The building's restoration utilized traditional materials sourced from local quarries to maintain historical authenticity. Visit during early morning hours to avoid crowds and capture optimal lighting for photography. Cool stone floors contrast with warm sunlight streaming through original windows, creating an atmospheric experience.

What to See & Do

Monumentum Ancyranum Inscriptions

The famous bilingual inscriptions of Augustus's autobiography, carved directly into the temple walls - these are the most complete surviving version of this crucial historical document

Temple Architecture

Well-preserved Roman temple structure with original columns and foundations, showing typical Augustan-era construction techniques

Byzantine Church Remains

Later additions from when the temple was converted to a Christian church, creating an interesting layering of different historical periods

Archaeological Garden

Small but thoughtfully arranged outdoor area with additional Roman artifacts and stone fragments found during excavations

Information Panels

Multilingual displays that actually do a decent job explaining the historical significance and helping decode what you're looking at

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday-Sunday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays). Hours might extend to 7:00 PM during summer months

Tickets & Pricing

Entrance fee is around 30 Turkish Lira for adults. Students and seniors typically get discounts with proper ID. Cash and cards usually accepted

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon tend to be less crowded. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for exploring

Suggested Duration

You'll likely want 45 minutes to an hour to properly appreciate the inscriptions and architecture

Getting There

You'll find the temple in Ankara's Ulus district. Take the metro to Ulus station-it's a five-minute walk from there, and buses stop nearby too. Easy to spot once you arrive. Taxis work but expect traffic chaos in central Ankara. If you're driving, street parking exists around the temple but fills fast during peak times. Worth the hunt though.

Things to Do Nearby

Ankara Citadel (Hisar)
Medieval fortress offering panoramic city views and traditional Ottoman houses, just a short uphill walk away

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Top-tier museum showcasing artifacts from Turkey's ancient cultures, widely considered one of the country's best museums

Haci Bayram Mosque
Beautiful 15th-century mosque located right next to the temple, creating an interesting contrast of architectural styles

Roman Baths
Ruins of ancient Roman bathing complex, giving you more context for Roman life in ancient Ancyra

Ulus Historic District
Traditional neighborhood with old shops, tea houses, and authentic local atmosphere - perfect for wandering after your temple visit

Tips & Advice

Bring a camera with good zoom - you'll want close-up shots of the inscriptions, and the lighting can be tricky

Consider downloading a translation app or researching the Monumentum Ancyranum beforehand to better appreciate what you're reading

The site is relatively small, so it pairs well with visits to nearby attractions - plan a walking route through the historic district

Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven ancient stones and potentially doing some climbing for better photo angles