Temple of Augustus and Rome, Ankara

Roman Site in Ankara

Temple of Augustus and Rome Ankara
Temple of Augustus and Rome Ankara
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dosseman

The Temple of Augustus and Rome is a compact but important Roman-era ruin in Ankara, located in the Altındağ district right next to the Hacı Bayram Mosque. Built around 25-20 BC, it marks the early Roman presence in the province of Galatia, and today you can still make out key parts of the structure, including sections of the side walls and the main entrance area.

What makes this site stand out is not its size, but its inscriptions: the Monumentum Ancyranum, preserving the Res Gestae Divi Augusti in Latin and Greek. Even if you’re not a specialist, it’s striking to see text carved into stone that has shaped how historians understand Augustus and the early empire. It’s best for travelers interested in ancient history, and it also works well as a short, atmospheric stop while exploring Ulus and nearby landmarks on foot.

History and Significance of the Temple of Augustus and Rome

From Phrygian sanctuary to Roman monument

The temple was constructed soon after Rome consolidated control in central Anatolia, replacing an earlier Phrygian temple that had been destroyed in the 2nd century BC. Dedicated to Emperor Augustus and the goddess Roma, it functioned as a statement of imperial authority at a key moment of expansion into Galatia.

The Res Gestae and the Monumentum Ancyranum

Its global scholarly importance comes from the inscriptions on its walls: the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, Augustus’s account of his achievements, carved in both Latin and Greek. This copy is the most complete surviving version of the text, making the site a cornerstone for classical studies and the history of the early Roman Empire.

Rediscovery and modern importance

The inscriptions were rediscovered and documented in 1555 by Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq, an ambassador of Ferdinand of Austria. Since then, the temple has remained one of Ankara’s most historically significant Roman sites, valued as much for what it says as for what still stands.

Things to See and Do in the Temple of Augustus and Rome

I focus first on the surviving walls and the ornate doorway area, where you can still trace sections of the Latin and Greek inscriptions. Even when the text is faint or hard to read up close, the sheer presence of the carved lines gives you a sense of how the building once functioned as a public monument, not just a place of worship.

I also like stepping back to look for the outline of the original six-column façade, which helps you picture the temple’s scale. Finally, don’t rush the setting: standing between the Roman remains and the neighboring Hacı Bayram complex is one of the most memorable parts of the visit, with two very different eras sharing the same space.

How to Get to the Temple of Augustus and Rome

The nearest major airport is Ankara Esenboğa Airport, with onward travel into Ankara city before continuing to the Ulus/Hacı Bayram area. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ankara on Booking.com.

Arrive by train to Ankara’s main station, then connect onward to Ulus and continue on foot toward Hacı Bayram. You can use the official TCDD Taşımacılık website to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for Türkiye’s national and regional trains operated by TCDD. For a more streamlined experience (especially if you prefer an English interface or want to compare across countries), we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book train tickets across Türkiye and the rest of Europe — all in one place.

By car, aim for the Ulus/Hacı Bayram area and be prepared for busy streets; driving is most useful if you’re combining several stops across the city. If you are looking to rent a car in Türkiye I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Is the Temple of Augustus and Rome Worth Visiting?

It's worth a short stop, especially if you're already in Ulus or visiting nearby sights, because the inscriptions are historically exceptional even if the remaining ruins are modest. It's best for travelers who enjoy archaeology, Roman history, or layered cityscapes where different periods sit side by side. Skip it if you're looking for a large, immersive ruin complex or a long indoor visit; in that case, treat it as optional and prioritize bigger museum-style experiences in Ankara.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (576)

Temple of Augustus sits in a public square in Altındağ, Ankara, where a well-preserved section of Roman wall bears an inscription honoring the first emperor; the remains are visible beside a mosque and set within a small square with nearby parks, shops, restaurants and views toward Ankara Castle. Visitors note the site is compact—essentially one standing wall and an area in front—so it's a quick, free stop while exploring Ulus; the mosque garden setting means modest dress is advised and some find surrounding commercial activity diminishes the ancient atmosphere.

Euroflyer dix-sept
3 months ago
"Just aside the Mosque but still well preserved, you ca ot go so close to read the inscription. Also since it's the Mosque garden, please be aware ofyour outfit (avoid shorts, and skirts). Enjoy..."
Reshma Tarachand
2 years ago
"Very historical place that is tucked away in Ulus. It's amazing that the wall is still intact after more that 2000 years. Ankara castle is not faraway from this site. There is a beautiful park, restaurant and shops there also. A nice place to relax. I recommend visiting when in Ankara Türkiye...."
N M
2 years ago
"Roman ruins located in a square with a mosque. The temple remains are just one wall and some area in front, but it's worth visiting if you are in thearea. It is a public square so there is no admission fee to view the ruins..."
Vera Eker Stoica
3 years ago
"Amazing place. Just sad that some other culture build there a different place of worship. The hill it's amazing with it's historical houses, but allfilled with religious shops and restaurants, and this breaks the authenticity. If I remember correctly neither Bible or Koran approves for money maker to be around God's praying places...."
Mike Aoun
2 years ago
"Cute square with remains and a mosque. The roman temple remains are nice but were a bit hidden. The view to the castle is nice, otherwise not much todo there...."

Practical Tips on Visiting the Temple of Augustus and Rome

  • Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking around Ulus, with milder weather and fewer crowds.
  • How long to spend: Plan on 30-45 minutes for the temple area, longer if you’re pairing it with the mosque complex and nearby streets.
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven ground; moderate mobility helps for moving around the ruins and the surrounding square.
  • Facilities: On-site facilities are limited; you’ll find cafés and shops nearby in the Hacı Bayram and Ulus area.

Where to Stay Close to the Temple of Augustus and Rome

Base yourself in Ulus (Ankara's historic center) for the shortest trips to the Temple of Augustus and Rome and easy access to nearby museums and transit.

These hotels give you a practical base for visiting the Temple of Augustus and Rome and exploring central Ankara. Divan Çukurhan works well for a convenient choice for travellers prioritizing walkable access to Ankara Castle and the Ulus historic core, with straightforward taxi connections to the temple area. Radisson Blu Hotel, Ankara works well for well-suited for travellers who want quick public-transport links and an easy base for moving between Ulus sights and other parts of the city. Ankara HiltonSA works well for a good fit if you prefer a quieter, more residential-feeling area with dining nearby, while still being a manageable taxi/metro ride to Ulus and the temple.

FAQs for Visiting the Temple of Augustus and Rome

Getting There

It’s in the Altındağ district in the Hacı Bayram area, immediately beside the Hacı Bayram Mosque complex in Ulus.
Walk toward Ulus Square, then follow signs and foot traffic up to the Hacı Bayram area; the temple sits right next to the mosque.
From Ankara’s main station, continue to Ulus by local transport and then walk around 10 minutes to the Hacı Bayram district.
Parking can be limited and the area can be busy; driving makes more sense if you’re chaining multiple stops, but for Ulus alone public transport and walking are often easier.

Tickets & Entry

It’s an open-air site in a public area, so you can view the remains from the surrounding space without a formal ticket.
There isn’t a standard ticketed museum-style visit described here; most visitors experience it as an outdoor stop while exploring the Hacı Bayram area.
No advance booking is typically needed for an open-air, daylight visit.
It’s generally accessible during daylight hours as an open-air site; seasonal daylight and local conditions can affect how long it’s comfortable to linger.
Because it sits next to an active religious complex, be respectful of the setting and keep to permitted areas around the ruins.

Visiting Experience

About 30 minutes is enough for a focused look at the walls, doorway, and the setting beside the mosque.
Yes, if you’re already in Ulus and pairing it with nearby highlights; it’s a quick stop rather than a half-day attraction.
Combine it with the Hacı Bayram Mosque next door, then continue to the Ankara Citadel and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which are within walking distance.
It’s better as a fair-weather stop since the experience is outdoors and you’ll want time to look closely at the walls and inscriptions.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

It can fit naturally into walking tours of Ulus because several major historic sites sit close together.
A quick independent stop works well for most visitors, but a guide can add context for the Res Gestae inscriptions and the Roman-era setting.
Start at Ulus Square, walk to Hacı Bayram and the temple, then continue toward the citadel area for views before looping back through Ulus streets and cafés.

Photography

Yes, especially for textures of carved stone, the surviving walls, and the contrast between the Roman remains and the neighboring mosque.
Soft morning or late-afternoon light tends to bring out the relief on the stone and makes the setting feel calmer.
It’s primarily an outdoor viewing experience; be mindful of boundaries and the adjacent religious site when photographing.
Step back to frame the temple walls with the surrounding square, or angle toward the doorway area to emphasize the inscriptions and surviving masonry.

Accessibility & Facilities

Access can be challenging due to uneven ground, so it may be difficult for some visitors with limited mobility.
Facilities are limited at the site itself, but nearby cafés and shops in the Hacı Bayram area can be useful for breaks.
Yes, the surrounding square and nearby cafés in Ulus/Hacı Bayram provide convenient spots to pause.
It can work as a short outdoor stop, but uneven surfaces may make strollers inconvenient in parts of the area.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Head into the Hacı Bayram and Ulus districts, where you’ll find local tea houses, cafés, and simple restaurants.
The wider Ulus area has historic streets and small shops, making it easy to combine sightseeing with a casual snack or tea break.

Safety & Timing

The area is a busy, central part of Ulus; visiting earlier in the day is generally more comfortable for sightseeing and photography.
Early morning or late afternoon is best for softer light and a calmer feel around the ruins and the surrounding square.

The Temple of Augustus and Rome appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ankara!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Temple of Augustus and Rome, Hacı Bayram, Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Ankara: 1 km

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