Temple and Atrium of the Vestals

Temple and Atrium of the Vestals : The Michelin guide review

In this round temple built in the late 6C BC, the famous Vestals were in charge of keeping the sacred fire burning. Nearby is the Atrium Vestae, where the priestesses lived. The code they adhered to was strict: recruited at the age of 10, they served at the temple for 30 years. If they broke their vow of chastity they faced burial alive; if they allowed the temple flame to go out they faced scourging.