Temple of Asclepius in Rome

The Temple of Aesculapius (Asclepius) was located on Tiber Island in the middle of the River Tiber in Rome.
Started in 293 BCE after a great Plague hit Rome, it was completed in 291 BCE, by order of the Roman Senate after consulting the Sybilline Books.

Location: Tiber Island is accessed by the Ponte Fabricio from the east and the Ponte Cestio from the west.

The Temple was destroyed in c. 1,000 CE and the present Basilica of San Bartolomeo all’Isola was built over it.
Today, in keeping with the same theme, a hospital built in 1584 CE, stands on the site of the Temple.
The stone Roman prow is still visible under the Basilica where it faces the remaining arch of the Pons Aemilius.

The Temple and its facilities covered the entire island, which is boat shaped. An area was set aside for long term patients.
There was no charge and the poor and slaves were sent here, however gifts and donations were accepted.

A ship was sent to Epidauras to obtain a statue of Asclepius.
They also obtained a snake which entwined itself around the mast, like the Rod of Asclepius. On arrival in Rome it slithered onto the island and was seen as a sign sent from Asclepius to build his Temple there.
The entire Tiber Island was covered in marble and shaped like a ship as a reminder of this event.
It was given a prow and a stern, and an obelisk was placed in the centre to represent the mast.

Tiber Island, Rome