<Tr> <Th> Related </Th> <Td> List of ancient monuments in Rome </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Temple of Vesta </Td> </Tr> <P> The Temple of Vesta (Latin Aedes Vestae; Italian: Tempio di Vesta) is an ancient edifice in Rome, Italy, located in the Roman Forum near the Regia and the House of the Vestal Virgins . The temple's most recognizable feature is its circular footprint . Since the worship of Vesta began in private homes, the architecture seems to be a reminder of its history . The extant temple used Greek architecture with Corinthian columns, marble, and a central cella . The remaining structure indicates that there were twenty Corinthian columns built on a podium fifteen meters in diameter . The roof probably had a vent at the apex to allow smoke release . </P> <P> All temples to Vesta were round, and had entrances facing east to symbolize connection between Vesta's fire and the sun as sources of life . The Temple of Vesta represents the site of ancient cult activity as far back as 7th century BCE . Numa Pompilius is believed to have built this temple along with the original Regia and House of the Vestal Virgins in its original form . Around the Temple stood The Sacred Grove, in which also there was a graveyard for the priests and virgins . </P>

Where is the temple of vesta located in the roman forum