Temple of Castor and Pollux Tempio di Castore e Polluce

The Dioscuri - Castor and Pollux - are the subject of numerous myths, partly of Greek and partly of Etruscan origin, featuring healings (in association with the god Aesculapius), beautiful women (including Helen of Troy) and horsemen with their horses. The first temple of Castor and Pollux was built in 484 B.C. by the son of the dictator Aulus Postumius in thanksgiving for the defeat of the Tarquins, which was attributed to the help of the Dioscuri.

According to legend, after the victory Castor and Pollux rode to Rome and watered their horses at a spring in the Forum, the Lacus Juturnae (the position of which has been located). The temple was rebuilt in the reign of Tiberius (A.D. first century), and of this temple there survive three Corinthian columns 12m/40ft high, popularly known as the "Three Sisters".