You are within the large open area of the Portico of Octavia which is framed by a graceful double colonnade. You take a moment to admire the two temples within this enclosure, beautifully restored by the emperor Domitian after the fire of 80 CE. The small curia (senate meeting place) built by Octavia has long since fallen into disuse and been taken down, but many Romans still come to view the famous Greek sculptures which, fortunately having survived the fire, continue to be displayed within the colonnade. You notice an Aphrodite by Phidias, an Eros by Praxiteles, and a spectacular equestrian group by Lysippus. It is a peaceful place, slightly removed from the usual urban bustle of this part of the city. The roofed colonnade provides some welcome shade.
To see some representative sculptures like those that might have been on display in the Portico of Octavia, click on the following:
Tristia Tresunus - ninth stop
Statue of Aphrodite
Painting
Library of the Portico of Octavia