Temple of Diana, Roman temple in Mérida, Spain
Description
The Temple of Diana is a Roman structure featuring six Corinthian granite columns across its front facade, each rising approximately eight meters in height and forming a rectangular layout. The building exemplifies classical Roman temple design and occupied the central position within the ancient forum.
History
Built during the first century AD under Emperor Tiberius, the temple formed the central hub of Emerita Augusta's municipal forum, the Roman capital of Lusitania. A Renaissance palace was later built within its walls during the sixteenth century, which contributed to its preservation through the intervening centuries.
Culture
Despite its name, the temple honored the Roman emperor rather than the goddess Diana, revealing how central imperial worship was to public life. This religious focus shows what mattered most to the community living here.
Practical
The temple sits in the heart of Mérida on Calle Romero Leal, within a pleasant walking distance from the train station and the National Museum of Roman Art. You can find it easily while strolling through the historic city center, as it occupies a visible location among other ancient structures.
Did you know?
The temple survived centuries largely because a Renaissance palace was built directly into its structure, effectively protecting it from demolition. This unusual layering of two distinct historical periods makes the site a rare example of how different eras were physically layered on top of one another.
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Extremadura, located in the west of Spain near the Portuguese border, keeps traces of history from Roman times and quiet natural areas. It has towns like Cáceres, whose old center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Mérida, which has the best-preserved Roman theater on the Iberian...
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