Temple of Diana, Roman temple in Mérida, Spain
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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