Drei Säulen des Donnernden Jupiter, Historical ruins in Hohenheim Gardens, Stuttgart, Germany

The Three Pillars of Thundering Jupiter is a ruin in the Exotic Garden of the University of Hohenheim, built from Stubensandstein quarried in 1778 in the Plattenhardter Hut. Only the shaft of the eastern column still stands, on a 35 cm masonry base made of fifteen drums each 28 cm high; behind it lie the drums, capitals and entablature of the other two columns.

These ruins were built between 1778 and 1785 as a replica of a temple from the Roman Forum. After Duke Karl Eugen died in 1793, an earthquake toppled two of the original three columns.

The ruins bear a name rooted in a case of mistaken identity about a Roman temple. Visitors can experience here a recreated classical structure that reflects the garden's creators passion for ancient architecture.

The ruins are located in the western section of the gardens and can be reached from the main entrance near Garbe Inn. Following the path that runs parallel to Paracelsus Street will lead visitors directly to the remains.

The replica's capitals are Doric, not Corinthian like the Roman original, because Viktor Heideloff's engravings were free copies of Piranesi's prints rather than accurate records. The upright shaft rests on a 35-centimetre masonry base and is built from fifteen drums, each 28 centimetres high.