Temple of Janus, Roman temple in Autun, France.
The Temple of Janus is a Romano-Celtic sanctuary in Autun where two massive stone walls of the square inner chamber still rise to around 24 meters high. Below ground, traces of the surrounding ambulatory and adjoining structures remain visible to archaeologists and visitors alike.
This sanctuary was built during the Gallic period, with archaeological evidence pointing to the third century BC as its time of origin. Systematic excavations from 2013 to 2018 revealed the layers of the site and documented how construction and use changed over centuries.
The name of this temple long suggested a Roman dedication, but recent study shows it was likely built for a local deity called Ienieco, reflecting the area's indigenous beliefs. Visitors can see how communities here blended their own spiritual traditions with the structures they left behind.
The site sits on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Andoche and welcomes visitors year-round without restriction, with parking available nearby. Since it stands outdoors, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and expect uneven ground as you move around the ruins.
More than one hundred pottery workshops and kilns surrounded this sanctuary, producing ceramic goods that were sold across ancient Gaul. This thriving production reveals that the location held both spiritual and economic importance to the region.
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