Dioscuri Temple, Roman temple in Naples, Italy
The Dioscuri Temple is a Roman sanctuary in Naples featuring a rectangular layout with columns and stone capitals that survive from antiquity. The structure displays the classical design principles Romans used in their sacred buildings, with decorative stone elements still visible in the remains.
The site was built during the late Roman Republic as a sanctuary for the divine twins Castor and Pollux. It later became covered by the Church of San Paolo Maggiore, which was constructed directly on top of this earlier structure.
The temple stood at the heart of daily Roman life, surrounded by shops, homes and other public buildings in the busy city center. People came here to honor the twin deities and seek their protection during times of war and travel.
The site sits next to San Paolo Maggiore Church and is best visited as part of a walking tour through Roman Naples. The remains are accessible from outside, though some portions lie beneath or integrated into the adjacent church and are better viewed from within.
The facade originally displayed four Corinthian columns, two of which remain visible today but are often overlooked by visitors passing through the square. These columns reveal the detailed stonework that Roman craftsmen achieved and merit closer observation.
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