Templo de Diana (Roman Temple), Evora
The Temple of Diana in Évora, featuring 14 Corinthian columns.
Photo
Roman Man.
Facade of São João Evangelista with Roman temple in the foreground.
Photo
Marco Mazzei.
Another view of the Temple of Diana. Photo
smackfu.
Closer look at a Corinthian capital. Photo: Mick L.
Location map and aerial view of Templo de Diana (Roman Temple). For a larger interactive view, see our Evora Map.
The Templo de Diana (Temple of Diana) is a remarkably well-preserved Roman temple in the center of Évora.
History
The city of Évora was the headquarters of the Roman commander Quintus Sertorius in 80-72 BC, and it long remained an important Roman military center. Later it took the name Liberalitas Julia because of privileges bestowed by Julius Caesar.
This temple, which would have been one of several in the city, was built in the 2nd century AD. Although traditionally associated with the goddess Diana, there is no real evidence for this. One likely alternative is Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Zeus.
The temple owes its survival to solid construction - it withstood the great 1755 earthquake - and its usefulness for various purposes throughout the Middle Ages. Among other functions, the temple was as an execution site during the Inquisition and a slaughterhouse until 1870.
What to See
Elevated on a stone platform, the temple retains 14 of its original granite Corinthian columns, topped by marble capitals with decorative carvings.
Next to the temple is the medieval facade of São João Evangelista and a garden with a view of the Roman aqueduct and the surrounding countryside.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Templo de Diana (Roman Temple); Templo Romano de Evora; Roman Temple of Evora |
| Dedicated to: | Jupiter? |
| Location: | Evora, Alentejo, Portugal |
| Category: | Roman Temples |
| Faith: | Ancient Roman |
| Status: | ruins |
| Date: | 1st century AD |
| Architecture: | Classical |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 38.572709° N, 7.907329° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Largo do Conde de Vila Flor, Évora 7000, Portugal |
| Hours: | Always accessible |
| Cost: | Free |
| Photography: | Permitted |
Travel Resources for Evora
- Evora Map - our detailed interactive map of Evora, plus hand-picked links to more
- Evora Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Evora
- Evora Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Evora Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Evora Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Evora Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Evora tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Templo Romano and Termas Romanas - Rough Guide to Portugal, 12th ed. (2007)
- Templo de Diana - Frommer's Portugal, 20th ed. (2008)
Article last updated: 04/07/2009.
