Roman Temple of Évora or Temple of Diana

Category: Archaeology > Temple

District: Évora > Évora > Évora > Sé e São Pedro

Location and Historical Context

- Located in Largo Conde de Vila Flor, in the parish of Sé e São Pedro, Évora.

- Part of the historical center of Évora, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

- Classified as a National Monument by the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage.

Identity and Importance

- Also mistakenly known as the Temple of Diana.

- It is one of the most iconic landmarks of Évora and a symbol of the Roman presence in Portugal.

- Dedicated to Emperor Augustus, not the goddess Diana, as previously thought.

Architecture

- Notable example of Roman religious architecture.

- Rectangular in shape with hexastyle and peripteral columns.

- Similar to the Maison Carrée temple in Nîmes, France.

- Built in local granite and Estremoz marble.

Preserved Structure

- Preserves the podium (25m x 15m, 3.5m high), parts of the colonnade, and fragments of the architrave and frieze.

- 14 surviving Corinthian columns, with capitals sculpted in Estremoz marble.

History of Diverse Uses

- Abandoned in the 4th century with the rise of Christianity.

- Adapted as a mosque and then as a church after the Christian reconquest in 1165.

- Served as a butcher shop in the 14th century and as a granary.

Excavations and Discoveries

- Archaeological investigations in the 1980s-90s revealed water tanks and details of the ancient Roman forum.

- Discoveries include Roman pottery, amphorae, and fragments of marble statues.

Restoration and Maintenance

- Removal of medieval structures and renovations in the 19th century.

- Recent conservation work due to natural degradation and structural damage.

Tourist Attraction

- Considered one of the best-preserved Roman temples on the Iberian Peninsula.

- Offers a rich view of Roman architecture and history in Portugal.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Templo_romano_de_Évora

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt