Évora’s Templo Romano, also known as the Roman Temple of Évora or the Diana Temple, is one of the major draws for visitors to this historic town. This remarkable ruin is still in very good shape after more than 2,000 years. Visit it and see for yourself why it is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Roman architecture to be found anywhere on the Iberian Peninsula.
See the temple dramatically set on a hilltop. Dating from the 1st century, the temple has a very long history that has been filled with turmoil. Although it is known as the Diana Temple, it is not thought to have been dedicated to the goddess Diana. At one point, it was a temple to the Roman Emperor Augustus. Its damaged state today is not entirely due to the passage of time, but instead largely due to attacks from European tribes in the 5th century.
Marvel at the excellent condition of many features of the temple. Its 14 elegant columns and many of its other parts remain largely intact. Part of the reason for this is that in the 11th century a castle was built around it, incorporating the temple into its walls. The castle has now been dismantled, but its walls protected the temple for centuries. The temple itself was carefully restored in 1871.
Leave time to visit some of the other interesting places near the temple. Find Évora Museum and Évora Cathedral immediately to the south. The town’s main square, Praça do Giraldo, is also close by. And just around 10 minutes’ walk away is the Igreja de São Francisco, a magnificent church that contains a chapel decorated with human bones.
Find the Templo Romano in the pretty Largo Conde de Vila Flor square. Stay in one of the many hotels located around Évora’s old town, or stay in Lisbon and visit for the day. This temple is just one of the many fascinating sites that makes the journey worthwhile.