Discover the Oldest Ancient Wonder of Portugal: A Must-Visit Architectural Masterpiece from the 14th Century

Discover the Oldest Ancient Wonder of Portugal: A Must-Visit Architectural Masterpiece from the 14th Century

The Alentejo boasts some of the most well-maintained Roman ruins in all of Portugal. For millennia, its architectural wonders and historical significance have captivated tourists.

Despite being Portugal's largest region , the Alentejo continues to attract relatively few tourists. Despite this, the region boasts an extraordinarily rich cultural and historical legacy, particularly evident in its capital city, Évora, which stands out prominently. UNESCO World Heritage Site .

This 14 th A centuries-old walled city unveils distinctive architectural gems at each corner along its winding cobblestone lanes. Notable among them is the Temple of Diana, constructed during the 1st century. st The century is among the most well-preserved ancient ruins in the nation. Featuring its granitic Corinthian pillars, this site stands out. archaeological site leads you directly into the area's ancient Roman history.

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From an ancient Roman structure to a small village slaughterhouse

Even though it bears her name, the Temple of Diana seems not to have been officially consecrated to the Roman huntress deity. This structure was erected during the opening part of the first century. st In the century AD, when Évora was still governed by Roman authority, historians concur that the structure was erected to honor Emperor Augustus following his deification posthumously. The edifice experienced various alterations during the 2nd century. nd and 3 rd hundreds of years prior to being obliterated in the 5 th during the period of the Great Invasions.

As Christian influence grew, the temple lost its original function and underwent a number of transformations. In the Middle Ages, it became part of a fortification and was incorporated into the castle of Évora. For several centuries, its columns were built into the walls of the medieval building, which in fact helped to ensure its preservation. From the 16 th From the century onward, it functioned as the town's slaughterhouse up until 1836. The year 1871 marked the beginning of an ambitious restoration initiative under the guidance of Italian architect Giuseppe Cinatti, with the objective of reviving the temple’s original ancient aesthetics.

A historical site evocative of past grandeur

The dimensions and design of Évora’s Temple of Diana bear some resemblance to those of Maison Carrée in Nîmes Even though it is partly ruined, its massive rectangular platform, spanning 15 by 25 meters, underscores the significance of this structure. Similarly, the fact that 14 Corinthian columns remain intact after enduring for hundreds of years highlights its historical value.

The great news for those who visit is that the temple can be accessed without cost throughout the entire year since it stands within an open public area. Nevertheless, due to preservation concerns, entering the actual structure is not permitted.

An open-air village museum

Exploring this monument also allows you to discover Évora, one of the loveliest towns in the Alentejo . Relish the outstanding ambiance: the Duke of Cadaval’s Palace and the Gothic cloister of the Convent of the Lóios are within reach. Additionally, the adjacent gardens and fortifications provide stunning vistas across the town.

The Sé Cathedral of Santa Catarina, which mixes elements of both Romanesque and Gothic styles, is an essential visit. Meanwhile, the Chapel of Bones, featuring walls decorated with human skulls, offers a striking visual experience. For those who appreciate art and food, exploring local culture and cuisine provides another layer of discovery. Museum do Megalitismo Or savor the famous wines of Alentejo in local wineries.

Roman Temple of Diana

Largo do Conde de Vila Flor

7000-804 Évora

+351 266 769 450

culturaportugal.gov.pt