Évora - Roman Temple Templo Romano

Opposite the Museu de Évora entrance is what has become the symbol of Évora, its Roman temple. Dating from the A.D. second or third century, it is one of the best preserved Roman structures in Portugal and is popularly known as the Temple of Diana, although it is not clear to which deity it was actually dedicated. On the 3m/10ft high base, which is almost completely preserved, there still stand 14 of the original 18 Corinthian columns, with part of the architrave.

During the Middle Ages the temple was converted into a fortress, and later served for many years as a slaughterhouse, a use which ultimately saved it from demolition.

Since 1986 fresh archeological digs and investigations have been undertaken, and these have concentrated mainly on the position of the temple inside the Roman town center. It was discovered that the open square in front of the temple was covered with large slabs of marble (they lie about one meter below the present ground level) and in 1992 the south border and the west entrance gate of what is presumed to have been the forum came to light. The gardens behind the temple overlook a terrace with good views over the northern part of Évora.