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Diana Temple

Evora, Portugal

The Roman Temple of Évora, also referred to as the Templo de Diana (albeit wrongly, after Diana, the ancient Roman goddess of the moon, the hunt, and chastity) is an ancient temple part of the historical centre of the city of Évora, which was included in the classification by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It represents one of the most significant landmarks relating to the Roman and Lusitania civilizations of Évora, in Portuguese territory.

The temple is believed to have been constructed around the first century A.D., in homage to Augustus who was venerated as a god during and after his rule. The temple was built in the main public square (forum) of Évora, then called Liberatias Iulia. During the 2nd and 3rd centuries, from the traditionally accepted chronology, the temple was part of a radical redefinition of the urban city, when the religious veneration and administrative polity was oriented around the central space: the structure was modified around this time.

It is today usually the starting point of a visit to Évora, almost totally destructed, the columns are still imposing and its central location just next to the Cathedral and offering a nice view over the Alentejo landscapes make it a not to miss attraction.

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