The Temple of Jupiter in Split is a historical and cultural attraction that you should not miss if you visit the city. It was built in the 3rd century AD as part of Diocletian’s Palace, and dedicated to the supreme Roman god Jupiter. The temple has a rectangular shape with a six-column porch and a richly decorated portal. Inside, you can admire the barrel coffered vault with reliefs of gods and heroes, as well as the sarcophagi of two archbishops of Split and a bronze statue of St. John the Baptist by Ivan Meštrović.
The Temple of Jupiter was converted into a baptistery in the 6th century, and the crypt below was dedicated to St. Thomas. In the 11th century, a Romanesque bell tower was added above the vault. In front of the temple, you can see one of the twelve sphinxes that Diocletian brought from Egypt. The temple also contains a baptismal font made of parts of an altar screen from the 11th century, which has the oldest representation of a Croatian king on a medieval stone sculpture.
The Temple of Jupiter is open every day from 8:00 to 19:00, except on Sundays when it opens at 12:30 and closes at 18:30.
Temple of Jupiter fee is 10 kuna (about 1.5 euros). You can also join a guided tour of the temple and other parts of Diocletian’s Palace for a more informative and enjoyable experience.
Some tips for visiting the Temple of Jupiter are: wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera, respect the religious and historical significance of the place, and avoid touching or damaging anything.
The Temple of Jupiter is one of the most beautiful and impressive monuments in Split, and a testimony to the ancient Roman and Christian heritage of the city. It is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, and architecture.
