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Temple of Jupiter. Photo by Stefano Merli on

Top 10 Remarkable Facts about the Temple of Jupiter

The Temple of Jupiter is a temple located in Split, Croatia that was dedicated to the Ancient Roman god Jupiter. The temple is located in the western part of Diocletian’s Palace near the Peristyle which is the central square of the imperial complex. It is believed to have been built between 295 and 305.

This was during the construction of the Diocletian’s Palace. The temple is believed to have probably been turned into a Baptistery of Saint John the Baptist in the 6th century. This is the same time when the crypt dedicated to St Thomas was built.

Before you get to the entrance of the Temple of Jupiter, one of the twelve sphinxes brought from Egypt by Emperor Diocletian can be spotted. The temple of Jupiter is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful monuments by Scottish architect Robert Adam.

There are reliefs depicting gods and various heroics such as Victoria, Triton, Helios, Hercules, Jupiter and Apollo at the front of the Temple. The entrance Doorways are richly decorated especially the most impressive Temple barrel coffered vault. There is a large bronze statue of St John the Baptist made by Ivan Mestrovic.

Several renaissance sarcophagi are also within the temple of Jupiter. Below are the Top 10 Remarkable Facts about the Temple of Jupiter:

1. The Temple was Constructed as Part of Diocletian’s Palace

Between 295 and 305, the temple of Jupiter was constructed. It was part of the Diocletian’s Palace which was dedicated to the supreme god and Diocletian’s divine father, Jupiter.

The Temple of Jupiter is located in the western and religious part of the Diocletian’s Palace. The Emperor unexpectedly abdicated the throne in 305 and arrived at the palace earlier making some of the construction work stops. This led to some parts of the Temple remaining unfinished.

2. Reliefs Depicting gods and Various Heroes are at the Entrance of the Temple

Gedecoreerde portal. Photo by Smiley. tourist on

The Temple of Jupiter was built in the Diocletian’s design and has various architectural features of their dynasties. It was dedicated to various gods and heroes which is clear when you get to the entrance.

At the entrance, reliefs that depict gods and various heroes can be spotted. Some of the gods and various heroes depicted include Victoria, Triton, Helios, Hercules, Jupiter and Apollo.

3. There are Several Sarcophagi Containing Remains of Prominent People at the Temple

Built several years ago, the Temple of Jupiter has been used over the years for various functions and representations. At the Temple of Jupiter, several Sarcophagi can be located at various spots.

There are the Sarcophagi that contain the remains of two Archbishops of Split at the Temple. These remains were of Ivan of Ravenna who died in 1059 and Lovre who died in 1099.

They are placed in a secure place in the temple. There is also a renaissance sarcophagus of Jakov Selembrije from the 16th century placed in front of the Baptistery.

4. The Temple was Converted into a Baptistery

Baptistery of St John. Photo by JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD on

Originally, the temple was built and dedicated to the Roman god, Jupiter. However, as times changed, the functions of the Temple were transformed as Christianity spread.

During late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, the functions of the Temple of Jupiter were changed. It was converted into a baptistery. This baptistery was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist while the crypt was dedicated to Saint Thomas.

5. A Towering Bronze Statue of St John the Baptist is at the Temple

After the temple was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, there had to be a symbol to commemorate the Saint. In the Middle Ages, an architect by the name of Ivan Mestrovic was given the task to come up with a monument to commemorate Saint John.

He designed and supervised the large bronze statue of St John the Baptist which can be seen from the entrance of the Temple.

6. A Romanesque Style Bell Tower was Built at the Temple

The Temple of Jupiter has several other features that make it unique and interesting to visit. During the 11th century, a Romanesque-style bell tower was built above the vault of the temple.

This tower is similar to one in the Church of Our Lady of the Tower above the Iron Gate of Diocletian’s Palace. However, this was demolished around 1840 by the classicist aspirations that argued for the purification of ancient monuments and buildings.

7. There are Three Marble Rood Screens with Different Representations at the Temple

Temple of Jupiter. Photo by Dennis Jarvis on

The Temple has several representations of Croatian Kings and other unique things. Three marble rood screens represent the Croatian King and other historic figures.

The first one has the oldest representation of Croatian King Peter Kresimir the fourth with his subjects. The second one is decorated with a pentagram with flowers and birds inside a star that is surrounded by a wreath.

This represents the Holy Trinity and the two natures of Jesus Christ, the divine and the human. The third rood screen is decorated with motifs of Croatian interlace.

8. Some Houses Near the Temple were Demolished Freeing them of Fittings

Several houses were built near and adjacent to the Temple of Jupiter over the years. However, some of these houses had to be demolished from their location.

In 1907, a few of the houses which were on the west and south side of the Temple were demolished. This was to free the fittings of the temple. However, some houses on the northwest corner of the temple were left leaning against it.

9. One of the Twelve Sphinxes from Egypt is Located at the Temple’s Entrance

The sphinxes at the entrance. Photo by Following Hadrian on Wikimedia

Heading to the Temple of Jupiter, you will come across several eye-catching monuments and objects. Before you get to the entrance of the Temple, you will find one of the twelve sphinxes that were brought from Egypt by Emperor Diocletian.

A sphinx is a mythical creature that bore the head of a human, the body of a lion and the wings of a falcon which was common in Egypt and Greece.

10. The Temple of Jupiter is Among Europe’s Most Beautiful Monuments

There are several monuments located across Europe. Some are medieval and tumbling down while others are still standing after several major renovations.

Scottish architect Robert Adam ranked the Temple of Jupiter as one of Europe’s most beautiful monuments.