Temple of Jupiter, Split

The Temple of Jupiter stands in the western part of Diocletian’s Palace in Split. It was built between 295 and 305 as part of the palace complex. The temple was dedicated to Jupiter, the supreme Roman god. A granite sphinx from Egypt stands before its entrance. Scottish architect Robert Adam praised it as one of Europe’s most beautiful monuments. The temple was later turned into a baptistery in the 6th century. A crypt beneath was dedicated to St Thomas. Inside, visitors find richly decorated doorways and a barrel coffered vault. Two archbishops’ sarcophagi lie within, including one from the 11th century. A bronze statue of St John the Baptist by Ivan Meštrović stands in the space. A Renaissance sarcophagus of Jakov Selembrije sits outside. In the 11th century a Romanesque bell tower was added above the vault. Reliefs above the entrance show gods and heroes such as Hercules and Apollo. Marble rood screens carry the oldest image of a Croatian king. One screen features a pentagram with floral motifs. Another displays Croatian interlace patterns. The vault’s design influenced early Renaissance art in Dalmatia. The temple’s setting within the palace’s religious quarter adds to its significance.