Temple of Jupiter, Split

We stand now in the shadow of one of the most perfectly preserved Roman temples in the world, the Temple of Jupiter. Located just to the west of the Per-i-style, the central square of Emperor Dy-o-klee-shun's Palace, this temple…

Before we cross the threshold, we must pay our respects to the temple’s most enigmatic guardian: the headless black granite sphinx. This ancient artifact is even older than the palace itself, dating back to the reign of Pharaoh…

Now, turn your attention to the entrance of the temple. The doorframe, or portal, is a marvel of Roman decorative art. …

Step inside and look up immediately. You are looking at the temple’s crowning glory: the magnificent coffered ceiling. …

In the center of the room stands the cruciform baptismal font, which dates from the 11th century. This is where the temple’s Christian history becomes most tangible. …

At the far end of the temple, where the statue of Jupiter once stood, now stands a powerful bronze sculpture of Saint John the Baptist. This work was created by Ivan Mesh-tro-vitch, Croatia's most famous 20th-century sculptor. …

Hidden beneath the floor of the temple is a small crypt dedicated to Saint Thomas. This lower level was part of the original Roman construction, likely used for storage or as part of the temple's structural foundation. …

As we exit the Temple of Jupiter and step back into the daylight of the Spleet alleyways, we carry with us a profound sense of the passage of time. This building has completed a remarkable journey: from a pagan temple honoring…