The temple is not actually dedicated to Diana; it was likely an imperial cult temple dedicated to the Emperor Augustus or the state religion.
The 16th-century palace built around the columns was inhabited by the Count of Los Corbos, effectively shielding the temple from stone-robbing.
The building stands on a rectangular podium measuring approximately 32 by 22 meters.
The original Roman forum was located at the intersection of the two main city arteries, the cardo and the decumanus.
Excavations revealed that the temple was once surrounded by an ornamental garden with a water feature, suggesting a ceremonial space.
The Temple of Diana is a well-preserved Roman structure located in the heart of Mérida, Spain, originally constructed during the 1st century BC. The temple features a classic peripteral design elevated on a podium with a colonnade of Corinthian columns. It formed part of the forum of Augusta Emerita, the Roman provincial capital. During the 16th century, the structure was partially integrated into the private residence known as the Palace of the Count of Los Corbos, which protected it from destruction. Archaeologists cleared the surrounding modern structures in the 20th century to expose the original Roman footprint. The temple is built from local granite and limestone materials. It serves as a rare example of a Roman temple that retained its primary structural integrity throughout the centuries due to its residential repurposing.
The view from the lower street level looking up at the columns from the western side during sunset.
Visit at night when the interior is illuminated to see the silhouette of the columns against the dark sky.
Walk the perimeter of the adjacent Palace of the Count of Los Corbos to see how modern residential architecture merged with the ancient stone.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the area surrounding the temple contains uneven cobblestone surfaces.
Do not attempt to climb the pedestal or touch the ancient columns to prevent structural erosion.
