Temple of Jupiter, Split

Jupiterov hram Temple of Jupiter
File:20130603 Split 139.jpg
General information
Town or city	Split
Country	Croatia
Construction started	295 AD
Completed	305 AD
Client	Emporer Diocletian

The Temple of Jupiter (Croatian: Jupiterov hram) is a temple in Split, Croatia dedicated to the Jupiter, Ancient Roman God of sky and thunder and king of the Gods. Temple is located in the western part of the Diocletian's palace near the Peristyle, the central square of the imperial complex. It was built from 295 until 305 AD, during the construction of the Palace, and was probably turned into Baptistery of St. John the Baptist in the 6th century AD, at the same time when the crypt dedicated to St. Thomas was built. Before the entrance to the Temple is one of the twelve sphinxes brought from Egypt by order of Emperor Diocletian. Scottish architect Robert Adam considered this temple to be one of Europe's most beautiful monuments.

Description

Temple of Jupiter was constructed from 295 to 305 AD, as part of the Diocletian's palace. It was dedicated to the supreme Roman God and Diocletian's divine father, Jupiter. The temple is located in the western, religious part of the edifice. Since the Emporer unexpectedly abdicated the throne in year 305 AD and arrived at the palace from Nicomedia, finishing work on construction of the Palace was stopped so parts of the Temple remained unfinished.

In front of the Temple, above the entrance, is a relief depicting Gods and various heroes, such as Victoria, Triton, Helios, Hercules, Jupiter and Apollo. Doorways are richly decorated, especially the impressive barrel coffered vault of the Temple.

Inside the Temple are sarcophagi in which two Archbishops of Split, Ivan of Ravenna (died c. 10) and Lovre (died c. 1099), were buried. In addition, there is a large bronze statue of St. John the Baptist made by Ivan Meštrović. A Renaissance sarcophagus of Jakov Selembrije from the 16th century is placed in front of the baptistery.

In the 11th century, a Romanesque style bell tower was built above the vault. It is similar to one in the Church of Our Lady of the Tower above Iron Gate of Diocletian's palace, which was demolished around 1840 in accordance with the then classicist aspirations which argued for purification of ancient monuments and buildings.

During the late Antiquity and the Middle Ages the temple was converted into a baptistery dedicated to St. John the Baptist, while the crypt was dedicated to St. Thomas.

In the 13th century, the baptismal font made of parts of the altar partition from the 11th century which was originally located in the Cathedral was placed within baptismal font. The oldest representation of Croatian king Peter Krešimir IV or Demetrius Zvonimir with their subjects is engraved on one of the marble rood screens. Second rood screen is decorated with pentagram with flowers and birds inside a star that is surrounded by a wreath which represents the Holy Trinity and the two natures of Jesus Christ-the divine and the human. Third rood screen is decorated with motifs of Croatian interlace in various forms.

Barrel coffered vault of the Temple influenced Dalmatian early Renaissance art which is best seen in the example of Andrea Alessi's baptistery and Chapel of blessed John in Trogir.

In year 1907, a few houses on the west and south side of the Temple were demolished so Temple was freed of fittings, except those in the northwest corner that are still leaning against it.

See also

• Diocletian's Palace
• List of Roman domes
• Dalmatia
• Roman architecture