Jupiter's Temple

Split, Temple of Jupiter, the black marble Egyptian sphinx at the entrance is 3,500 years old, but unfortunately it has been "beheaded". In contrast, the sphinx on the right side of the cathedral bell tower is well preserved.

The temple is the atrium of the Diocletian Palace, surrounded by tall Roman columns, and consists of the Cathedral of St. Domnius and the bell tower of the attached church. The antechamber is a circular hemispherical hall with a tall vault, which has now collapsed, leaving a circular dome hole. The midday sun shines directly through the dome, bringing endless reverie.

The Roman temple itself is virtually gone. In the Romano-Etruscan style (as the reconstruction suggests), there's no significant interior decoration, as the deity resided inside and the faithful were outside. Furthermore, over the past millennium, the building has been converted into the Church of St. John the Baptist. While the temple/baptistery is historically significant, there's not much to see. Information panels offer some historical background, but what really took my breath away wasn't the small vaulted ceiling, but climbing the nearby cathedral bell tower. If you're looking to see one of the five attractions in the cathedral complex, it's worth a visit. However, I think the best three are included in the €12 "Green Ticket," which includes the cathedral, bell tower, and treasury.

The temple is also known as the "World Cultural Heritage in Ruins" and is located in the capital of Lebanon, a historic country in the Middle East.

The temple is very small and has been severely damaged by wind and rain. Only the stone lions in front of the temple are intact. There is a small square in front of the temple.

It is a very distinctive historical building. Many people go to see it.