Roman Temple of Evora

Roman temple of Evora and Quintus Sertorius, Alentejo, Portugal

Portuguese often cite the Roman temple of Evora, in the Alentejo region, as the Temple of Diana.

The temple wasn’t dedicated to any god but honored Emperor Augustus.

Despite this, many Portuguese still misunderstand.

Various sources state Roman general Quintus Sertorius built the temple in the 1st century AD.

However, this is another urban myth.

The temple was built in the late 1st century AD, while Sertorius lived between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC.

Nonetheless, Sertorius’s significance to Évora’s history requires discussion, which I’ll address later.

Quintus Sertorius

Quintus Sertorius’s history misleads many.

He returned to Hispania around 80 BC, aiding the Lusitanians.

Sertorius launched a campaign to Romanize Hispanic people.

He established a school in Osca for noble children.

His subordinate Perperna conspired against him.

This led to Sertorius’s assassination.

Viriathus’ death allowed Pompey to conquer the Iberian Peninsula.

Despite misunderstandings, Sertorius remained loyal to Rome.

Even today, Évora’s town hall stands in Sertorius Square.

The Roman temple of Evora

The Roman temple of Evora and citadel took about 200 years to build, and they were supplied water by an aqueduct.

The temple’s construction utilized Estremoz marble, possibly selected for its resemblance to Carrara marble.

Estremoz, located roughly 50 km north of Évora, is now reachable by car in about 40 minutes.

Additionally, granite from the outskirts of Évora was incorporated into the temple’s design.

Following the Roman occupation, the temple’s history unfolded in several stages:

    • In the 5th century, with the rise of Christianization, the temple gradually lost significance and was abandoned.
    • In the 6th century, barbarian invasions damaged the temple, and the spaces between columns were filled with a wall of unknown purpose.
    • By the 8th century, after the Moorish invasion in 711, the temple possibly transformed into a fortified mosque.
    • In the 12th century, following the conquest of Évora in 1165, the temple may have functioned as a church while a new one was constructed.
    • The temple’s importance waned in subsequent centuries, leading to various uses such as a safe, granary, and butcher.
    • Restoration work commenced in the 19th century, restoring the temple to its former glory.
    • In 1910, it was designated a National Monument.
    • In 1986, UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site as part of the Évora Historic Center.

The Roman Temple of Évora is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings on the Iberian Peninsula.

It embodies nearly 2000 years of existence and historical events and serves as an integral part of the city’s identity.

For many Portuguese, it remains the most iconic symbol of Évora despite potentially more visually stunning monuments found elsewhere in Roman centers.

Is it worthwhile to visit the Roman temple of Evora?

With so much to see and taste in Évora, I doubt anyone would visit solely for this monument.

Additionally, within proximity to Évora, you can explore remarkable wine cellars like Herdade do Freixo.

There will always be plenty of reasons to justify a visit to Évora.

You can join me for Evora’s visit. Please access here for more information.

Have a nice day.

David Monteiro