Temple of Bacchus, Best Preserved Roman Temple
Marvel at the Temple of Bacchus, the best-preserved Roman temple in the world, its complete colonnade, carved doorway, and decorated interior ceiling preserved in extraordinary condition after 2,000 years.
- 1
Temple Exterior
Approach the Temple of Bacchus from outside the main complex where the complete peristyle of 42 Corinthian columns still surrounds the building, the best-preserved exterior colonnade of any Roman temple in existence.
- 2
Monumental Doorway
Study the monumental doorway of the Temple of Bacchus, its elaborate carved decoration depicting vines, panthers, and mythological figures in a frieze of exceptional quality and remarkable preservation.
- 3
Interior Cella
Enter the interior cella of the temple where the decorated ceiling panels still show their original carved designs, the carving technique and iconographic program of a 2nd century Roman religious building preserved intact.
- 4
Cult Niche
See the cult niche at the rear of the temple where the statue of Bacchus once stood, the elaborate architectural frame with its broken pediment and flanking columns creating the theatrical focus of the building.
- 5
Column Capitals
Examine the elaborately carved Corinthian capitals at close range from the raised platform, the delicate acanthus leaf carving and volutes representing some of the finest Roman stone carving work in existence.
- 6
Scale Comparison
Stand beside the temple columns to grasp their scale, the Temple of Bacchus itself larger than the Parthenon in Athens and larger than most Greek temples, yet considered secondary to the even more massive Jupiter temple beside it.
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