One of the most important historical features of the Extremadura region in Spain is its role during Roman times, especially due to the presence of major archaeological sites, such as the city of Mérida, which was the capital of the province of Lusitania in ancient times. For this reason, Mérida is famous for its magnificent collection of Roman monuments, reflecting the importance of Extremadura in antiquity as a strategic province of the Roman Empire.
Among the most iconic monuments we encounter during our visit to Mérida is the Temple of Diana, one of the most outstanding architectural marvels of ancient Rome in Mérida. Located in the heart of the historic center, its state of preservation makes it a landmark for visitors and a symbol of Roman Mérida. Furthermore, its proximity to other civic structures in the forum, such as the theater and amphitheater, highlights its importance in the social and religious life of the city.
Built probably in the first half of the 1st century A.D., the Temple of Diana is a magnificent example of classical Roman architecture. Its hexastyle façade— a style typically used for the main façade, especially in the entrance portico of classical-style buildings such as Greek and Roman temples— features a row of six columns with richly decorated Corinthian capitals. This structure, with its majestic character, reflects the power and wealth of Roman civilization at that time.
This temple, although it is not known for certain to which deity it was dedicated, was likely consecrated to the imperial cult. The Roman temple was considered the inviolable dwelling of the deity, and only priests had access to the sanctuary. The marble altar, located at the temple’s entrance, was the place where sacrifices were offered. In addition to the altar, the temple’s interior housed the statue of the deity, around which the priests placed offerings. Diana, the goddess with whom this temple is often associated, was depicted as a skilled huntress, with a deer and armed with a bow and arrows, being the protective goddess of hunters.
Eventually, the structure of the temple was repurposed for the construction of the Palace of the Corbos. This is a Renaissance building commissioned at the end of the 15th century by Don Alonso Mexía, a knight of the Order of Santiago, built over the remains of the Roman temple as a palatial residence. Today, part of the main façade is preserved, and inside, the arches of a courtyard remain. It was built on two levels, incorporating Roman and Visigoth columns and capitals. In 1972, the building was expropriated with the intention of recovering the ancient Roman temple, although it was later decided to preserve part of the palace due to its heritage value. The construction of the Palace of the Corbos, popularly known as the “House of Miracles,” helped ensure that the Temple of Diana reached our time in an excellent state of preservation.
Our visit to Mérida coincided with the celebration of International Dance Day, and the Temple of Diana was used as a stage by dance academies performing during this grand celebration. It was a magnificent event that both locals and tourists thoroughly enjoyed while seated around this great Roman monument. Definitely, a clear example of how ancient spaces should be valued and preserved so that current and future generations can continue to enjoy them.
The recognition of the Temple of Diana as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, as part of the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, reinforces its cultural importance and the need to preserve it as a symbol of the rich history and cultural heritage of the Extremadura region in Spain.
