The Temple of Jupiter in Split, Croatia is a small, ancient Roman sanctuary located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace.  This marvelous little building is nestled in one of the most beautiful places in Croatia and is well worth the visit.

Temple of Jupiter in Split, Croatia

The Temple of Jupiter in Split was originally built by the Romans between 295 to 305 AD in honor of Jupiter, the god of sky and thunder, who was seen as Diocletian’s immortal father.  When Diocletian abdicated his emperorship in 305 AD and returned to his homeland in modern day Croatia, all work on the temple and all the rest of the palace stopped.

St. John the Baptist

In the 6th century, the Roman temple was turned into a Christian Baptistery dedicated to St. John the Baptist after the arrival of Christian refugees from Salona and in an effort to rid the pervasive pagan culture. For such a small building, there is so much to see.

The baptismal font is covered with low reliefs with various designs.  One of the flagstones has a carving of a Croatian king who is seated and displaying the cross while an individual lays on the floor, either from being trampled, or from being defeated by the medieval king.

Inside the church behind the baptismal font is a large and imposing bronze statue of John the Baptist that was made in 1954 by artist Ivan Meštrović.

Diocletian brought back many riches from Egypt that can be seen around his palace, including the damaged sphinx located at the entrance to the Temple of Jupiter.

There are two sarcophagi located within the temple.  One contains the burial of Ivan (John I) of Ravenne who died lived around 680 AD and the other contains Lovre who lived between 1059 and 1099 AD.  Both individuals served as the Archbishop of Split.

Where is it Located?

The Temple of Jupiter in Split can be found on the western end of Diocletian’s Palace.  You can access it through the palace’s central square.