Temple of Minerva (Assisi)
Umbria
The Temple of Minerva, located in Assisi, Umbria, is an ancient Roman structure originally built in the 1st century BC by Gnaeus Caesius and Titus Caesius Priscus, two prominent city magistrates. Though traditionally dedicated to the goddess Minerva, archaeological evidence suggests it may have been originally devoted to Hercules. The temple's façade, featuring six Corinthian columns on a raised podium, remains one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture, showcasing a prostylos Corinthian style with fluted columns atop square plinths. The cella was demolished in the 16th century when the temple was converted into the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, which was later renovated in the Baroque style during the 17th century. The temple's medieval history includes use as a tribunal and jail, reflected in Giotto's frescoes depicting barred windows. The high civic tower adjacent to the church, known as the Torre del Popolo, serves as both the church's bell tower and the city's civic tower, housing historic bells dating from 1933. The temple was famously admired by the German poet Goethe during his 1786 visit, who praised its architectural coherence and preservation. Today, visitors can appreciate the temple's façade and a small surviving section near the altar, alongside remnants of ancient Roman flooring and terracing walls.
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Tip: Visit the Temple of Minerva in the morning or late afternoon for softer light on the classical façade. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. The site is accessible by foot from Assisi's main square, and guided tours can enrich the historical context of the temple and its transformation into a Baroque church.
Interesting facts
- •The temple's dedication is uncertain; a female statue led to the Minerva attribution, but a votive stone to Hercules suggests a different original dedication.
- •The temple's façade features six Corinthian columns with fluted shafts resting on tall square plinths, a distinctive architectural style called prostylos Corinthian.
- •During the Middle Ages, the temple served as a tribunal and prison, as depicted in Giotto's frescoes in the Upper Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.
- •The adjacent Torre del Popolo serves as both the church's bell tower and the civic tower of Assisi, housing historically significant bells cast in 1933.
- •The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited the temple in 1786 and praised its architectural coherence and preservation, considering it the first ancient structure in good condition he had seen.
History
The Temple of Minerva was constructed around 30 BC by the city's quattuorviri, Gnaeus Caesius and Titus Caesius Priscus, who also financed it.
Originally a Roman temple, it was later repurposed during the Middle Ages as a tribunal and jail.
In 1539, Pope Paul III ordered its transformation into the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, which was subsequently renovated in the Baroque style in the 17th century.
Over time, the original cella was demolished, but the façade and some structural elements have been preserved.
The temple's significance was highlighted by Goethe in 1786, marking it as one of the best-preserved ancient Roman temples.
Place Guide
Temple Façade1st century BC
The temple's façade is the most prominent surviving feature, with six Corinthian columns supporting the architrave and a small pediment. The columns were originally covered with strong plaster, possibly colored, and rest on a raised podium accessed by steps interrupted by the plinths. The architrave once bore bronze letters, traces of which remain as holes in the stone.
Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva16th-17th century
Built inside the ancient temple in the 16th century, this church was renovated in the Baroque style in the 17th century. The original cella of the temple was demolished to accommodate the church interior. The church maintains a historic role in Assisi's religious life, integrating ancient Roman architecture with later Christian elements.
Torre del Popolo (Civic and Bell Tower)
The tall tower adjacent to the temple-church complex serves as both the civic tower of Assisi and the church's bell tower. It houses three bells cast in 1933, including the 'Campana delle Laudi,' the second largest bell in Assisi, which is rung only on special occasions.
Contact
Phone: 075 812361
