Jupiterov hram, i.e. the temple of Jupiter erected in the Diocletian's Palace. The emperor considered himself the anointed of Jupiter (also called Jupiter) - the supreme ruler of heaven and earth, the father of gods. The temple erected in the years 295-305 in the 7th century was rebuilt into a Christian baptistery (a separate building used for baptisms).
The entrance to the temple is guarded by Egyptian sphinx made of black granite - one of the twelve that were brought from Egypt on the order of Diocletian. The building is beautifully decorated with sculptural elements - the main entrance framing and coffered vault are particularly rich. Inside there are two stone sarcophagi of the bishops of Split from the 10th and 11th centuries. A bronze statue of St. John the Baptist by Ivan Meštrović.
Diocletian tried to rebuild the state worship of old gods - especially Jupiter, Hercules, and Mars. It was from them that the power of the earthly emperors and the Caesars established by Diocletian (co-ruling various parts of the empire) were to come.
Attractions inside
