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Monument · Assis, Úmbria
Tempio di Minerva
Roman temple from the 1st century BC on the Piazza del Comune, with six intact Corinthian columns on the façade. Since the 16th century it has been the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Tempio di Minerva
The Tempio di Minerva was built in the 1st century BC, when Assis was the Roman city of Asisium. The façade preserves the six Corinthian travertine columns, on steps that descend to the square, and it is one of the most intact Roman temples in Italy.
The temple was probably dedicated to Hercules, according to an inscription found on the site, and not to Minerva: the name came later, because of a female statue found there. In the Middle Ages it served as the seat of the commune and even as a prison. In 1539 it was converted into a church, under the name Santa Maria sopra Minerva, and the interior was redone in Baroque style in the 17th century.
The temple stands on the Piazza del Comune, the center of life in Assis, which occupies the site of the ancient Roman forum. Beside it rises the Torre del Popolo, from the 13th century, and opposite is the Palazzo dei Priori, the town hall. Under the square, the Museo e Foro Romano displays remains of the forum.
Goethe passed through Assis in October 1786 and wrote, in his Italian Journey, that he only wanted to see the temple.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 to 20 minutes for the temple and the square.
Best time
Early in the morning, with the square empty, or at night, when the façade is illuminated.
How to get there
It is on the Piazza del Comune, in the center of Assis. From the Basilica di San Francesco, walk up Via San Francesco in about 10 minutes; from the Basilica di Santa Chiara, about 5 minutes via the Corso Mazzini.
Tip
There is no charge to enter the church. The Museo e Foro Romano, under the square, has its own admission; check the opening hours.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Tempio di Minerva
Is the Tempio di Minerva really a Roman temple?
Yes. The façade with six columns dates from the 1st century BC. The interior was converted into a church in the 16th century.
Was the temple dedicated to Minerva?
Probably not. An inscription found on the site indicates it was dedicated to Hercules. The name Minerva came later, because of a female statue found there.
What else is there in the Piazza del Comune?
The Torre del Popolo, the Palazzo dei Priori and, beneath the square, the Museo e Foro Romano, with remains of the forum of the Roman city.