The Temple of Jupiter is a remarkably preserved Roman temple within Diocletian's Palace — a small, barrel-vaulted structure originally dedicated to the king of the Roman gods and later converted into a Christian baptistery (a transition that mirrors the palace's own transformation from pagan imperial compound to Christian city). The temple's coffered barrel vault, carved with rosettes and geometric patterns, is the finest surviving example of Roman decorative stonework in Dalmatia.
The sphinx guarding the temple entrance is one of twelve that Diocletian imported from Egypt (only two survive in Split), and the 11th-century baptismal font inside contains the earliest known Croatian royal inscription.
Verified Facts
The temple was originally dedicated to Jupiter
The sphinx was imported from Egypt by Diocletian
The temple was converted to a Christian baptistery
The baptismal font contains the earliest known Croatian royal inscription
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Diocletian's Palace, Split
