A historic Roman temple stretching nearly 40 feet into a stunning Spanish city’s sky has reopened after a massive £640k (€750k) restoration. Dating back to 1st-century AD the Roman Temple of Córdoba and is thought to have been dedicated to imperial worship.
Córdoba is the capital of Andalusia, and its Moorish and Christian influences give it a distinct character aswell as its history and breathtaking architecture. The temple wasn’t excavated until the 1950s when City Hall expansion was taking place, today it has amazingly been partially reconstructed. Part of the ancient building is the free standing Corinthian columns which stand high at the temple’s entrance. These dramatic remains were reconstructed during the 1960s however, this work was slammed as a ‘botched job’.
The work was originally earmarked to be completed 10 years ago in 2025 but failed contracts and delays to work plagued the ancient building. However, the decade-old saga is now over and the monument has finally reopened to the public.
Opening on June 19 the works, both residents and locals can walk along the soaring columns which provide a panoramic view over the gorgeous Andalusian city.
It also provides visitors a fascinating glimpse into the work that went into this Roman temple. Work took over 40 years to complete, construction began during the reign of Emperor Claudius and ended during the reign of Emperor Domitian.
Speaking from the temple’s portico – where ancient priests once stood to offer sacrifices while the public gathered on a lower terrace – mayor José María Bellid welcomed the longe-overdue completion.
The Roman Temple of Córdoba is a hexastyle temple standing 9 metres tall, situated on a podium measuring 3.5 meters in height.
It is almost exclusively made from marble and composed of six columns on its front façade and ten columns on either side. Today, the only remains of the building are its foundation, the staircase, the altar, and some column shafts and capitals.
During the first three months, guided tours will take place twice daily from Monday to Friday, at 10.30 am and midday and three times a day on weekends and public holidays, at 10.00 am, 11.00 am and midday.
Each tour spans 30 minutes and is limited to 30 people.
