The Temple of Augustus

The temple of Augustus, originally dedicated to the goddess Roma and emperor Augustus, is located on the northwestern side of the Forum. It consists of a large enclosed chamber – a cella, and a smaller outer entrance hall opened towards the square, which is on the front side bounded by four, and on each lateral side by a single column with Corinthian capitals. The longitudinal walls of the cella extend themselves into the outer entrance hall where they end with fluted half-columns. The walls of the cella were erected with large, symmetrically hewn blocks of stone. The western wall that was built of quarry stones indicates that the temple was renewed after each of the numerous devastations it suffered.

A tripartite architrave was placed on the cella walls and the outer entrance hall capitals. Located over it is a frieze decorated with acanthus tendrils, fruits and birds. The roof of the temple and the gable are framed by a cornice with consoles and coffered elements. At the center of the triangular gable is a circular medallion.

On its frontal side the architrave carries the inscription: ROMAE ET AVGUSTO CAESARI DIVI FILIO PATRI PATRIAE. Thanks to this formal imperial inscription we know that the temple was erected and dedicated in the period from 2 BC to 14 AD.

Located in the temple is a collection of Roman statues from Istria, especially noteworthy being the marble statues depicting emperors.