Temple of Apollo, Pompei

The Temple of Apollo stands next to the Forum in the historic heart of Pompei. It is thought to have been the most important religious building in the city for much of its history, and certainly during Greek and Samnite rule. The cult of Apollo, a Greek congregation who worshipped Apollo, son of Zeus and God of light, knowledge and the sun, drew a great many followers in Campania from the 6th century BC onwards.

The temple gained its present form in the 2nd century BC, and was a central part of Pompei life – so much so that the mensa ponderaria is carved into its perimeter wall. This chart forms the town’s guide to official measurements, for use by traders in the Forum. Damaged extensively by the earthquake of 62 AD, it was never fully rebuilt. Its elevated podium still allows visitors a clear view to Vesuvius, north west of the city.

The Temple of Apollo was built in the form of a peripteros – a raised platform surrounded on all sides by columns. This creates an arcade which runs around the outside of the temple. This area was redecorated under Roman rule, but the changes have almost completely disappeared over time. In the centre of the temple, you can see a white marble altar, and a set back cella, which contains statues of Apollo and Diana.