Iglesia de Santa María y Templo de Diana
This Gothic-Renaissance church stands over Sagunto's old Jewish quarter, and its walls hold the remains of the Temple of Diana, an Iberian structure from the 5th-4th centuries BC. Entry is free.
In the old town of Sagunto, the Church of Santa María stands on the site of the town's old Jewish quarter. Its Gothic-Renaissance walls hide something unexpected: among the stones survive the remains of the Temple of Diana, an Iberian building from the 5th-4th centuries BC. The church layers Iberian, Roman and Christian history under one roof, and entry is free.
History
Centuries of overlapping cultures sit on this single plot. This Christian church was built over the old Jewish quarter, while at its base the ashlars of the Iberian sanctuary dedicated to Diana survive, an old witness to the city's urban past. Walking here means reading Sagunto's history in layers: Iberian, Roman, medieval.
What to see
- The Gothic-Renaissance façade and interior, sober and solemn.
- The visible remains of the Temple of Diana, built into the structure.
- The narrow streets of the old Jewish quarter surrounding the church.
Tips for your visit
Combine it with the nearby Roman theatre and the castle for a full morning around the old town. Wear comfortable shoes: the lanes are cobbled and steep. Entry is free.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to visit the Church of Santa María in Sagunto?
Yes, it can be visited free of charge.
What is special about the Church of Santa María and the Temple of Diana?
It is an imposing Gothic-Renaissance church built over the old Jewish quarter, and hidden within its walls are the remains of the Temple of Diana, an Iberian building from the 5th-4th centuries BC.
Where is the Church of Santa María in Sagunto?
It stands in the heart of Sagunto's old town, over what was the town's former Jewish quarter.
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