Together with the Temple of Jupiter (Tempio di Giove Latiaris) on Mount Albano, it was considered the centre of religious and political life of the Latin League: a “federal” sanctuary where it was possible to make and renew alliances. The goddess Diana was worshipped as the protector of hunting and fishing, patron of childbirth and the divinity of the Underworld.

The Temple was an enormous complex extending over about 45.000 sq. m. This artificial terrace was supported by triangular substructions at the lower end, while the above terracing was supported by large semicircular niches, which most likely held statues. The large complex included – besides the actual temple – two Doric-columns porticoes, areas dedicated to priests, lodges for pilgrims, cells for votive offerings as well as hydrotherapy baths and a theatre. Today, you can still see the walls of the large niches, part of the pronaos with at least one votive altar and a few columns. The Temple was still used during Roman Times and perhaps until the 4th century AD. It was eventually abandoned with the coming of Christianity and used as a quarry for construction material.

From the 17th century onwards excavations brought to light many findings, conserved today in different museums, but a large part of the complex still remains hidden. Today inside the archaeological site, you can find a farm “Il Giardino di Diana” (www.giardinodidiana.com) that welcomes and organises guided tours. You can reach it by following the descending roads from either Genzano or Nemi at a short distance from the Museum of the Roman Ships.