History:

is a 1st-century Roman temple dedicated to the god Mercury located in the archaeological ruins of Pompeii, Italy. The Temple of Mercury is one of the best-preserved Roman temples from antiquity. The temple was decorated with paintings of winged Victories of Mercury and scenes of Mercury seated with people from the Italia region. The fifty marble steps that lead to the large podium which houses a circular altar are still intact. The building also features a curved and colonnaded portico that is decorated with surviving statues of Mercury. The original architecture of the temple has been greatly admired over the centuries and has served as the inspiration for a number of more modern reconstructions of the temple. It is one of the best temple in Italy which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Temple of Mercury (Templo di Mercurio) was a Roman temple located in the archaeological site of Pompeii in Italy. 2. The temple, probably built in the late first century BC, was dedicated to the Roman god Mercury. 3. It was situated in the Forum area of the town and had a large outdoor altar. 4. It was damaged during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and largely destroyed in the earthquake of 62 AD. 5. The remains of the temple can still be seen at the excavated site of Pompeii. 6. The surviving stonework includes the lower part of the podium on which the temple was built, two sections of the walls of the cella, and the steps of the entrance staircase. 7. The temple is notable as a very rare example of a Roman temple built entirely out of tuff blocks, a type of rock found in the area surrounding Pompeii. 8. Archaeological excavations at the site of the temple have revealed numerous artifacts and sculptures related to the cult of Mercury and the life of the city of Pompeii. Here are some facts about the Italy temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Italy

Worship Method:

The Temple of Mercury in Pompeii was known as a religious temple devoted to the worship of the God Mercury. This temple was destroyed during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. The cult and ceremonies associated with the temple were known as the Cult of Mithras – a widely respected religion in the Roman Empire at the time. Practices such as Mithraism – the worship of the god Mithras in a bull-slaying scene, were performed here. Other rituals such as libations, processions, feasts and offerings were also practiced. The worship of Mercury was also done in accordance with the Roman civic calendar. According to this, it was prescribed that the temple would hold major events on the anniversaries of Mercury's birth and death. These included Ludi Mercuriales – a religious festival celebrated on the 15th of May and October as well as Vinalia Urbana – a wine festival celebrated on the 19th of April and May. It is also believed that a form of shamanic trance was used in the temple's worship. In trance, the initiate walks around the altar three times then stands in front of it. The initiate is supposed to connect with the god Mercury to solicit his holy assistance in whatever they are asking for. The temple was known to be an important commercial center in the city of Pompeii. It was the main market, and people also traveled there from other cities and towns to peddle their wares. In ancient times, many people went to the Temple of Mercury to ask for advice from the god and to perform various types of healing. It was also a place of political assembly, where influential people and decisions makers could be found. At the shrine within the temple, people could offer sacrifices and offerings to the god. This included burning incense, incantations, offerings of food, money, and animals. These offerings were believed to help summon Mercury’s protection and blessings. The temple is now an ancient ruin, yet today it is still an active site of religious practices. Pilgrimages to the temple are still made, and offerings are still left to the god Mercury in the hopes that he will still bring good fortune. This most visited temple in Italy

Opening Timing:

The Temple of Mercury at Pompeii in Italy is open from 8:30am to 7:30pm daily, and is closed on December 25th and January 1st. top temples in Italy

How to reach:

The Temple of Mercury in Pompeii, Italy is located at the eastern end of the Forum, near the Temple of Jupiter. It is most easily reached by car or a hire car. Alternatively, there are buses available from Naples and Sorrento. From Pompeii, the temple can be reached by walking or taking a taxi. famous temples in Italy