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The Sanctuary of Diana Nemorensis in Nemi: Eight Centuries of Worship on the Shores of the Lake
The remains of the Sanctuary of Diana Nemorensis lie on the northern shore of Lake Nemi, in the Castelli Romani. This was an area that was already frequented in the 15th century BC, during the Middle Bronze Age. The first temple dedicated to the goddess dates to the 4th century BC: it was a timber-framed structure with terracotta decorations. It was later replaced by a stone building, of which foundations and part of the elevation survive.
A Monumental Complex built on Three Terraces
The most impressive aspect that can still be seen today dates from the late 2nd century BC: three terraces descend towards the lake. The central one — the most complex — housed the temple, a theatre, baths, quarters for the priests, cellae donariae (votive offering rooms), and an enclosure with large semicircular niches on three sides. A colonnaded portico with painted plasterwork ran along the interior. The upper terrace had fountains fed by springs from the valley, and by the nymphaeum (ninfeo) built at Caligula's request.
Five centuries of excavations, the finds have travelled
The first documented discovery dates to 1550: a dedication to Diana-Vesta. This find is now in the Capitoline Museums in Rome. Since then, materials have made their way to Copenhagen, Boston, Nottingham, Philadelphia, and Palma de Mallorca. The Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici del Lazio (Archaeological Superintendency of the Latium region) has been conducting regular campaigns since 1989. The sanctuary remained active until the 4th century AD, then fell into disuse.
