Minerva Tempel - Torre del Popolo

The Minerva Temple - Torre del Popolo (Latin: “Temple of Minerva - Tower of the People”) is a grand sight to behold in the Italian city of Assisi. The temple is an impressive 9-meter-high structure located in the city’s main square and is finely decorated with a profusion of Baroque stonework, some of which dates back to 16th century. It was built in the late 15th century and was used as both a city gate and a temple of worship for the Roman goddess Minerva. This remarkable structure used to serve as watch tower for the city and its three levels contain a chapel at its base dedicated to 'Santa Maria sopra Minerva'. The two high stories of the tower house an impressive museum with artefacts from the Roman, Gothic and Renaissance periods. Visitors can also explore the two mezzanines and the upper terrace that commands a panoramic view of the city. The Torre del Popolo still stands as a symbolic icon of the country’s past and is a popular attraction to both tourists and photographers alike.