The Capitolium
rises in the middle of the north side of the Forum,
with Mount Vesuvius as a
background. It was the colony's major temple. Consecrated to the Capitoline
Triad, composed of Jupiter,
Juno and Minerva,
the edifice stands on a high base equipped with repositories where the
city's treasure was probably kept. The façade was covered with white
stucco, imitating marble. At the sides of the temple a monumental
scenario of arches closed the square of the Forum.