Capo Colonna, Archaeological promontory in Crotone, Italy
Capo Colonna is an archaeological promontory on the Calabrian coast where a major temple once stood. Today, a solitary Doric column rises about 8 meters (26 feet) high, while a nearby museum displays excavation findings and objects from the site.
A temple dedicated to the goddess Hera was built in the 7th century BC and served as an important sanctuary. In the 16th century, the structure vanished because its stones were taken to build Crotone's bishop's residence.
The site reveals how ancient Greek and Roman people lived and worked in this region through scattered remains and objects. The few artifacts that survived tell stories of trade, worship, and daily routines in this coastal settlement.
The site sits right on the coast and can be explored easily on foot, with archaeological remains open to visitors. The on-site museum provides shelter in bad weather and helps you understand the history of the place.
The surviving column served seafarers as a landmark for centuries, marking the entrance to the Gulf of Taranto. This practical use by sailors made it a well-known reference point for navigation in this part of the coast.
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