Capo Colonna archaeological site, Ancient Greek temple ruins in Capo Colonna, Italy.
Capo Colonna is an archaeological site featuring the ruins of an ancient Greek temple on the Calabrian coast. The most recognizable element is a single standing Doric column with its capital, along with scattered stone foundations and remains that reveal the sanctuary's former scale.
The sanctuary was built in the second half of the 5th century BC and underwent modifications and expansions over time. It held political importance as a federal treasury for the region's network of city-states.
This was a major sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera Lacinia, where people from across the Mediterranean came to worship and make offerings. The site served as a spiritual gathering place where ancient visitors performed rituals to honor the deity.
The site sits directly on the coast with views across the Ionian Sea and is equipped with explanatory panels about the ruins. A nearby museum displays artifacts recovered from excavations to help visitors understand the sanctuary's past.
Excavations uncovered marble roof tiles and a dedicatory inscription from the 6th century BC that are now kept in private collections in the city. These finds reveal details about ancient construction techniques and religious practices at the sanctuary.
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