Colle Madore, Archaeological site in Lercara Friddi, Italy.
Colle Madore is an archaeological site on a hill about 1.5 km from Lercara Friddi, in the province of Palermo. Excavations on the south slope just below the summit brought to light a sacred area with adjoining rooms used for metalworking. The hill was also exploited in the past for sulfur extraction, and a gypsum quarry lay on the side opposite the excavations.
Excavations uncovered artifacts dating to the 11th century BC, revealing that early Sican communities lived at this strategic location. The site remained inhabited and significant across different historical periods in ancient Sicily.
The name Madore comes from the Greek madarós, "wet", for the springs on the hill; water was a sacred element of the sanctuary, which had a liturgical basin. Finds tied to Aphrodite include a headless female statuette holding a hare, a bowl base with a swastika and a sheet decorated with bull protomes.
To visit the site, arrange tours through local historical organizations in Lercara Friddi. Since the location sits on a hillside, wear comfortable walking shoes and expect uneven terrain.
A significant discovery was made in 1992 by Antonino Caruso, which prompted systematic research efforts at the location. This find helped advance the understanding of Sican culture in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,902 contributors worldwide.