Parco Archeologico di Capo Colonna

In the 6th century, the Colonna of Hera Lacinia was built in Capo Colonna, one of the most important shrines in Magna Grecia since the Archaic Age. This was in a strategic position, that is, along the coastal routes that united Taranto to the Strait of Messina, and was composed of 48 columns in Doric style over 8 meters high and consisting of 8 rocks grooved. Unfortunately, today there is only part of it, namely the column from which the site takes its name and some finds called Buildings. The sanctuary is also known as Hera Eleytheria. The complex was composed of several buildings, of which some remains are visible today. The actual temple was stretched out towards the sea, of a Doric order, with six columns on the façade (hexastyl). The initial temple had the classic shape of Greek temples: an imposing complex of 48 Doric columns over 8 m high; the roof was made of marble slabs and Parius marble tiles. Nothing is known about the decorations that, however, were certainly present, as can be deduced from the discovery of a female head in Greek marble and a few other fragments.