The Vagabond Temple of Concordia: A Quirky Quest in the Sicilian Valley

The Vagabond Temple of Concordia: A Quirky Quest in the Sicilian Valley

Ever pondered over the whereabouts of the ancient marvel, the Temple of Concordia? Brace yourself for a remarkable revelation.

Nestled in the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, the Temple of Concordia presents a striking example of ancient Greek artistry and architecture from Magna Graecia. Despite its age-old name, the temple's birthplace remains a hidden secret. Believed to be erected in the 5th century BCE, its journey to its current site is cloaked in mystery. Today, it resides in a farmer's field, transformed into a church, with columns filled in and 12 arched openings added to its cella. The original altar is now a figment of history, replaced by eastern sacristies carved out in the corners. The temple is embellished with sepulchres, both interior and exterior, verging back to the High Middle Ages. The number 12 reappears, this time as the number of arched openings on the cella.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nicolo Ciampini

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