The Temple of Juno Lacinia on the cliffs of Capo Colonna

The Temple of Juno Lacinia, located at Capo Colonna in Calabria, Italy, is a significant archaeological site that dates back to the 7th century BC. The site was a place of worship even before the arrival of the Greek colonists, as evidenced by the oldest ceramic finds. Building B, dated to the early 6th century BC, is particularly significant as it contains rich votive offerings including masterpieces in gold, silver and bronze, as well as objects of Eastern origin such as scarabs and ostrich eggs.

The temple itself, built around 480-470 BC, is a Doric temple with six columns in front and a total of 48 columns over 8 m tall. The sanctuary was one of the most important in Magna Graecia until the 4th century BC and featured public buildings for pilgrims and a grand sacred way connecting it with the sacred forest and the coastal landing points. One remaining feature is a Doric column with a capital, about 27 feet in height.

Notable events at the sanctuary include the time Hannibal stayed there three winters toward the close of the Second Punic War, where he dedicated a bronze plaque detailing his accomplishments. The site also suffered looting by Cilician and Cretan pirates during the 1st century BC and was plundered by Sextus Pompey in 36 BC when the Roman colony was besieged.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons