Capo Colonna
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 19 January 2024
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The archaeological site of Capo Colonna is situated within the Province of Crotone, and part of the Comune of Crotone.
The site dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries BC. Nearby places of interest include the city of Crotone, Le Castella, Marina di Strongoli and Torre Melissa, while Lamezia Terme Airport is an hour and a half away by car, a distance of 101 kilometres. |
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Profile
The Capo Colonna archaeological site is an ancient Greek and Roman site located in Calabria, Italy. It is situated on a headland known as Capo Colonna, near the town of Crotone. The site is of significant historical and archaeological importance, as it was once a thriving ancient city known as Kroton (or Crotone), founded by Greek settlers in the 8th century BC.
The Capo Colonna archaeological site covers a vast area that includes the remains of ancient Greek and Roman structures. The most prominent feature of the site is the Doric column, known as the "Capo Colonna," which stands as a solitary remnant of the ancient Temple of Hera Lacinia.
The Capo Colonna archaeological site covers a vast area that includes the remains of ancient Greek and Roman structures. The most prominent feature of the site is the Doric column, known as the "Capo Colonna," which stands as a solitary remnant of the ancient Temple of Hera Lacinia.
History
The ancient city of Kroton was founded by Greek settlers from Achaean Greece in the 8th century BC. It became one of the most important and influential cities of Magna Graecia (Greater Greece). The city was renowned for its Olympic champions, philosophers, and scholars, including the famous mathematician Pythagoras, who established his school here.
Kroton was a significant political and cultural center and played a crucial role in Greek colonization in southern Italy. It flourished as a prosperous and wealthy city, engaging in trade and cultural exchange with other Greek colonies and the native Italic peoples.
The Temple of Hera Lacinia was one of the most important religious sites in Kroton, dedicated to the Greek goddess Hera. Over time, the city faced various challenges, including conflicts with neighboring cities and internal power struggles. Eventually, Kroton fell under the dominion of the Roman Empire, and the Roman influence can be seen in the later structures found on the site.
Kroton was a significant political and cultural center and played a crucial role in Greek colonization in southern Italy. It flourished as a prosperous and wealthy city, engaging in trade and cultural exchange with other Greek colonies and the native Italic peoples.
The Temple of Hera Lacinia was one of the most important religious sites in Kroton, dedicated to the Greek goddess Hera. Over time, the city faced various challenges, including conflicts with neighboring cities and internal power struggles. Eventually, Kroton fell under the dominion of the Roman Empire, and the Roman influence can be seen in the later structures found on the site.
Key features
- Temple of Hera Lacinia: The temple, dedicated to the Greek goddess Hera, was once an impressive Doric-style structure. Today, only a single column remains standing, which serves as a powerful symbol of the site's ancient past.
- Roman Baths: The site also contains the remains of Roman baths, reflecting the later Roman influence on the area.
Visitor information
- Archaeological Area: The site is an open-air archaeological park, allowing visitors to explore the ancient remains at their own pace.
- Scenic Views: The location of the site on a headland provides panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the Ionian Sea.
- Visitor Center: The site has a visitor center with exhibits and informative materials about the history and culture of Kroton and the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
- Accessibility: The site is generally accessible, but some areas may have uneven terrain.
- Nearby Attractions: Crotone is a coastal town with beautiful beaches and a charming historic center, making it an ideal destination for exploring the region.
Museo e Parco Archeologico di Capo Colonna
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Comune: Crotone
Province: Crotone Region: Calabria Fly to: Lamezia Terme Airport - 1 hour 31 minutes Close by: Le Castella, Marina di Strongoli, Torre Melissa, Cirò Recommended accommodation: Villa Aurora (25 km) |
