Monuments of Magna Graecia
temples, theatres and cities from Italy's ancient Greek period
Photo: Ancient Greek theatre of Taormina, Sicily
Monuments of Magna Graecia
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Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The monuments of Magna Graecia listed below represent a hugely important era in Italian history. Long before the Romans started to assert their authority on the Italian Peninsula, the south of Italy was known as Magna Graecia, a Latin term meaning "Greater Greece.
The term derives from the fact that this area of Italy was originally settled by numerous Greek colonists who brought their traditions and customs with them. It was from the Greeks that the Romans developed their own culture and civilisation, something which still has a tangible presence in Italy today with the legacy of temples, Greek theatres, statuary and archaeological sites. |
One of the Riace Bronzes, Calabria
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Magna Graecia included the territory which is now defined as various southern Italian regions including Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily. One of the greatest cities of the Magna Graecia period was Syracuse in Sicily which is perhaps the most rewarding place to explore some of the treasures that still remain.
Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
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The Valley of the Temples is an iconic archaeological site in Agrigento, Sicily, celebrated for its well-preserved ancient Greek temples. Situated on a ridge overlooking the sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 5th century BCE, when the area was part of the prosperous Greek city of Akragas.
The site’s highlights include the Temple of Concordia, renowned for its near-perfect Doric architecture, and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, once among the largest of its kind. The Valley also features ancient city walls, necropolises, and olive groves. This captivating site reflects the grandeur of Greek civilization and its enduring cultural influence on Sicily. |
Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
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Greek Theatre of Syracuse
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The Greek Theatre of Syracuse, located within the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Sicily, is one of the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture. Built in the 5th century BCE and later expanded during the Hellenistic period, it is carved into the hillside overlooking the city.
The semi-circular theatre could seat up to 15,000 spectators and was used for dramatic performances, political gatherings, and religious ceremonies. Notable features include its large orchestra, excellent acoustics, and inscriptions dedicated to the gods. The theatre played a central role in Syracuse's cultural and civic life during its peak as a powerful Greek city-state. |
Greek Theatre of Syracuse, Sicily
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Riace Bronzes
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The Riace Bronzes, two magnificent ancient Greek statues, are housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria.
Discovered in 1972 off the coast of Riace, these life-sized bronze warriors date back to the 5th century BCE and are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and realism. The statues depict two bearded warriors, showcasing intricate details such as muscle definition, expressive faces, and inlaid eyes. Likely part of a shipwreck, they are thought to have been created in Greece or Magna Graecia. The Riace Bronzes are a testament to ancient Greek artistry. |
Riace Bronzes, Reggio Calabria
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Paestum
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The Paestum archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Italy, located in the Campania region near the Tyrrhenian coast. Renowned for its remarkably preserved Greek temples, it was founded as Poseidonia by Greek colonists around 600 BCE and later became a Roman city.
The site features three magnificent Doric temples: the Temple of Hera, Temple of Athena, and the Temple of Neptune, considered some of the best-preserved Greek architecture in the world. It's also possible explore ancient city walls, Roman ruins, and a well-curated museum showcasing frescoes, pottery, and the iconic Tomb of the Diver. |
Paestum, Campania
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Ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina
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The Ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina is a remarkable historical site located on the eastern coast of Sicily, overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks and later expanded by the Romans, the theatre was originally used for dramatic performances and later for gladiatorial games.
With a capacity to hold around 5,000 spectators, it features a semi-circular seating arrangement and a stunning stage with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The theatre's well-preserved ruins include intricate architectural details, making it one of Sicily’s most iconic landmarks. |
Ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina, Sicily
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Tavole Palatine
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The Tavole Palatine are the remains of an ancient Greek temple located near Metaponto, in the Basilicata region of southern Italy.
Dating back to the 6th century BC, the temple was dedicated to Hera, the goddess of marriage and family. The site is famous for its 15 well-preserved Doric columns, which stand as a testament to the grandeur of the ancient Greek settlers in the area. The Tavole Palatine was part of the ancient city of Metaponto, a thriving colony of Magna Graecia. Today, the site is an important archaeological and historical landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the classical Greek influence on southern Italy. |
Tavole Palatine, Basilicata
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Capo Colonna
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The Capo Colonna archaeological site is located on the Ionian coast of Calabria, southern Italy, near the town of Crotone.
It is known for the remains of the ancient Greek sanctuary dedicated to Hera Lacinia, dating back to the 6th century BCE. The site’s most notable feature is the impressive single column, a remnant of the Temple of Hera, which once stood as a grand structure. The area also includes ruins of other temples, altars, and a sacred spring. Historically, Capo Colonna was a major religious centre for the ancient Greeks in Italy. Today, the site offers visitors a glimpse into the region's ancient cultural and religious practices. |
Capo Colonna, Calabria
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Tyndaris
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The Tyndaris archaeological site is located on the northern coast of Sicily, near the town of Patti, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, Tyndaris became an important city in the ancient world, thriving under Greek and Roman rule. The site features impressive ruins, including a well-preserved Greek theatre, which once held over 3,000 spectators, and a Roman villa with intricate mosaics. Visitors can explore the remnants of temples, baths, and ancient streets. Tyndaris also has connections to mythological figures, including the legend of the Trojan hero, Aeneas. |
Tyndaris, Sicily
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