Temple of Juno Lacinia

The Temple of Juno Lacinia is a ruined ancient Greek temple dedicated to Hera (Juno) located on Capo Colonna in Calabria. The remaining feature is a Doric column with capital, about 8.2 m in height. Remains of marble roof-tiles have been seen on the spot and architectural fragments were excavated in 1886–1887 by the Archaeological Institute of America. The sculptures found were mostly buried again, but a few fragments, some decorative terracottas and a dedicatory inscription to Hera of the 6th century BC, in private possession at Crotone, are described by F. von Duhn in Notizie degli scavi.

The date of the erection of the temple is postulated as 480-440 BC; it is not recorded by any ancient writer. It was reputed to have been founded by Hercules (Herakles) after he killed the bandit Lacinius, who attempted to steal some of the cattle of Geryon.

The temple has been described as one of the most splendid in southern Italy. The federal treasury of the Italiote League was moved there in the 5th century BC, and remained there until relocated to Herakleia near Tarentum.

The temple was said to have still been fairly complete in the 16th century, but was destroyed to build the episcopal palace at Crotone.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Strada Provinciale 50, Capo Colonna, Italy

Details

Founded: 480-440 BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy