Tag: archeologia
-
Temple Interrupted
Thought to have been built by a Elymian-Sicilian architect who was influenced by Greek colleagues, this Doric temple at Segesta was constructed between 430 and 420 BC. Scholars believe that it never had a roof put on its 36 limestone columns–perhaps the reason why it is so well-preserved. Very little is understood about for what…
-
Collecting Water
The ruins of the ancient city of Solunto high up on the slope of Mount Catalfano show a sophisticated use of gravity for water collection, as illustrated here by what is left of a large public cistern that sits at the end of the main street. Founded by the Phoenicians circa 700 BC and then…
-
One of Monreale’s Hundreds
Detail of Byzantine-Arab-Norman-style mosaic decoration at the Cathedral of Monreale, outside of Palermo; Created by artisans in the late 1100s.
-
Today’s Trip Highlight: Agrakas’ Valley of the Temples
This is a scene I was thrilled to see again today! The four remaining columns of the Temple of Castor and Pollux, built in the 5th century BC and reconstructed in the 19th century. We walked the full 2 kilometers of Valley of the Temples that sits on a ridge with sweeping views of the…
-
Reclaimed is Ancient History in Siracusa
This is one of the more fascinating sites in Sicily: The Duomo of Siracusa. Look carefully–it’s not a mistake. You can see the ancient Doric-style columns of an ancient Temple of Athena, built in the 5th century BC. During the Byzantine age (in the 7th century), the temple’s structure was adopted and used as the…
-
Siracusa’s Roman Coliseum
Apparently, the Spanish weren’t into preservation of ruins. They did, however, recycle and reclaim, which is why not much is left of Siracusa’s ancient Roman Amphitheater (The Spanish took the stone to create buildings and walls elsewhere.). Just like in the world-famous Coliseum in Rome, this first-century BC arena hosted circuses, horse races, gladiator battles,…
-
Temple on the Ridge: Enchanting Sicily, Day 4
Agrigento’s archaeological site Valley of the Temples is 13 square kilometers. It contains eight different archaeological finds–five of which are temples. Pictured on this ridge is the outstanding Tempio della Concordia. Come tour this UNESCO World Heritage site with me this September on Day 4 of Experience Sicily’s Enchanting Sicily tour. Contact me at experience_sicily@yahoo.com…
-
The Magnificent Temple of Concord at Agrigento
The Temple of Concord in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples is one of the best preserved Doric temples in the world. Built in c. 430 B.C. by Greek colonists, it has 34 enormous columns. It owes its relatively excellent state to a 4th century A.D. conversion to a Christian basilica. It’s unclear to whom the…
-
Silver Scylla
The hill-top town of Aidone hosts a world-class archaeological museum containing treasures unearthed at Morgantina, an ancient Greek town down the road a stretch. Morgantina was founded in 850 BC, and over the next 400-600 years the settlement was destroyed and rebuilt until it was finally abandoned in 211 BC. Throughout the centuries, the citizens…