The Temple of Heracles (also known as the Temple of Hercules) of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples possesses eight reconstructed, massive Doric-style columns. Built in the late 6th century BC, it is considered the first temple to have been built of the seven that we know of at the Valley of the Temples. Valley of…
Tag: columns
Small and Insignificant
Palermo’s main post office on Via Roma is one of the city’s only notable examples of 20th century architecture. Built by architect Angiolo Mazzoni between 1928 and 1934, it reflects the Fascist and Futuristic design styles of the time. When you ascend its steps, the white building successfully makes you feel small and insignificant.
Corinthian Leaves
These columns from the Baroque facade of the Duomo on Ortigia are in the Corinthian architectural style for a reason. The city of Siracusa, with Ortigia Island as its jewel, was founded in 734 BC as a colony of Corinth, Greece. Over the subsequent centuries, Siracusa became the most important city of Magna Grecia. Corinthian…
Temple of Harmony
The magnificent Temple of Concordia is named for a Latin inscription that was found on a dedication marker unearthed in the vicinity of the Valley of the Temples archaeological site–i.e., a marker not associated with the temple; however spirited archaeologists took the text on the marker that said something to the effect of “dedicated to…
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…
Segesta: Enchanting Sicily, Day 2
The temple at Segesta has 36 very large, limestone Doric-style columns. Just like in 19th century paintings of Italy you’ve seen in your aunt’s living room, this temple gracefully sits in the midst of rolling hills. You might even see a shepherd and his sheep in its shadow! The temple is in excellent condition, considering…
A Powerful Impression
At the Temple of Heracles in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, you’ll find eight reconstructed Doric-style columns from the massive 6th century BC structure. Like the Greek god for which it’s named, the sacred edifice leaves a powerful impression.
Night Vision
Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples’ Tempio della Concordia at night.
A Temple for Hera
The Doric-style Temple “E” at the ancient Greek site of Selinunte was completed between 490 and 480 BC. Recent research reveals that it was probably dedicated to the goddess Hera, the protectress of weddings, engaged couples, and pregnant women.