It is said that Hercules killed Lacinio and, by mistake, also his guest Crotone. So, to remedy his mistake, Hercules ordered to found a sanctuary dedicated to Hera and Lacinio on its peninsula, as well as a city in honor of the hero Crotone… #tuttitaly
Cape Colonna, a place steeped in history and spirituality, has its roots in the foundation of Crotone by Greek colonists. This peninsula, which marked the maritime boundary for civilizations passing through this area, soon became a point of great strategic importance. On the extreme tip of the peninsula stood the majestic Temple of Hera Lacinia, which became the largest and most influential sanctuary in Southern Italy.
The history of Cape Colonna is closely linked to Magna Graecia and the power of Crotone, one of the most powerful and influential cities of the time.
The Temple of Hera Lacinia, located south of the city, was considered sacred by the ancient Enotri, the area's indigenous people. During its most flourishing period, between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC, the sanctuary became the seat of the Italiote League, created to defend against the powerful Syracuse.
But Cape Colonna is not just ancient history. During the Roman era, the Temple of Hera remained an essential place of worship.
The Romans built a small settlement around the temple, enriching it with luxurious villas, baths, and civilian dwellings. This demonstrates the site's importance for the Romans, not only from a religious perspective but also as a place of leisure and relaxation. The Temple of Juno Lacinia thus became a point of reference for Romans visiting the area.
Despite the battles and conquests that have marked the history of Cape Colonna, the place has always maintained a strong religious connotation.
The Church of Santa Maria, located on the peninsula, testifies to the presence of Christianity in the area. According to legend, Turkish pirates attempted to burn the painting depicting the Madonna above the church's altar. However, the painting did not catch fire, and the area became a place of great devotion for the local population. The Church of Santa Maria thus became the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Cape Colonna, an essential point of reference for the religious community of Crotone.
Today, the remains of the Temple of Hera Lacinia, with the famous column towering majestically in front of the sea, represent the symbol of the Archaeological Area of Cape Colonna. This fascinating and historically rich place continues to attract visitors worldwide, who can admire the traces of a glorious past and immerse themselves in the spirituality that permeates the entire area.
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