In the middle of the Piazza Pancali lies ancient Temple of Apollo. The temple is dated back to the 6th century B.C. making it one of the oldest Doric temples in Sicily. This temple faced several transformations through hundreds of years. Previously it had been a Byzantine church and also an Islamic Mosque. After this it became a Norman church and then was then incorporated into 16th century Spanish barracks. I think what was especially fascinating about these remains, although there is not much left, is how it served as a monument is the busy piazza. Several streets lines with markets, shops, and crowded restaurants lead to the open piazza that houses this ancient temple. Compared to other temples we visited which were sometimes in isolated, more scenic settings, it was interesting to look at this ancient temple with the more modern city directly integrated around it.
Temple of Concordia, Agrigento
The temple of Concordia at Agrigento is one of the best preserved Doric order Greek temples, it was built in the 5th century BC. Concordia is the Roman goddess of harmony and agreement in society/marriage. The temple currently is in such good condition because as converted into a Christian basilica in the 6th century dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul by San Gregorio delle Rape, the bishop of Agrigento and thus survived any destruction of pagan places of worship.
Segesta
The Doric temple of Segesta was extremely interesting to observe considering the unique narrative surrounding its role and history. The temple’s claim to fame is that it was never actually finished which can be especially witnessed as the columns are unfluted and the knobs still remain on the sides of the temple stairs. This temple was allegedly built only to show of the “great wealth” of the inhabitants of the area in order to motivate Athenian forces to help Segesta because riches and wealth would be given to them in turn. Ultimately, Athenians do help Segesta in battle however they eventually realize they were being lied to and Segesta only provides little aid/resources to the Athenian forces who fight on their behalf.
Piazza Pretoria
This square, known as the square of Shame, hosts a massive fountain that is a focal point for nude statues of various figures and creatures. The large fountain is considered to represent the corruptness throughout Palermo. The square itself is an impressive display of urban planning as the space is shaped and defined through the walls of two churches and the town hall. I particularly liked the layering of the fountain with its various levels and tiers and its clear purpose as a space to be entered by viewers.
March 18.
These jagged rocks off the eastern coast of Sicily are the proposed rocks that Polyphemus threw at Odysseus on his escape from the cave of the Cyclops. After Odysseus tricked the Cyclops and blinded him, he yells back to boast about his accomplishment. The Cyclops then out of anger begins throwing rocks at Odysseus’ boat. None of the rocks hit the ship, and Odysseus sails away. However, the significance of this event lies in the Cyclops’ connection to Poseidon, who is the father of the Polyphemus. This leads to Poseidon’s hatred of Odysseus which extends the journey of Odysseus. This site is the proposed location of this event from the Odyssey.
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