Standing on this terrace, can you feel the echoes of centuries past? Right before your eyes stand the remnants of the Cunicolo e Tempio di Apollo, a place steeped in myth and history. The Cunicolo e Tempio di Apollo, as we know it today, dates back to the 6th century BC when the Greeks first erected a temple here. It wasn’t dedicated to Apollo then, though. Evidence suggests it may have been a shrine to Hera, judging by the votive offerings found near an ancient cistern. But as the Roman Empire rose, so too did the legend of their sun god, Apollo. Virgil, the famed Roman poet, wrote in his epic, The Aeneid, that this very spot was where Daedalus, the legendary craftsman, sought refuge after his flight from Crete. He built a temple here, dedicating it to Apollo and even offering his wings as tribute. Emperor Augustus, captivated by Virgil’s words, ordered the temple’s reconstruction in the grand Roman style. You can still see the remnants of their craftsmanship. Notice the sturdy tufa base, a testament to the Greeks who came before. Observe the imposing eastern facade, a later Roman addition intended to awe visitors. Imagine the sight: a grand staircase leading up to the temple, a monumental facade looking out over the burgeoning city below. This was a place of power, a symbol of Roman might built upon the foundations of Greek ingenuity. But time, as it often does, brought change. The Cunicolo e Tempio di Apollo underwent yet another transformation between the 6th and 8th centuries AD, becoming a place of Christian worship. A baptismal font was added, and the floor became a final resting place for the departed. It’s a stark reminder that history is a tapestry woven from many threads, each leaving its mark on the fabric of time. Let’s explore further, shall we?
Fontana delle Conchiglie
This unassuming fountain, the Fontana delle Conchiglie, holds a secret. It wasn’t always meant to stand alone. Built in 1938