Archaeological Museum of Capo Colonna: the history of ancient Kroton by the sea

Just a few kilometers from Crotone, in a geographically and historically extraordinary location, stands the Archaeological Museum of Capo Colonna. This museum is not an isolated entity, but rather the beating heart and gateway to one of the most significant sites of Magna Graecia: the Sanctuary of Hera Lacinia. The building, modern and functional, blends harmoniously into the setting of the Archaeological Park, offering visitors a key to understanding the vast and fascinating site that surrounds it.

The Sanctuary of Hera Lacinia: a beacon in the Mediterranean

Myth and history merge in this sacred place, once famous throughout the ancient world. The Sanctuary of Hera Lacinia was one of the most important and visited in southern Italy—a landmark for sailors and a religious and cultural center of immense value for the city of Kroton. Today, the site’s iconic Doric column remains, the sole survivor of a grand peripteral temple, standing tall and proud against the blue of the sky and sea—a symbol of an era of splendor. The museum was created precisely to give voice and substance to what remains of this glorious past.

The collections: fragments of ancient magnificence

The museum halls house artifacts discovered during the excavation campaigns conducted in the area of the Sanctuary. The collection, though not vast, is of exceptional quality and tells the story of the worship and daily life that once animated this sacred place:

• Votive offerings: countless ex-votos and objects offered to the goddess Hera by worshippers, including ceramics, terracotta figurines, and small bronze sculptures.
• Architectural elements: various fragments of the temple, marble decorations, and capitals, helping reconstruct the original image of the sacred building.
• Objects of daily life: coins, tools, and personal items.

Among the most famous pieces are precious bronze and gold artifacts that reveal the wealth and importance of the sanctuary. The display cases carefully showcase these ancient testimonies, transforming each fragment into a piece of a grand historical mosaic.

A unique experience between museum and archaeological park

The beauty of the Archaeological Museum of Capo Colonna lies in its perfect integration with the surrounding landscape. The visit is not confined to the interior of the building but extends throughout the entire archaeological park. First, visitors admire the artifacts inside the museum, then walk among the ruins, touch the last standing column, and gaze at the horizon where Greek ships once sailed. The museum serves as both guide and interpreter of what is seen outdoors, creating a complete and immersive experience that unites history, art, and the wild beauty of the Calabrian nature.

Useful information

• Address: Viale Magna Grecia, Località Capo Colonna, Crotone (KR).
• Contacts:
  • Phone: +39 0962 27008
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening hours:
   
  • Monday to Sunday: from 9:00 a.m. until one hour before sunset. Closing times may vary depending on the season.

• Tickets:

  • Full price: €5.00 (includes admission to both the museum and the Archaeological Park).
  • Reduced price: €2.00 (for EU citizens between 18 and 25 years old).
  • Free admission: under 18s, school groups, and other eligible categories.
  • A combined ticket is available, which also includes entry to the National Archaeological Museum of Crotone.

   

Cover photo credits: RennyDJ, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.