Located in the heart of the city of Taranto, the Temple of Poseidon is an important archaeological site dating back to the era of Greek colonization. The temple, built around the 6th century BC, is dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea. Currently, only two Doric columns survive, providing a valuable testimony of the ancient architecture of Magna Graecia.
The original building must have been imposing, with a considerable number of columns surrounding the naos (or cella), the main interior space of the temple.
Doric columns are a distinctive example of classical Greek architecture, recognizable for their simple and sturdy design. They feature fluted shafts without a base, topped by a circular capital with a flattened echinus surmounted by a square abacus.
