Diana Temple in Cefalù
The Temple of Diana is the oldest architectural work of the Rocca of Cefalù. It is believed that its construction dates back to the protohistoric age, around the 11th century BC. The oldest part of the temple is a cistern , incorporated within it. The presence of the cistern has linked the temple to the pagan cult of water. The cistern was obtained from excavations carried out in the living rock, closed on the upper part with large slabs of limestone. These slabs rest on the edges of the cistern and on an architrave which, in turn, rests on a central column made up of cylindrical stone blocks. The actual temple was subsequently built around the cistern.
It is believed that the construction of the temple took place at two different times: the structure up to the height of the lintel, where irregularly shaped stone slabs are used, should the top part, made up of larger and well-squared stones, dates back to the 5th century BC.
Archaeoastronomic investigations also revealed that the orientation of the entrance door to the temple is aligned to the west. For this reason the temple is configured as a solar temple: during the sunsets at the equinoxes, the Sun, in alignment with the entrance door, illuminates the corridor of the temple up to the megalithic cistern.
Local tradition has always identified the building as the Temple of Diana. However, the latest studies claim that the building is a sanctuary-fortress, according to some studies it could be the Palace of the first kings of Kephaloidion . Given its location, ideal for controlling anyone who could arrive from the sea, and due to the particular construction type, very similar to that adopted for the fortresses, it is believed to have played a defensive and sighting function. The ancient sacred function of the building, initially linked to the cult of water, was nevertheless never abandoned. Confirming this hypothesis is the presence of two churches that were planted inside and above, during the Byzantine domination. Of these small churches you can still admire today several remains and a suggestive apse.
