Santoni of Palazzolo Acreide
The archaeological site of the Santoni di Palazzolo Acreide is a rock sanctuary located near the ancient Akrai, which houses a complex of figures relating to the cult of Cybele, the Magna Mater, great mother of the gods.
The site, despite the deplorable state of conservation, is unique in the world for the size and completeness of the representations. The site has been dated to the 4th and 3rd centuries. BC ..
The large complex of rock sculptures located along the southern side of the Orbo hill takes place on a rocky ridge overlooking a path at the ends of which two semicircular esplanades open up. In the two esplanades and along the path, circular stones are visible, probably the bases of altars.
The site hosts twelve large reliefs on a front of about 30 meters, of which ten reproduce the same female figure while two contain more complex scenes, with a plurality of characters that distinguish them.
The sculptures are enclosed in twelve large niches carved into the rock, eleven placed on the same level and one placed on a lower level. Further smaller niches, devoid of images, complete the structure which has a regular architectural layout whose unitary character has made it possible to identify the place as a sanctuary. The discovery of oil lamps, jars and small paterae also made it possible to identify the site as a place of worship.
Ten of the niches reproduce the image of the goddess seated on a throne from the front surrounded by other figures. In only one of the reliefs the goddess is depicted standing, life-size.
The identification of the goddess depicted in the niches with Cybele is derived from a comparison with the iconography with which she was represented in the Greek world and, in particular, in Athens. The goddess is depicted with the pleated chiton and the himaton falling from the left shoulder and gathered on her knees. The hair is styled in the so-called "melon" shape with two long curls that fall over the shoulders and the modio is placed on the head. At its sides, below, there are two lions in heraldic position.
Among the minor figures depicted next to the goddess Cybele, in at least five niches, Hermes, Attis, Hecate, the Dioscuri, the Gauls and the Coribanti have been identified.
The main figure represented within the twelfth niche, the one placed in the lowest level, has not been identified. It was excluded that it is Cybele because of the shape of the dress, a short tunic that leaves the knees uncovered that is not reflected in the iconography of the goddess.
In the reliefs, three iconographic schemes have been identified which are found in monuments of the Hellenistic and Roman age.
The first iconographic scheme sees Cybele flanked by the Gauls, priests of the Goddess and the Coribanti, her mythical companions. These characters are depicted in five reliefs as two small figures appearing to the right and left of Cybele's head. They wear a tunic, often a cloak, a Phrygian cap and carry, as attributes, a tympanum in the left and a rod in the right.
The second iconographic scheme sees the association of three characters divine: Cybele, Hermes and Attis. This pattern is recognizable in the second relief, the largest of the whole complex: Cybele is depicted in an unusual position, standing with her arms outstretched and her hands resting, in a protective gesture, on the head of Hermes on the right and Attis on the left. The first is recognizable by the caduceus, the second by the pedum pastorale and by the typical crossed position of the legs.
The third iconographic scheme sees the association of a further divine triad: Cybele, Hermes and Hecate. This pattern is always found in the second relief: to the right of Attis a female character is depicted, of which only the outlines and parts of a draped tunic are recognizable with certainty. The forward movement of the right foot and the presence in the left hand of an object resembling a long torch led to the identification of the character with Hecate dadofora.
In the second relief there is also another noteworthy element: two characters walking on two large horses in which the Dioscuri have been recognized. Also of this last iconographic scheme, which associates the Dioscuri with the great goddess of mysteries, there is evidence in epigraphic and monumental sources.
The rock sanctuary of Akrai therefore offers richness and complexity of his representations, a sort of synthesis of all the iconographies and theological doctrines connected to the cult of the goddess Cybele.
The uniqueness of the acrense monument lies precisely in this contemporary presence, around the goddess, of characters that multiple literary, epigraphic and monumental sources indicate to be connected to it, but according to distinct formulas and, in no other known case, in a single composition.
To see the Santoni complex it is necessary to contact one of the custodians of the archaeological area that will also guide you in the visit.
