Temple of Apollo (C)

Temple C stands on the Acropolis at Selinunte Archaeological Park, near Marinella on Sicily’s southwest coast. Its surviving columns make it one of the most complete temples in the Acropolis area, and its position looks out towards the coast. The site also gives you room to consider how people lived here more than 2,000 years ago. The archaeological park covers a large area, so small shuttle vehicles can help you move between temples, especially in hot weather.

Temple C on the Acropolis

Temple C is one of the oldest temples on Selinunte’s Acropolis. It was built around the middle of the sixth century BC, after the earlier temples P and R. The main sanctuary later became Temple C, with a large altar; Temples D, A and O were added afterwards.

The temple is distinguished by a row of large columns that still stand. Its position on the Acropolis faces the coast, among the remains of other temples and ancient buildings. Temple D is associated with Athena. The dedication of Temple C is not certain in the available accounts, so its name is best treated as the familiar label for the site.

A changing sacred site

Selinunte’s religious spaces changed over time. From the fourth century BC, Punic dwellings occupied sacred areas, and a Carthaginian sanctuary was established in the pronaos of Temple A. These later uses form part of the wider story of the Acropolis, where the surviving Greek temples are only one layer of the site’s history.

Temple C’s sculpted metopes, which depict mythological scenes, are now housed in Palermo’s archaeological museum. At the park, the museum is also a useful stop for explanations and artifacts connected with the temples. The archaeological area is extensive, and shuttle vehicles provide an alternative to walking between its monuments.