Ten kilometres south of Crotone, a single Doric column stands on a rocky promontory above the Ionian Sea. This is all that remains of the Temple of Hera Lacinia, once the most important sanctuary in Magna Graecia — a vast structure with 48 columns that served as the religious and economic centre for all the Greek colonies of southern Italy. Pythagoras is said to have delivered lectures here. The site was so sacred that even warring cities respected its neutrality.
The walk out to the cape is lovely — you follow a coastal path past the remains of the ancient city walls and through low scrub with sea views on both sides. The archaeological park around the temple is well maintained and free to enter. From the promontory itself you look down over the marine protected area, where the water is remarkably clear. The small site museum displays finds from the sanctuary including terracotta votives and architectural fragments.
Getting there on foot from Crotone takes about two hours along the coast path, or you can take a car and park near the lighthouse.