In the origins, a furnace bridge which
remained was here high by Sicules in
the VIIIth century b-JC.
In the Vth b-JC, it was transformed into a temple dedicated to Athena in the honor of the goddess
after the victory of Himeria against
carthage (480
b-JC).
This famous temple in all mediteranean sea had raised doors of gold and
ivory, frescos illustrating the engagements against Carthage, and it
was surmounted by a gold statue of Athena.
In the VIIth century, the temple is found covered with a Christian building. Walls are
assembled between the external columns, eight arcades are assembled in
the cella of the temple, giving on the two side aisles thus obtained.
The doric columns are still visible, as well outside as inside. The
church was altered by the Norman ones,
and a part of the frontage rebuilt to the XVIIIth after the earthquake
of 1693.
