This is one of the city's most ancient temples.
Stratigraphic studies certify the cult's existence since the sixth
century B.C.. The current arrangement dates to the Samnite
period, though it was restored numerous times in the imperial Roman
period.
The sanctuary was surrounded on three sides by a
portico with Ionic columns
made of tufa, which were stuccoed and transformed into Corinthian
columns after the earthquake of 62 A.D.. The temple, which is of Italic
type, is raised on a high podium. The cell decorated with a mosaic of
perspective cubes (scutulatum),
contained the statue of the god and a stone omphalos;
symbol of the world's navel and venerated in the sanctuary of Apollo at
Delphi. In front of the temple
is an altar of the republican period and a column with a sun-dial.
Placed in front of the portico are the bronze statues of Apollo
the archer and his sister Artemis.
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