Additional info & coordinates:
Hello
First, let me reiterate that I have NO positive knowledge that this ruin is in fact related to Daedalus. That is just a legend that was told to me by a non-expert civilian in the town. Though she seemed to know the legends well, there was no way to assess its validity so calling it the "alleged Temple of Daedalus" would be more prudent at the outset. I want to make clear that its correct name is not known to me.
Here's all the info:
I have pinpointed the places in my Caltabellotta photos using normal Google Maps - Satellite View (NOT Google Earth). The coordinates below are very accurate in Google Maps, but I don't know how accurate or repeatable Google Maps' data or display is. These coordinates place the green center arrow's point in the center of the named structure (on my computer) at full magnification.
The "alleged Temple of Daedalus" on Google Maps can be arrived at by typing 37.5769 N, 13.2075 E into the search box. This puts the center arrow right in the center of the temple at full magnification.
More legend: I forgot to mention in my post that the woman who told the story also said that there were baths involved in the Daedalus legend, and one can see two circular structures at the site one of which is visible in my wide photo, and both visible in the Google Maps satellite photo. Could these be the baths where King Minos was slain by Daedalus' daughters under the influence of Cronus?
Now the altars. The first altar with the later-added wall on the cliff edge is at 37.57995 N, 13.2191 E just beside the ruins of one of the Norman fortresses. A really cool winding staircase carved into the solid rock leads up to it. There is also a stone plaque dated 1906 in honor of a Mr. G.C.S. (C.C.S.?) Southworth of Deer Isle "who first appreciated the international ideals of this [section?]" on the rock opposite this altar. I Googled him up but didn't find anything that enlightened.
The second (and most fascinating) altar with the little curved staircase leading up to it, the curved bench and the handrail on the cliff edge is at 37.57882 N, 13.21975 E . This altar is one of the best megalithic items I have ever seen.
The third altar with the side by side asymmetrical sets of steps up to a wide common platform is at 37.57866 N, 13.22018 E , also perched on the sheer cliff edge.
More legend: the local woman also said many people believe that there is a semicircular amphitheater still buried at 37.5778 N, 13.2115 E which is a short walk east from the "Daedalus" site. I walked through this hillside field and it does look fairly uniformly conical and of the correct topology to have possibly been an amphitheater.
This is only the main Greek era stuff. Caltabellotta is packed with fascinating ancient stuff, weird legend, and a fascinating hint of diabolism in the town's history.
Enjoy all that
Ivan
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