THE AREA SACRED TO DEMETRA AT PARAPEZZA

From the pathway that leads from the Museum to the Sanctuary of Marasą, in the stretch after that which skirts the eastern side of the angular tower, it is possible to see the southern sector of the area sacred to Demetra, which is characterised by the presence of a sacred enclosure  built near the walls, from which it is distinct thanks to a structure composed of a line of blocks of sandstone realised in the archaic period as a boundary to the temenos, the sacred area for the entire sanctuary. Worthy of note, at the hill side extremity of the enclosure is a structure composed of tiles from which tubes emerge, which has been interpreted as an altar for libation rites,
In correspondence to the first sharp bend in the pathway, it is possible to discern, on the ground to the right, the curvilinear profile of a circular deposit filled with votive ceramics.
Just before this, an opening in the fence enables one to stand in front of eastern front of the main dig centre, which extends as far as the northern limit, occupied by the remains of a porticoed long rectangular building where the faithful found shelter.
Proceeding along the main pathway, one encounters the remains of the altar which has been removed using sophisticated removal techniques so that it can be exhibited in the museum, after having replaced the material found in it in its original position.
There follows the rectangular structure of the sacellum, place of worship accessible from the side which gives onto the altar. Recognisable along the walls, both internally and externally, are the benches used for depositing votive offerings.
In front of the side opposite that of the entrance, at a higher level, part of the pebble stone pavement is visible – this has been interpreted as the arrangement  of a space destined for sacrifices. Two circular blocks of stones are visible, one of which covers a sacred well.