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Sicily - Segesta and Selinunte PDF Print E-mail

Segesta and Selinunte

Discover two most important archaeological places in the province of Trapani: Segesta, near Erice, and Selinunte, near Mazara del Vallo.

Segesta
 
At the top of Mount Barbaro, between the green hills of Castellamare del Golfo, is where you can find the ruins of the ancient capital of the Elimi population, Segesta, which according to Virgilio was founded by the Trojan hero Enea. Allied with the Carthaginians, Segesta ended up being destroyed by the Siracusians. It was then rebuilt during the Roman era, but in the end was burnt to the ground by vandals. The only things remaining of this splendid city are a few well-preserved footprints, the ruins of towers with a defensive door, as well as ruins of houses. The Dorian-style temple was fortunately saved from the ran sackers and the passing of time, and despite being erected 2400 years ago, it is still intact, standing isolated and solemn on a hill overlooking the mountain. The old city occupied the top of the mountain, which is 400 meters high, and featured a beautiful theatre from the 3rd century B.C. This theatre was unusually built facing north, probably to give the visitors (and citizens) the pleasure of viewing the spectacular scenery and ocean in the distance. Every summer a seasonal theatrical group comes to perform classic dramas.

Box office for the Theatre of Segesta: tel. +39 0924 953013.
Foto: Gaetano D'Elia

Selinunte
 
Selinunte is situated on an esplanade about 30 meters above sea level, and obtained its name from Selinon, meaning wild parsley. Founded in the 7th century B.C. by the Greek colony of Megara Iblea, Selinunte soon became a great power, and flourished in commerce and art. The ruins of Selinunte are amongst the most spectacular in all of the Mediterranean. In 1823 two English archaeologists, Harris and Samuel Angell, undertook the excavations, bringing to light the metopes that adorned the temples, which are now located in the Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Palermo (Archaeological Museum in Palermo), along with other important exhibits. However, the most famous find, the “Efebo di Selinunte” is held in the Museo Comunale di Castelvetrano. the excavations have uncovered eight temples (denominated by letters of the alphabet) with colossal Dorian-style columns and a defence system. This park can be divided into four areas: the acropolis, the ancient city, the oriental temples, and the sanctuary of the Malophoros. We recommend that you start your journey from the acropolis and then make your way down to the sanctuary and the splendid temples.
Foto: Denis Calamia
 


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