Things to see in Gela – Between ancient Greece and nature

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Last Updated on 10 February 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction

Gela is more of an industrial center than a tourist center. Here, in fact, a petrochemical pole overlooking the sea was built which remained active until 2014 to be converted into a bio refinery today. In any case, the construction works that began in the 1960s had a devastating impact on the environment and landscape. The refinery took the place of sand dunes and forests, and the city expanded rapidly, haphazardly, and without rules.

What to see in Gela

In spite of everything in Gela there are 3 nice respectable places to see, let’s find out which ones.

Tip from Topsecretsicily: If you wish, you can book a tour to discover a local winery. A walk through the vineyards, visit inside the winery and tasting of 2 different wines with Sicilian appetizer is planned.

Archaeological Museum and Acropolis

This is the third largest archaeological museum in Sicily, here you will find more than 5,000 artifacts found in the territory of Gela, ranging from Greek times to the medieval age. Near the museum there are also the ruins of an ancient Greek acropolis.

What to see in Gela - Archaeological Museum of Gela — Davide Mauro , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Acropolis of Gela — Greek acropolis near the museum – Davide Mauro , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Excavations of Capo Soprano

Here you will find the Timoleontee walls, impressive Greek stone fortifications, up to 8 meters high and very well preserved . These are the walls that protected the ancient Greek city of Gela and around them ancient residences have also been unearthed.

These walls were built with blocks consisting of sun-baked clay and have been preserved very well over time, thanks to the sand dunes once present here, which covered and protected them from the elements. A truly wonderful place, unique in the world, within a beautiful park just a stone’s throw from the beach and the sea.

Panorama from the excavations of Capro Soprano, Gela — Panorama from the excavations of Capro Soprano

Excavations of Capro Soprano, Gela — Mjrko Gelous , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Biviere di Gela nature reserve

The nature reserve was established in 1997, is managed by LIPU and is located around Lake Biviere, the largest coastal lake in Sicily. Think that this was once a marshy area that was later around 1600 partly “reclaimed” by creating a freshwater lake through a culvert to the Dirillo River. Today this area is a hotspot for migratory birds that you can admire along the trails and observation points. An ideal place for lovers of nature, animals and walks.

Where to eat in Gela

If you want to eat typical products in the area you can go to Colle degli ulivi, a restaurant located in the countryside, on a small hill surrounded by olive trees.