In an isolated place among the hills that are sometimes barren and sometimes wooded is Segesta , whose origins date back to the ancient people of the Elymians, who also founded the picturesque Erice . It is another splendid place in Sicily where you can admire the Greek temples, along with Selinunte and to Valley of the Temples .
Segesta was in fact conquered by the Greeks and became the bitter rival of Selinunte, so much so that it was then destroyed with the help of the Carthaginians . The city founded by the Elymians, however, did not have a better fate, in fact it was also destroyed by the Syracusan Agatocle and then reborn during the Roman colonization and finally set in the Middle Ages.
Let’s find out now what is possible today to admire in this magnificent archaeological park.
1. The main attractions: The temple and the theater
The main attractions of Segesta are certainly the temple and the theater, which have been very well preserved .
The temple has a considerable size of 61.15×26.25, dates back to the 5th century BC and is shrouded in mystery . In fact, there are no traces of the roof and the cell (the internal structure where the statue of the god to be venerated was kept). There are two prevailing theories. The first states that the temple is in fact incomplete, probably due to the conflict with Selinunte. The second theory, perhaps more fascinating, has it that the builders were not the Greeks, but even the Hellenized Elymians.
The theater was built around the third century. BC . and is located on the top of the mountain at about 400 meters high. Normally the Greek temples face south, but not this one, which faces north, probably to honor the view of the mountains and the sea. Here too, as in the Greek theater of Syracuse, classical theatrical performances are organized in the summer .
2. The remains of the ancient city and the medieval area and the mosque
In Segesta you will also find other monuments and archaeological finds , which although less striking than the temple and the theater, are nevertheless fascinating and rich in history. Not far from the parking lot, for example, is the ancient gateway to the city, with part of the ancient walls. Not far from the theater you will find the foundations of the ancient Agora of Segesta, a mosque dating back to the period of Arab colonization and the ruins of Norman buildings, including a castle.
Where to park in Segesta
You have the choice between a private parking or a free one.
The first one costs about 5 Euro (If you meet an employee at the exit for Segesta who points you to the parking lot, know that this is it). From here every 30 minutes a shuttle leaves to take you to the archaeological park. The car is obviously guarded, there are bathrooms and a bar. The second is free (unattended and without services) and from there you can walk to the park.
Where to eat in Segesta
Rustic pizza restaurant
About 15 minutes by car from Segesta is the Cacio e Cavalli restaurant / pizzeria . An old rustic refurbished, surrounded by nature with a beautiful view of the surrounding hills. 20 minutes from Segesta, on the other hand, is the Rustic restaurant / pizzeria, also an old restored farmhouse, really very beautiful even if not as panoramic as the first.
Restaurant Pizzeria Cacio e Cavalli
Interactive map of Segesta – Points of interest in purple
What to see around Segesta
Segesta is located in the province of Trapani. Here you will find listed the places to visit in Trapani and surroundings .
Typical dishes of the area
Here you can find some tips on what to eat in Trapani and surroundings , here instead you find the typical Sicilian dishes.