Segesta Information

The ancient Elymians credited for Segesta were considered one of Sicily's indigenous peoples and also founded Erice and Entella. They are renowned for their choice of sites. In this case Segesta lies rather spectacularly on a hilltop at a height of 305m and overlooks the valley towards Castellamare del Golfo. The steep slopes of the valley gave the city protection for a long time, although Segesta actually had a rather turbulent history.

It clashed with Selinus (Selinunte) first and then was destroyed by Carthage, besieged by Siracusa, destroyed by Agathocles, forced to surrender to the Romans, destroyed by the Vandals and finally abandoned in the 13th Century. So it amazing anything has survived at all. The Doric temple here, just outside the perimeter, is probably the most noted sight and rather well preserved. There is also a superb Greek theatre inside the city limits.

There is a small cost to visit the site.

Archaeologists believe that the Doric temple at Segesta was actually never finished. When you're here, see if you can work it out for yourself. Here are some clues: the columns were not fluted, there are still tabs at the blocks of the base for lifting them into place and it was never roofed over.

Segesta is an archaeological site and therefore there is no accommodation available. As most people tend to visit from either Trapani or Palermo you're best to choose from the array of accommodation there.

Calatafimi is the nearest town for food and other services, otherwise try Alcamo or Salemi that are also inland or head back to Castellamare del Golfo on the coast.