 the temple of Segesta | ||
| Segesta | ||
| region | Trapani (TP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | unknown | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
| ||
Segesta is an archaeological site in the Trapani Province.
background
On the hills in front of Monte Barbaro lie the ruins of the city of Segesta, founded by the Elymians. The city was probably in the 5th century. destroyed by the vandals and never repopulated.
The most important attraction of Segesta is the almost completely preserved Doric temple. On the hill Mte. Barbaro in the west are the ruins of the acropolis of the ancient city with fortresses, palaces and a Greek theater with a magnificent view to the north to the sea.
history
The Elymers, a tribe already settled in western Sicily before the Greek colonization, had founded three larger cities, Segesta, Eryx (Erice) and Entella. Over time, the Elymers adapted to the Greek lifestyle and adopted Greek culture.
The time of the founding of Segesta is not known, in any case it is known that Segesta was founded in the years 580 - 576 BC. Was in conflict with Selinunt. The enmity with Selinunte lasted over the centuries.
After yourself Selinunte With Syracuse had allied, Segesta established an aid agreement with Athens and called his allies for support in the armed conflict Selinunte, which led to the decision for the so-called Sicilian expedition of the Athenians in the years 415-413 BC. contributed, with Segesta ultimately renouncing a request for help to the Athenians out of respect for Syracuse. Segesta later sent a request for help to Carthage, which led to a Carthaginian campaign against Selinunte.
Segesta remained allied with Carthage, which brought Syracuse to the scene: Segesta was besieged under Dionysius I and Agathocles of Syracuse and finally in 307 BC. destroyed, but rebuilt later.
In the Punic War, Segesta then changed sides and submitted to the Romans in 260 BC. Little is known about the further history of Segesta, the city was founded in the 5th century. destroyed by the vandals.
getting there
By plane
Segesta can be reached via the airports of Palermo "Falcone - Borsellino" or Trapani - Birgi, the latter is mainly served by Italian companies.
By bus
In the street
Of Palermo from becomes Segesta on the toll-free motorway 
A29 reached Palermo - Trapani at the junction west of Alcamo take the feeder towards Trapani 
A29dir, the motorway exit from Segesta is immediately after a long tunnel.
Coming from Marsala / Trapani one also uses the AS 29bis, but in the opposite direction, from the south of Mazara del Vallo or Agrigento take the A29 northwards and turns west onto the A29dir a.
You then have to park in the parking lot about 1.5 km away and then pay 5 euros for parking and the shuttle bus to the entrance.
mobility
In the area of the archaeological site you can move around on foot, the path from the parking lot to the free-standing temple is gravel and takes 2 - 3 minutes
To visit the Acropolis with the palace and fortifications and the theater on the Mte. Barbaro, a smelly diesel shuttle bus is available (1.50 €), or you can take the footpath to the left below the asphalt road. On this you can get up to the Acropolis in approx. 20 minutes along the gate and fortifications, and the most stubborn can of course "hike" on the asphalt road.
In the summer heat the path can be quite arduous, a sun hat and a sufficient supply of drinks are essential, there is nothing to buy in the area of the Acropolis.
Tourist Attractions
.jpg/220px-Segesta,_Teatro_greco_(2).jpg)
- the Doric1 temple, the construction of which took place between 430 and 420 BC. is dated is almost completely preserved. It seems that it has not been completely finished, the columns have been erected but not (yet) fluted, traces of a cella or a roof are missing. One hypothesis is that the temple was used for open-air ceremonies, more likely it was never completed and consecrated because of the fighting in connection with the Sicilian expedition.
The temple is surrounded by barriers so that the interior can no longer be entered by visitors.
- the acropolis on the Monte Barbaro
- with agora and residential buildings
- with the greek2 theatre, built around 300 - 200 BC BC, rebuilt by the Romans and expanded around 100 BC, the view in the direction is fantastic Castellammare dell Golfo
- with buildings from the Middle Ages (fortifications from Norman times and tests of a church)
activities
In the summer months the Greek theater is used for open-air performances.
Shopping / kitchen
The souvenir shop near the parking lot sells only a few drinks and a café.
