Segesta is located in the picturesque north-western part of Sicily, perched atop Mount Barbaro, just a stone’s throw from the scenic coastal towns of Alcamo and Castellammare del Golfo.
This ancient city, founded by the Elymians—a people believed by Thucydides to be Trojans fleeing the destruction of their city—boasts ruins that whisper tales of antiquity. Virgil also recounts the story of Aeneas founding Segesta as a place of respite for his weary travelers, highlighting its deep roots in myth and history.
In 2013, Segesta was officially declared an archaeological park, encompassing a wealth of historical sites. Since the 1990s, the area has seen significant revaluation due to continuous archaeological discoveries. The park features the magnificent Doric Temple, the Ancient Theatre, the agora, the navarch’s house, and a medieval section that includes ancient walls, two Norman churches, a castle adjacent to the theatre, a medieval quarter, and even a mosque.
The Ancient Theatre
The theatre of Segesta, constructed in the late 3rd century BC on Mount Barbaro’s highest peak, is a marvel of Greek architecture. Crafted from local limestone, it offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and the distant sea.
Today, this theatre serves as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting an array of performances from classical plays and ancient dramas to dance and musical performances each summer. It’s a place where the past and the present seamlessly blend, offering spectators a unique experience of living history.
The Ancient Theatre
The theatre of Segesta, constructed in the late 3rd century BC on Mount Barbaro’s highest peak, is a marvel of Greek architecture. Crafted from local limestone, it offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and the distant sea.
Today, this theatre serves as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting an array of performances from classical plays and ancient dramas to dance and musical performances each summer. It’s a place where the past and the present seamlessly blend, offering spectators a unique experience of living history.
Rivalry with Selinunte
Segesta’s narrative is also deeply entwined with its longstanding rivalry with nearby Selinunte, leading to several fierce battles. Their most notable conflict ended in 409 BC when the Carthaginians, called upon by the Segestians, decisively defeated Selinunte. This historic rivalry continued through the Punic Wars, with Segesta siding with Rome against Carthaginian attempts at reconquest. Sadly, the city was eventually destroyed in the 5th century by the Vandals, and it never regained its former stature. Yet, the layers of history that characterize Segesta offer a unique glimpse into the tumultuous past of this region, making it a priceless cultural heritage site recognized globally.
Visit Segesta and immerse yourself in its rich cultural tapestry
Start your journey from the comfortable base of Giardini MonPlaisir, and let the stories and landscapes of Sicily transport you to another time.
