Segesta Temple, Calatafimi-Segesta, Italy

Segesta was one of the major cities of the Elymians, one of the three indigenous peoples of Sicily. The hellenization of Segesta happened very early and had a profound effect on its people.

On a hill just outside the site of the ancient city of Segesta lies an unusually well preserved Doric temple. It is thought to have been built in the 420s BC by an Athenian architect, despite the city not having a large Greek population. The temple has six by fourteen columns on a base measuring 21 by 56 meters, on a platform three steps high. Several elements suggest that the temple was never finished. The columns have not been fluted as they normally would have been in a Doric temple and there are still bosses present in the blocks of the base (used for lifting the blocks into place but then normally removed). The temple also lacks a cella, any ornamentation, altar or deity dedication, and was never roofed over. The temple escaped destruction by the Carthaginians in the late 5th century.

References:

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User Reviews

Antanina Bialiauska (5 months ago)
Do not know what to expect before we decided to go but it worth the travel, impressive structure with all facilities on site, gelato, coffee, alcohol and clean toilets. Toilets free of charge and well looked after. 250m to walk to the temple. But the theatre is the best thing to see after temple. Do not skip

Jean-Philippe Cyr (6 months ago)
This is certainly one of the most well kept preserve Greek temple in Europe. You need to park in the free public parking and walk about 250 meters to the ticket boot. You can bring your car closer and let anyone get off and return park if needed. The tickets are 8 € each, plus 2 € for the bus ride. The bus would bring you to the open theater. It’s at 1 km away, you can walk but at noon under 40C, I suggest you take the bus. For it you will need a mask ?. It runs every 30 minutes. To reach the temple you need to climb some stairs, about 250 meters away. The theater is nice, but the view around is really what is worth your time.

Charles Cassar (11 months ago)
The temple and theatre are so beautiful. Although they are stretched on distant areas from one another, it is worth going on foot to watch the views from all corners. There is also a shuttle bus for the less adventurous.

Owe Richard (11 months ago)
A great location overlooking the bay with views from cliffs, gorges, marble quarrys and olive farms. It is almost appropriate with the last decades represented with a viaduct from the motorway dividing up the scenery. If you can you should walk up to the theater at the top. The hike among flowers and with beautiful scenery is marvelous.

Dave Mariani (12 months ago)
I would say the temple itself is a five star...well worth the hike up a 300 yard hill. We loved it..it will make a good Xmas card pic . Bring a tripod to get a good picture. We were sold on the amphitheater by the ticket sales guy... He said it was the best part of park..if you have been to an amphitheater before this one is small and probably not worth the bus ride up the hill, whatever you do don't walk it..it will take forever and is a steep climb..only for those with lots of time and are in extra great shape.. pay the extra for the bus up if you must go.

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