Segesta Greek Theatre, Calatafimi-Segesta, Italy

Built in the 3rd century BCE in the Hellenistic period but under Roman domination, the Segesta Greek Theatre comprises a perfect, vast semicircle 63 metres in diameter situated on a rocky slope: the steps face towards the hills behind which, to the right, the gulf of Castellammare can be discerned. Every year, in summer, the theatre comes to life and fills with spectators ready to enjoy, in a timeless moment, the tragedies and plays which fascinated ancient peoples.

References:

casedelgolfo.it

User Reviews

Uldis Pētersons (2 months ago)
Beautiful place! And coliseum ❤️

Lauri Lankots (2 months ago)
Beautiful landscape and amazing piece of history!

Angelica Famila (3 months ago)
The Segesta theatre, nestling in the side of Mt. Barbaro, today commands a spectacular view of the Gulf of Castellamare. First built in the late 4th to early 3rd century BCE, the theatre as it is seen today dates to the 2nd century BCE. Originally it had 29 rows of seats (the lower 21 survive) divided vertically into seven sections (kerkides) by access steps. The capacity would, therefore, have been around 4,000 spectators. The theatre is supported by a containing wall (analemmata) constructed of limestone blocks. The orchestra, scene building (once decorated with scenes connected to the pastoral god Pan), and entrances (paradoi) on either side have been lost. The theatre continues to host theatre events and Greek dramas throughout the summer months.

Ksenia Markainesk (6 months ago)
Wonderfull place to visit. Views are breathtaking, you might wanna plan a bit of more time to stay up there. There is a bus at a reasonable price to get you there or you can hike, what is super nice.

Max Iljin (7 months ago)
Amazing place by itself. Still I cannot understand why signs, railings are not being repaired or renewed.... Italy...

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright CucombreLibre

Historic Site of the week

Gruyères Castle

The Castle of Gruyères is one of the most famous in Switzerland. It was built between 1270 and 1282, following the typical square plan of the fortifications in Savoy. It was the property of the Counts of Gruyères until the bankruptcy of the Count Michel in 1554. His creditors the cantons of Fribourg and Bern shared his earldom. From 1555 to 1798 the castle became residence to the bailiffs and then to the prefects sent by Fribourg.

In 1849 the castle was sold to the Bovy and Balland families, who used the castle as their summer residency and restored it. The castle was then bought back by the canton of Fribourg in 1938, made into a museum and opened to the public. Since 1993, a foundation ensures the conservation as well as the highlighting of the building and the art collection.

The castle is the home of three capes of the Order of the Golden Fleece. They were part of the war booty captured by the Swiss Confederates (which included troops from Gruyères) at the Battle of Morat against Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy in 1476. As Charles the Bold was celebrating the anniversary of his father's death, one of the capes is a black velvet sacerdotal vestment with Philip the Good's emblem sewn into it.

A collection of landscapes by 19th century artists Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Barthélemy Menn and others are on display in the castle.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

Segesta Greek Theatre

Address

Details

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Landmarks of Sicily

Rhodes, The Island of Knights

Great Spa Towns of Europe

Historic Site of the week

Gruyères Castle

Looks like you are a history fan!