A Temple on a Quiet Hill
On a grassy hill overlooking a valley of Sicilian crops, orchards and the Tyrrhenian Sea stands a majestic Greek temple and Amphitheatre. If you’re looking for a Greek Temple experience without the crazy crowds, noise, and trinket vendors of Agrigento then the Temple of Segesta is exactly what you’re looking for. It lies between Palermo and Trapani not far from the coast. The ruins of the ancient city of Segesta also lies nearby and if time permits you might want to wander there as well.
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An Ancient Temple Beautifully Intact
The Temple of Segesta is a Doric Temple thought to be built around 420 BC, by an architect from Athens. There isn’t much documented history of the temple, so some hypothesize the origins by observing the missing elements that suggest it may have never been finished. It appears the temple has never had a roof and there is no evidence of and alter or normal temple interior details. When you walk around the structure and look close, it’s remarkably complete, the structure anyway.
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears! ~ Edward Lionheart
The ticket to the archeological park includes a small shuttle to the Greek Amphitheatre at the top of the hill. It’s still in use today! While we were there they were setting up for a performance.
The Temple, Theatre and entire park was a relaxing joy. At the ticket office there were refreshments and small tables to sit at to take in the scenery. If you’re passing through the area I think it’s a fantastic stop.
The Nitty Gritty ~
Parco di Segesta – the Temple of Segesta, Amphitheatre and town ruins are all in one ticket. The ticket includes a shuttle to the theatre. It costs around 6 Euros. Parking is near the ticket office.
By car – The Parco di Segesta is on the Alcamo – Tripani Highway E933. 1 hour west of Palermo, 30 minutes east of Tripani. Parking lot is right off the main road and there is restrooms, snacks and refreshments.
By Train – The train station Segesta Tempio is right across the street from the parking lot (and shuttle). Trenitalia has the connections.
By bus – busses depart Tripani or Palermo. Getbybus has information on different lines.
Posto di Ristoro Segesta– at the path entrance has snacks and drinks.
Segesta parcheggio Area(parking lot) is near the main road and has a snack bar and drink bar.
Cafe Ena – near the parking lot is an espresso bar.
Posto di Ristoro Segesta– at the path entrance has lot has snacks and drinks.
Segesta parcheggio Area(parking lot) is near the main road and has a snack bar with drinks.
Restorante Mediterraneo Segesta is at the Segesta Tempio train station and looks good!
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