Page 104 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sicily

102  SICIL Y AREA B Y AREA

y Segesta VISITORS’ CHECKLIST

According to legend, the ancient capital of the Elymians was Practical Information
founded on the rolling green hills of the Castellammare del Road map B2. n 0924-952 356.
Golfo area by exiles from Troy. Segesta was constantly at war Open 9am–1 hr before sunset
daily. & F Classical theatre
with Selinunte and was frequently attacked. Yet the majestic (Jul & Aug).
Doric temple has miraculously survived sacking and the Transport
ravages of time, and stands in splendid and solemn isolation @ 32 km (20 miles) from
on the hill facing Monte Barbaro. The city of Segesta was Trapani. V Trapani–Palermo
built above the temple on the top of the mountain. Here (coach to theatre).
lie the ruins of some buildings and the well-preserved
3rd-century BC theatre, where ancient Greek plays are
performed every other summer.

The Temple
Built in the 5th
century BC, the
temple is still well
preserved; 36 Doric
columns support
the pediments
and entablatures.
0 metres 350
Panorama
0 yards 350 Ancient Segesta and the beautiful
setting create an atmospheric scene.
Ruins of the city
Monte Barbaro
(431 m/1,414 ft)

Interior of the Temple The Theatre
The lack of architectural elements in the Segesta’s theatre is a semicircle with a diameter of
interior has led scholars to believe that the 63 m (207 ft) hewn out of the top of Monte Barbaro.
construction was interrupted by the war A curious feature is that the stage area faces north,
with Selinunte. probably to allow a view of the hills and sea.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp202–3 and pp211–13

102-103_EW_Sicily.indd 102 11/3/16 2:09 PM
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.6)
Date 12th July 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm