Page 162 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sicily

160  SICIL Y AREA B Y AREA

y Megara Hyblaea
Road map F4. V Augusta station.
n 0931-512 364. Open 9am–6pm
daily (to 3pm in winter). &
One of the first Greek colonies
in Sicily was founded in 728 BC
here at Megara. According
to legend, the founders were
the followers of Daedalus,
who had escaped from Crete.
Unfortunately, today the site is
surrounded by the oil refineries
of Augusta and in such a
squalid environment it is
difficult to visit the ruins of the
ancient city and gain any sense
of atmosphere. The Megara
The Cathedral of Lentini, dedicated to Sant’Alfio, in Piazza Duomo colonists who founded Megara
Hyblaea were soon at war with
t Lentini Romans, the city went into Syracuse and Leontinoi, and a
a period of decline. In the century later founded the city
Road map E4. * 23,700. V from
Catania, Syracuse & Messina (095-532 Middle Ages it became an of Selinunte, in western Sicily
719). n APT Siracusa (0931-481 200 important agri cultural centre. (see pp108–9). You should be
or 464 255); Pro Loco Lentini, Piazza The local museum has finds able to see the ruins
Umberto 2 (095-901 433). Museo from the ancient city, of the Helle nistic
Archeologico: Via Museo 1 Tel 095- especially from the walls, the Agora
783 29 62. Closed for restoration; call Siculan and Greek quarter, and
ahead for up-to-date information. epochs. The digs at the remains
Digs at Leontinoi: Open 9am–1 hr ancient Leontinoi, at of some
before sunset, daily. _ “Scesa e Cruci” the edge of town in temples,
(Good Friday); Festival of orange trees the Colle Castellaccio baths and
in bloom (1st week of May). area, can be reached colonnades.
via the ancient Porta Find from Megara Hyblaea, now in These
An ancient Siculan city originally Siracusana city gate. the Museo Archeologico in Syracuse excavations
named Xuthia, Lentini was The various walls were led by
conquered by the Chalcidians testify to the city’s battle- the eminent archaeologist
in 729 BC and fought against worn history, and there are a Paolo Orsi and the École
neighbouring Syracuse with the number of ancient burial Française of Rome. Infor mation
support of Athens. Defeated grounds inside the display boards will help you to
and then occupied by the archaeological precinct. get orientated.

Ruined foundations in the ancient Greek colony of Megara Hyblaea, founded in the 8th century BC
For hotels and restaurants in this region see p204 and pp214–16

160-161_EW_Sicily.indd 160 11/3/16 2:10 PM
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.6)
Date 12th July 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm