Area Archeologico Segesta
The Tempio di Segesta (Temple of Segesta) stands on a 304m (997-ft.) hill, on the edge of a deep ravine carved by the Pispisa River. Built in the 5th century b.c., the temple was never finished, its columns left unfluted and its roof missing. It’s been suggested that the temple was actually a ruse, begun to impress diplomats from Athens who, it was thought, would see the project as a sign of the city’s wealth and therefore ally with Segesta against Selinunte. Construction halted as soon as the delegation left town. Segesta’s other great sight is the perfectly preserved Teatro (Theater), hewn out of rock at the top of 431m (1,414 ft.) Mount Barbaro (accessible by a hike of 4km [2 1/2 miles] or by buses that run every half-hour; 1.50€). The cavea of 20 semicircular rows could seat 4,000 spectators, who enjoyed views across the surrounding farmland to the Gulf of Castellamare. Those stunning views surely competed with any performance—and still do, during summertime stagings of operas, concerts, and plays.
The Tempio di Segesta (Temple of Segesta) stands on a 304m (997-ft.) hill, on the edge of a deep ravine carved by the Pispisa River. Built in the 5th century b.c., the temple was never finished, its columns left unfluted and its roof missing. It’s been suggested that the temple was actually a ruse, begun to impress diplomats from Athens who, it was thought, would see the project as a sign of the city’s wealth and therefore ally with Segesta against Selinunte. Construction halted as soon as the delegation left town. Segesta’s other great sight is the perfectly preserved Teatro (Theater), hewn out of rock at the top of 431m (1,414 ft.) Mount Barbaro (accessible by a hike of 4km [2 1/2 miles] or by buses that run every half-hour; 1.50€). The cavea of 20 semicircular rows could seat 4,000 spectators, who enjoyed views across the surrounding farmland to the Gulf of Castellamare. Those stunning views surely competed with any performance—and still do, during summertime stagings of operas, concerts, and plays.
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