Segesta
Duration 4 hours approxStarting From 120 € per person
Segesta: A Journey into the History of the Elymians
Segesta was one of the main cities of the Elymians, a people of peninsular origin who, according to ancient tradition, came from Troy. Strongly Hellenized in both appearance and culture, Segesta became one of the most important centers in Sicily and the Mediterranean. Its long-standing hostility with Selinunte even involved Athens and Carthage. After Selinunte’s destruction by the Carthaginians in 408 BC, Segesta experienced a period of fluctuating fortunes until it was conquered and destroyed by Agathocles of Syracuse in 307 BC, who renamed it Diceopolis, the “City of Justice.” Later, after reclaiming its original name, the city came under Roman control during the First Punic War. Recognizing their shared Trojan heritage, the Romans exempted Segesta from taxes, granted it a vast territory, and encouraged a new phase of prosperity. Segesta was completely redesigned based on the model of the great cities of Asia Minor, acquiring a spectacularly scenic appearance.
For a long time, it was believed that Segesta was abandoned after the Vandal invasions. However, recent excavations have revealed a late antique phase, a Muslim-era village, and later a Norman-Swabian settlement, dominated by a castle atop Monte Barbaro. Famous for its two main monuments, the Doric temple and the theater, Segesta is now experiencing a new era of discoveries thanks to scientific excavations that aim to restore a comprehensive image of the city.
Excursion Details:
- Duration: About 4 hours.
- Price: Includes up to 3 participants. Additional participants, see booking form prices.
- Notes: Meals, entrance tickets, and guides are not included.
- Booking: Book directly using the form by selecting date, time, and participants.
Useful Links
For info or custom services
Contact Us
