Monthly Showcase
High up in a mountainous area towards the west of Sicily is the beautiful and frankly magical Segesta archaeological complex. Segesta was originally founded by the Elymian people, one of the native people of Sicily. They later integrated with the Greeks, making Segesta an important Classical town. It was later ruled by the Romans, but declined in importance before being finally abandoned in around the thirteenth century.
The 5th century BC Doric temple is truly magnificent as it rises out of the landscape, its golden stone reflecting and almost radiating light on a sunny day. Though never completed (it has always been roofless) it is one of the best-preserved examples of a Greek temple, and so for the ancient history or archaeology fan, it is unmissable.
Up on top of a nearby hill, Monte Barbaro, sitting at 400m above sea level is the semicircular theatre, built in 400BC. The wonderful views made stage scenery unnecessary as the surrounding countryside provided a natural backdrop to the action taking place on stage. Today, during the summer months, the theatre is used as a venue for Greek plays, concerts and other events.
Last Rounds
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