Selinunte

The ruins of Selinunte are some of the most impressive of the ancient Greek world and the site is one of the most captivating in Sicily. In its heyday (VI - V centuries), the huge city had over 100.000 inhabitants and for two centuries it was one of the richest and most powerful in the world. The spectacular remains of its many temples are proof of its influence. No visit to Selinunte is complete without a walk along the stunning stretch of beach below, from where there are marvellous views of the cliff-top temples. You will find the path down to the left of the Acropolis parking area.

Ancient historical sources are controversial as to the date of Selinunte’s foundation. According to Diodorus, the city was founded between 651 and 650 BC, while according to Thucydides its foundation dates from 629-628 BC. The first urban nucleus was established on the vast sheer plateau (about 50m above sea level) situated between the valley of the Modione river (the ancient Selinos) to the west, and the “Gorgo di Cottone” valley to the east. This was the Acropolis of which 5 Temples remain. Behind it, to the north, were the city residential quarters.

The name of Selinunte probably derived from the river which flew to the west of the city boundaries, the Selinos, or, as others have suggested, from a wild plant, a kind of celery (“selinon”), which still grows locally and whose leaves were depicted on the early coins minted at Selinunte.

The westernmost Greek outpost, closely in contact with the Carthaginian-Punic territories and with the Elymian cities of Segesta and Entella, the city extended its influence over the fertile coastal plains, from the mouth of the Platani river to the east, to the mouth of the Mazarus river to the west, as far as present-day Poggioreale (destroyed and evacuated following a violent earthquake in the 1980s) to the north, behind the Elymian city of Entella. In the late 6C BC Selinunte had to fight against the Elymian coalition of Erice, Segesta and Alicyae. This early skirmishes and territorial controversies were followed by a long period of peaceful neighbouring relations, which was accompanied by the urban and architectural development of the city that still today we can admire the ruins of the majestic temples and the Acropolis.

View Villas in Sicily - Western area >>
View Boutique hotels in Sicily - Western area >>

<< back to soloGuide to Sicily home