Imagine traveling through history to the Greek times and seeing an ancient civilization and then being able to visit a beautiful beach. The Selinunte Archaeological Park overlooks a beautiful sandy bay which is just a few kilometres away. It is an ancient archaeological site situated on the Southern coast of Sicily. It is considered to be the largest Archeological Park in the Mediterranean and in fact in the whole of Europe. It has the ruins of ancient temples around an old city or Acropolis. One can not only be in awe when we behold ancient engineering skills but also become thoughtful as we muse over the transient nature of civilizations.

How to get there

In Sicily Selinunte has been an important Greek colony. The Selinunte Archaeological Park is situated in Castelvetrano. Castelvetrano is a part of the province of Trapani. Trapani is connected by air and rail to all the major cities in Europe. From Trapani you can take a bus, train or drive to Castelvetrano.

Selinunte has navigable roads. The terrain is both flat and rolling. Hence cycling is a popular and fun way for people to explore the Park.

History

Selinunte has a hoary past. It traces its history to seventh century BC when it first became a colony settled by immigrants from Syracuse. Its power and prestige attracted many hostile takeovers and disputes and finally the town was destroyed by the fourth century BC by the Carthagians. However the ancient temples though in ruins speak of the glory of Selinunte in a bye gone era.

It was mainly under the Greeks and Carthagians although there have been other influences. It has passed through the hands of many civilizations and has even suffered major earthquakes. It is a testimony mainly of Greek architecture and as recent archaeological surveys continue there are new bits of history unfolding. In the sixteenth century the ruins of the ancient city were fortunately rediscovered. In 1981 Selinunte was given the status of an Archaeological Park spanning an area of two hundred and seventy hectares.

Selinunte takes its name from the River Selinos which is now called River Modione. Selinon is a celery plant growing all over the region. Till date celery grows wild all over the region Thus one can conclude that Selinos could be named thus as a compliment to the celery plants in the region.

Places to visit

There are seven ancient temples in the Selinunte Archaeological Park. They have been named using the letters of the English Alphabet. Although the temples are in ruins there are still a lot of columns standing amidst the ruins. Part of the city is still underground and archaeological excavations continue.

On the Eastern side Temple G is of massive proportions as per the ruins uncovered. It is believed to be dedicated to the God Apollo. Temple E has been recently restored. It is said that the E and F Temples built in Doric style are dedicated to the Gods Hera and Athena and Dionysus. The Archeological Museum in Palermo has four striking mesotopes which were used to adorn the temple.

On the Western side the ruins are considered to be those of the sanctuary of Melophoros. There are many smaller temples here. Temple C is located on the highest point. It is decorated with floral patterns and has fourteen columns which were re erected after they fell down in a major earthquake in the region. Constructed in the period between five hundred and sixty and five hundred and fifty years BC, this temple originally had forty two columns with six columns in front and seventeen columns on each flank. The blocks of each column were monolithic and cylindrical without entasis. It faced the east and was most probably dedicated to Apollo, the God of health and Oracles. The ruins of Temple B are called ‘the little mesotopes” and are nearby. Temple A is considered to be the Castor and Pollux temple. It has a mosaic with the symbol of Tanit, depicting the Carthagian goddess of light and fertility.

The necropolis, where cremations took place, is situated on the north western corner. The poor were buried simply while the nobles were buried or cremated and their ashes were placed in ornate urns or as sarcophagus. There were also amulets, tools, spoons, knives, cups, wine glasses and oil lamps buried alongside to bring good fortune and ease in their next lives.

Temple D is also in Doric style. Till date you can also see ruins of the walls of the acropolis, a few circular towers and a square. They emerge out of the landscape with pure lines and sheer ancient beauty which is unsurpassable.

The temples were constructed using materials sourced from the nearby Cave di Cure which are stone quarries.

The Acropolis of Selinunte

The acropolis or the city around which the temples were built lies on a low terrace. It is about fifty metres above sea level. It lies between two rivers the River Selinos (Modione) and Hypsas (Cottone). The city was originally enclosed by huge fortified walls. The Punic Quarter was on the south eastern side. Here you can find elaborate mosaics depicting religious Punic Symbols. The Carthagian houses had only two or three rooms and were more modest dwellings.

The Selinunte Archeological Park is a cultural heritage in Sicily. It is a combination of history and nature as the beach is very beautiful and pristine. When visiting Sicily it is a must to add the Selinunte Archeological Park to a holiday trip. By itself Selinunte Archeological Park is worth a trip.