Selinunte, Castelvetrano: Visit

Where: Castelvetrano
Best for: Temple E and Temple G
Allow: 3 hours

Selinus was founded around 628 BCE by Greek colonists from Megara Hyblaea and grew rich enough to build temples on a scale rare even in Magna Graecia, until Carthage sacked it in 409 BCE and the city was never rebuilt.

The result is a ruined landscape above the Mediterranean: on the eastern hill, Temple E, dedicated to Hera, was re-erected in the 1950s and now stands against the sea wind; nearby lie the toppled giants of Temple G, among the largest in the Greek world. Across the valley the acropolis sits over the dunes, and farther west is the sanctuary of Demeter Malophoros. It is one of the largest archaeological parks in Europe, so plan a full morning.

Three things worth finding

If you see nothing else, see these.

Temple E (Temple of Hera)Greek builders, 5th century BCE
Re-erected in the 1950s, it is the best-preserved temple in the park and stands against the sea wind.Eastern hill
Temple GGreek builders, late 6th century BCE
A pile of huge toppled drums and capitals, among the largest temples of the Greek world.Eastern hill
The Acropolis
Temples and a street grid on a hill over the dunes, with Temple C standing on its prominent podium.Hill over the sea

Plan your visit

Booking: Check booking requirements
Time needed: 3 hours
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon, spring or fall; almost no shade at midday
Getting there: The park is at Marinella di Selinunte, a short drive from Castelvetrano, which has a railway station; a car is the practical way in, with parking at the entrance. On site, use the shuttle or a bike, since the eastern hill and the acropolis are far apart.

Reduced €7 for EU citizens aged 18 to 25; under-18s free, as is everyone on the first Sunday of the month. The same ticket also covers the Cave di Cusa quarries, within a few days. A paid internal shuttle links the eastern hill, the acropolis and the Malophoros sanctuary.

Start at the eastern hill with Temple E, then take the shuttle to the acropolis and Malophoros rather than walking: the distances are larger than they look and the sun does the rest.

Official website

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Good to know

How long should you spend at Selinunte?

Allow about three hours. The site is huge and spread out, so a full morning is sensible, and there are small shuttles or bikes if you do not want to walk.

Is Selinunte worth visiting?

Yes. It is one of the great Greek sites in Sicily, in an open landscape by the sea and much less crowded than Agrigento.

Can you see Selinunte and Segesta in one day?

It is possible, but tiring. Both are in western Sicily and each deserves a solid morning, so most people pick one or split them over two days.