Segesta, tra storia e natura

Discovering Segesta: trekking and archaeology in the heart of Sicily. Geographical location We are in Sicily, in the municipality of Calatafimi Segesta, in the province of Trapani. The ancient city of Segesta stands on Monte Barbaro, a place of extraordinary beauty, nestled on a hill system that dominates the surrounding landscape. Its position, between green hills and wide open spaces, makes this archaeological site one of the most evocative in Sicily. Excursion Our itinerary is divided into two parts: a visit to the archaeological site of Segesta and a trek on the Pispisa and Pelato mountains, from which you can enjoy an exceptional view of the entire area. The first part of the excursion takes us to discover the main monuments of Segesta. The Temple. Built between 430 and 420 BC, it is one of the few ancient buildings that have reached us in perfect condition. Of Doric style, it faces east and has 14 columns on the long sides and 6 on the short sides, with a base of almost two meters in diameter. The lack of a cell and roof makes it unique in its kind. The Theater. Built in local limestone, it is a typical example of Greek architecture, with a cavea that could accommodate about 4,000 spectators. During the Roman era, it underwent some modifications, such as the expansion of the orchestra. In the medieval era, the area was reoccupied by a residential settlement. The Agora. This imposing space, surrounded by porticoes, was the heart of the city's public and administrative life. Here stood places of worship, honorary monuments and structures for city assemblies. The Castle. Built in the 13th century, it was the home of the medieval lord who governed the area. Today only the remains of the ground floor remain, but its strategic position on the top of Monte Barbaro makes it a point of great historical interest. The Church of San Leone. Built in 1442 as a rural chapel, it fell into ruin at the beginning of the 19th century. Its simple single-nave structure is an example of medieval religious architecture. The Mosque. Dating back to the 12th century, it is the only medieval mosque found in Sicily. Built during the Norman domination, it was destroyed after just a century, following the arrival of a Christian lord. After visiting the archaeological park, we begin the trek that will take us to the top of the Pispisa and Pelato mountains. From here, the view opens onto a unique landscape: the monuments of Segesta, the surrounding hills and the sea in the distance create an unforgettable scene. History The origins of Segesta remain uncertain, but it is known that it was already inhabited in the 9th century BC. According to legend, it was founded by Trojan refugees, who gave it the name of Aegesta. Historically, the city was inhabited by the Elimi. During the First Punic War (260 BC), Segesta allied itself with Rome, which protected it from Carthaginian attempts to reconquer it. Thanks to their common Trojan origins, the city obtained the status of a free city, exempt from taxes. Destroyed by the Vandals in the 5th century, Segesta was never rebuilt in its original size. However, a small settlement survived, and in the 12th century, during the Kingdom of Sicily, a castle was built that became the center of a medieval village. ROUTE From the entrance to the park (270 m) head along the path to Porta di Valle. Continue climbing Mount Barbaro and arrive at the Segesta Theater (400 m). Nearby are also the Calatabarbaro Castle, the Church of San Leone, the Mosque, the Agora and the house of Navarca. After visiting these sites, return to the starting point and then climb to the Temple of Segesta (308 m). Once the visit is over, leave the archaeological park and take the asphalt road towards Bruca for about 1.2 km, then turn left onto a dirt road with a sign for Agriturismo Tenute Pispisa (245 m). Go all the way up where the road is straight and then at the top turn right and go up the path to Monte Pispisa (514 m). Continue along the easy path and arrive at Monte Pelato (420 m). Now go down and take the Antica Trasversale Sicula, return to the crossroads with a sign for Agriturismo Tenute Pispisa and then to the entrance to the park. PARKING GPS COORDINATES 37.941630, 12.835902 EXCURSION DETAILS WITH GPS TRACK https://bit.ly/41G5p4d EXCURSION DATE March 2, 2025 3D VIDEO OF THE TRACK https://video.relive.cc/84444477bf94-... OUR EQUIPMENT https://www.amazon.it/shop/doveandiam... MUSIC Aurora created by TURPAK (License Artlist) Golden Hour created by TURPAK (License Artlist) Wings of Freedom created by TURPAK (License Artlist) WEBSITE http://www.doveandiamodomani.it FOLLOW US   / doveandiamodomani     / canaledoveandiamodomani   http://www.outdooractive.com/it/autor... CONTACTS COMMERCIAL Email: [email protected]