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If you have done the things to do in Italy, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Selinunte.
Let the winds of history guide you through the breathtaking ruins of Selinunte, where time stands still and the echoes of the past whisper tales of ancient civilizations.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Selinunte:
1. Acropolis of Selinunte
Ancient Greek archaeological site located in Sicily, Italy.
What to see or do: Explore the extensive ruins of the city, including the temples, fortifications, and residential buildings. Admire the impressive Doric temples, such as Temple E and Temple G.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding countryside from the top of the acropolis.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water as there is a lot of walking involved.
Consider hiring a guide to learn more about the site’s history and significance.
2. Temple E
Temple E is one of the major Greek temples in the ancient city of Selinunte, located on the southwest coast of Sicily, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive architecture of the temple which measures around 68m by 25m and stands at a height of around 14m.
Although the temple is in ruins, the remains still convey a sense of grandeur and beauty.
The temple is surrounded by a picturesque landscape with the Mediterranean Sea to the south and olive trees to the north.
Don’t miss: The highlights of the temple include the six columns still standing tall, giving visitors a clear example of the architectural style of the ancient Greeks in the sixth and fifth centuries BCE.
The temple was built using local limestone and included sculptural decorations and architectural details.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit Temple E early in the morning to beat the crowds and to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the ruins.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring along sunblock and a hat as the area is exposed to the sun and can get quite hot.
It is advisable to hire a professional guide who can provide more in-depth insight into the temple’s history and architecture.
3. Temple C
Temple C is an ancient Greek temple located in the archaeological site of Selinunte, Sicily.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll through the ruins of the temple and admire the impressive architecture of the ancient Greeks. The temple was built in the 5th century BC and was dedicated to the goddess Hera.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a close look at the intricate carvings on the temple’s columns and pediments. They depict scenes from Greek mythology, including the labors of Hercules and the battle between the gods and the giants.
Insider travel tips: Visiting early in the morning or late in the day can help beat the crowds and provide for a more peaceful experience.
Additionally, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven and rocky.
4. Temple B
Ancient Greek temple ruins in Selinunte, Sicily.
What to see or do: Explore the ruins of Temple B, which was one of the largest temples in ancient Greece. Admire the impressive architectural elements, such as the 17-meter high columns which have been partially restored.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea from the temple site and the opportunity to take beautiful photos of the ruins.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven and rocky. Bring plenty of water, especially during the summer months, as there is little shade in the area.
Additionally, visiting during the early morning or late afternoon can provide a more pleasant experience due to cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
5. Temple F
Temple F is an ancient Greek temple located in the archaeological site of Selinunte, Sicily.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk around the archaeological site where they can see the ruins of various ancient structures including Temple F. The temple’s impressive size and architectural style provide a glimpse into the past.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the temple’s intricate details, including the Doric columns and the remains of its once grand interior.
Insider travel tips: To make the most of your visit to Temple F, bring a hat, sunblock and comfortable footwear as the site can be hot and dusty.
We recommend arriving early to avoid crowds, as well as taking a guided tour to learn more about the temple’s history and significance.
6. Eastern Hill Sanctuary
Eastern Hill Sanctuary is a historic archaeological site located in Selinunte, Sicily.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient city, including the temples, markets, and public buildings. The sanctuary offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coast.
Don’t miss: The Temple of Hera, the largest temple on the site, is a must-see. It features impressive columns and intricate carvings.
Insider travel tips: Bring comfortable shoes for walking around the sanctuary, as there is a lot of ground to cover. It’s also recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat.
7. Temple O
Temple O is an ancient Greek temple located in the archaeological park of Selinunte, Sicily.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive ruins of the temple, which date back to the 5th century BC.
The temple features Doric style columns and impressive architectural details that provide an insight into the ancient Greeks’ approach to construction.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to take a guided tour of the archaeological park of Selinunte, where Temple O is located. The park features several other ruins of ancient Greek temples, as well as other significant remnants from the past.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain is uneven and rocky. It’s also advisable to bring water and sunscreen, as there is little shade in the park itself.
Additionally, be sure to visit early in the day or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
8. Temple A
Temple A is a ruined ancient Greek temple located in Selinunte, Sicily.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the remains of this historic site, including the temple’s columns and surviving walls. Take a stroll around the grounds and imagine the temple’s former grandeur.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the intricate carvings and details of the columns, which are thought to have been built in the mid-6th century BCE.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or late in the day. Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground can be uneven.
Bring sunscreen and water, as there is limited shade on the site.
9. Bouleuterion
Ancient Greek meeting house located in Selinunte, Sicily.
What to see or do: Explore the ruins of the Bouleuterion, which was once used by the city’s council for meetings and assemblies.
Admire the impressive Doric columns that remain standing and imagine what it must have been like to sit in the stone seats during a council meeting.
Don’t miss: The intricate details of the architecture, which include carved capitals on the columns and a frieze depicting the labors of Hercules.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. Consider hiring a guide to provide additional historical context and insight into the significance of the Bouleuterion.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and water, as there is little shade at the site.
10. Necropolis of Manicalunga
Necropolis of Manicalunga is an ancient burial ground located in Selinunte, Sicily.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the well-preserved tombs and learn about burial customs of the ancient Greeks.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Tomb of the Giants, a massive burial chamber that can only be entered through a small opening.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven.
11. Porta Nord-Ovest
Porta Nord-Ovest is the western entrance gate to the ancient Greek city of Selinunte. It dates back to the 5th century BC and is believed to be the main entrance to the city.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ruins of the gate and the surrounding walls that once protected the city.
The gate is made of limestone blocks and features two towers with a central arch that was large enough to accommodate chariots and carts.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the intricate details and carvings on the limestone blocks of the gate. There are also remnants of an ancient market adjacent to the gate that is worth exploring.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit the site early in the day or during sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes as the site requires a lot of walking. Don’t forget to bring a hat and water during the summer months as it can get very hot.
12. Porta Est
Ancient city gate in the archaeological site of Selinunte, in western Sicily.
What to see or do: Admire the impressive ruins, which are some of the best-preserved of the ancient city. Take in the massive columns and the intricate carvings that decorate the gate.
Don’t miss: Exploring the rest of the Selinunte archaeological park, which contains some of the most important Greek ruins in Sicily, including temples, a necropolis, and other city gates.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat of the day.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the archaeological park covers a large area and can be quite tiring to explore.
13. Cave di Cusa
The Cave di Cusa is an ancient quarry site, located near the ruins of the Selinunte archeological park in Sicily, Italy.
What to see or do: Explore the well-preserved quarry and witness the impressive remains of the unfinished columns that were left behind.
See the marks left by the ancient craftsmen who were working on the stone and learn about the history of the quarry and its importance in the ancient world.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a close look at the massive, partially-carved columns, which give a glimpse into the process of creating these impressive architectural features.
Take a stroll around the quarry to see the different areas where workers extracted the stone, getting a sense of the sheer scale of the operation.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking around the quarry.
You may also want to bring a hat and sunscreen, as the site can get quite hot in the summer months.
Guided tours are available and can provide valuable insight into the history of the area.
Consider combining a visit to the quarry with a trip to the nearby Selinunte archeological park to fully immerse yourself in the region’s history.
14. Porta Sud
Ancient city gate of Selinunte, a Greek archaeological site in southern Sicily.
What to see or do: Marvel at the impressive ruins of the gate, which was built in the 5th century BC and served as the main entrance to the city.
Admire the intricate carvings and columns that still stand today.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea from the top of the gate, which make for perfect photo opportunities.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. Wear comfortable shoes as the site is quite expansive and hilly.
Consider hiring a guide for a better understanding of the history and significance of Porta Sud and Selinunte as a whole.
15. Porta Nord
Ancient city gate of Selinunte.
What to see or do: Admire the ruins of the impressive gate which once served as the main entrance to the city of Selinunte.
Don’t miss: The magnificent views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the gate.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat of the day. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven.