アルカモの洞窟・トップ12

Information about the archaeological site of Segesta.

The climb along the paved Way of the Cross, which is mostly car-free, takes you steadily uphill. From here you can already enjoy great views of the surrounding hills and wind turbines that dominate the panorama. Once you reach the top, you will be greeted by the imposing ruins of the 11th century castle. A real highlight is the active church of SS. Maria del Alto, which is integrated directly into the old walls. It is a fascinating interplay of history and living faith. The view from above is definitely worth the trip - the vastness of the landscape below you, the small villages in the distance and the gentle breeze make the visit perfect for a break with a view. The old ruin has retained some of its charm over the centuries, and the walk around the castle can be easily captured on camera.

The Doric Temple of Segesta is impressively embedded in the hills of Sicily and invites not only history lovers to take a walk into the past. The unfinished construction gives the temple a rough look, but that is precisely what makes it so attractive - the columns still have the original protective layer that would normally have been removed after completion. The hiking trail up rewards you with a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape and the Gulf of Castellammare. What I particularly liked: From the temple, a beautiful path leads further up to the theater, which is located on the top of the hill. If you choose to walk instead of taking the shuttle, you will be rewarded with many smaller discoveries and fantastic views. The entire complex exudes a special calm - it is a place that invites you to linger and makes history tangible. The magic of the ancient site can be enjoyed wonderfully here, especially in the off-season, when there is less going on.

Where is it

The Baida castle has today become an agricultural farm and of the ancient building only fragments remain of a crenellated curtain wall which overlooks a beautiful Gothic-Catalan arched portal.

Baida Castle was probably built towards the end of the 13th century and subsequently expanded. Few traces of the ancient structures remain, for example the towers, the walls, a small church and a portal.

The seaside castle, known as the Arab Norman castle, is a fortification that stands near the marina of Castellammare del Golfo, once an emporium of the city of Segesta. The castle is the symbol of the town on the gulf, but also of the entire island; it is in fact a witness and testimony of all the populations that have crossed Sicily in the last ten centuries.

Village where it seems that time has stopped, suggestive and characteristic. From here you can take the dirt road to the marble quarries