Unfinished Doric temple, Elymian theatre and countryside views at one of Sicily's best-preserved Greek sites.
Segesta lies about 75-80 km (47-50 miles) south-west of Palermo, inland near Calatafimi, and holds one of the best-preserved Greek-style temples in Sicily. The Doric temple, built in the late 5th century BC and never completed, stands alone on a hill with no interior, roof or carved details, and is a short walk from the park entrance. A shuttle bus or a steeper walk of about 1 km climbs to the 3rd-century BC theatre on Monte Barbaro, which has views to the Gulf of Castellammare. The ancient city was the main settlement of the Elymians, a pre-Greek people, and was in lasting rivalry with Selinunte. Autoservizi Tarantola runs buses from near Palermo Centrale in roughly 1 hour 45 minutes; services are few, so the return time must be confirmed on the day. A car makes the trip faster, about 1 hour via the A29 and A29dir, and allows combining Segesta with Erice or Scopello. Visitors should plan two to three hours at the site, bring water and a hat, and avoid midday in summer. Spring wildflowers and autumn light are the best seasons; in July and August the site is hot and exposed.
| Distance | 75-80 km (47-50 miles) south-west of Palermo |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour by car; about 1h 45min by bus |
| Getting there | Autoservizi Tarantola bus from near Palermo Centrale to Segesta, about 1h 45min, few departures a day; check the timetable locally |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Contrada Barbaro, 91013 Calatafimi-Segesta TP |
How to get there
- Autoservizi Tarantola bus from near Palermo Centrale: about 1h 45min, few departures (phone 0924 31020 as reported; verify)
- Trenitalia regional train to Segesta-Tempio station, about 1 km from the site entrance; check trenitalia.com
- Driving: A29 and A29dir, about 1 hour
Location
Contrada Barbaro, 91013 Calatafimi-Segesta TP
37.9406, 12.8335 View on map
Highlights
- Unfinished 5th-century BC Doric temple on its hilltop
- Theatre of the Elymians on Monte Barbaro with sea views
- Remains of the ancient agora and the Elymian city walls
- Walks through the surrounding countryside
Tips for visiting
- Check the return bus time before leaving; Tarantola services are few
- Bring water, a hat and sun protection; shade is minimal
- Take the shuttle to the theatre if the climb looks too much
- Visit in spring or autumn; avoid midday in summer
- Combine with Erice or Scopello by car
When to visit
April-June and September-October; summer is hot and exposed.
Accessibility
The temple is reached by a short, mostly level path; the theatre needs a steep climb or shuttle, and the ground is uneven.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Segesta from Palermo?
About 75-80 km south-west, about 1 hour by car or about 1 hour 45 minutes by Tarantola bus.
Can Segesta be reached by public transport?
Yes. Autoservizi Tarantola runs a few buses a day, and trains to Segesta-Tempio station stop about 1 km from the entrance as reported; confirm times locally.
How long should be spent at Segesta?
Two to three hours covers the temple and the theatre.
Is the temple complete?
No. It was never finished, with no roof, interior or fluted columns.