Surrounded by the most typical Mediterranean landscape, the largest archaeological site in Europe speaks to us about the glorious history of Selinunte and its architecture
The ruins of Selinunte and the quarries of Cusa offer an incredible reconstruction of the lives of their ancient inhabitants More than ten temples identified, an area of 270 hectares at Selinunte, 60 at the Quarries of Cusa. These are just a few figures of the Archaeological Park of Selinunte, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, a perfect example of integration of town planning, architecture and landscape.
The ruins of Selinunte
Numbers are of little concern when you find yourself in front of the majestic Temple G (or of Zeus), on the eastern hill, one of the largest in ancient Greece, or two wonderful examples of Doric temples such as Temple E (or of Hera) and Temple F.
The ascent to the sacred area of the city (Acropolis), offers a good opportunity to relax in the typical Mediterranean landscape of the park, among prickly pears and luxuriant shrubs. At the top of the Manuzza hill, the Acropolis offers a privileged position from which to observe the surrounding countryside and the remains of the city; from here you can observe the regular road system and admire temples A, O, B, C (or of Apollo), D, Y.
Continuing northwards we reach some areas that were fundamental to the daily life of the city, which, according to Diodorus Siculus (), was rich and populous. In addition to the built-up area and the agora, the centre of political and commercial life, this area contains the tomb of Pammylos, the legendary oecist (founder) of Selinunte.
Other important complexes are located on the Gaggera hill, in the western area of the site. Here one can admire the small sanctuary of Hera the Matron, patroness of the bond of marriage and the ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of fertility Demeter Malophóros ('giver of gifts from the earth'), the small temple of Zeus Meilichios ('sweet as honey'), the Gaggera fountain, the Antiquarium, Temple M and the necropolises.
The Cusa Quarries
Part of the archaeological park contains the Quarries of Cusa, located at about 11 km from the ruins of Selinunte. The quarries, an extraordinary rock face about 2 km long and 8 metres high, provided the materials for the construction of the city and bear witness to a crucial moment in its history: the arrival of the Carthaginians.
Used from the 6th century BCE onwards, the quarries were suddenly abandoned during the arrival of Hannibal's army in 409 BCE: the looming threat is immortalised by the sudden stop in the quarrying work and transportation. The hasty escape of the quarrymen, stonemasons and workers involved in the construction of the temple G not only provides important historical evidence, but also allows us to recognise and reconstruct all the phases of stoneworking.
Quick overview
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Opening days
Open daily
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Opening times
From 1 January to 28 February
From 9:00 am till 5:00 pm
From 1 March to 30 April
From 9:00 am till 6:00 pm
From 1 May to 30 September
From 9:00 am till 8:00 pm
From 1 to 31 October
From 9:00 am till 6:00 pmFrom 1 November to 31 December
From 9:00 am till 5:00 pm.Last admission is one hour before the closing time of the site.
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How to reach
By car:
From Palermo, take the Palermo-Mazara motorway and exit at Castelvetrano, then continue to Marinella di Selinunte - Web
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Reservation & Price
Prior booking is required to visit the Cusa Quarries
Services
- Visits Available in Italian, English
Additional Info
Full price: € 6.00
Reduced: € 3.00
Free: according to the regulations
The ticket is valid one day.
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Event
- Spring
- Weekend
Visiting Rules
Basic rules:
All visitors are invited to observe the basic rules of respect for the preservation of nature and monuments
Covid 19 rules:
Visitors are requested to wear a mask in enclosed or heavily crowded areas and to maintain the safety distance indicated by the regulations in force