Saturday was sunny and fairly warm so we made a beeline out the front door! Segesta was waiting to be explored less than an hour away. What a great place to be outdoors, get some exercise and be in total awe that we were standing on some very historical ground (of course all of Europe is that way! ).
The Segesta temple and theatre are the two sites I found most interesting. The temple because it sits majestically on a hill by itself. The hill behind it provides a pretty backdrop and helps pop the color of the temple. The Greek temple was built in the 5th century BC and remains unfinished. No one knows for sure why it was never completed. In 416 war broke out again between Segesta and Selinus. It's thought that Segesta built the temple as part of their effort in appealing to Athens for help in the war. That failed so Segesta applied to Carthage, who intervened in 409BC and destroyed Selinus. Segesta was left with little choice but to accept the Carthaginian dominion and therefore a Greek temple is pointless.
The Segesta theatre is a beautiful place to stand. It was built in the 2nd century when Segesta was a free town under the Romans. The upper part has been almost completely lost but it's thought that the theatre held around 4,000 spectators. It is still used in the summer for theatrical programs and concerts. (yes, I hope we can see something there this summer!)
I'm adding pictures to my Photostream. Enjoy them and have a great day :)
It looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSuch an awesome place, isn't it? Sadly, the concerts and theatrical events don't take place until the end of July or beginning of August. Hopefully, they'll start before you leave so you can see one.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos. Amazingly it looks like you were the only ones there. I was told once that there are more Greek ruins in Sicily than in Greece. Have no idea if it's true or not. Sounds like a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteWOW!! That is probably the thing I miss most about Italy.. drive an hour and be somewhere spectacular!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog.. and for your nice comments~
Definitely try to go to Capri, I know its far.. but if you get around Naples you can go to Pompeii, Sorento (amazing pottery and inlaid wood) and drive down the Amalfi Coast.. Those were my favorite places to visit.. but what I miss most are the people, the markets, gelato and the food! If you can, try to take some cooking classes.. I took a few, and love to cook "the real stuff" now for my family and friends. I'm adding you to my blogroll so I can come back!
Wow it is a beautiful place! i wish I were there with you.
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