Selinunte: the archaeological park
Selinunte is one of the largest and most relevantarchaeological areas in the European context.
Here the Doric style found one of its highest expressions although there is no lack of traces of local influences.
Selinunte Archaeological Park is open year-round.
During the summer season,entrance is allowed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During the winter season from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: €6.00
Reduced admission(18 – 25 years old): €4.50
Free admission for EC citizens under 18 or over 65.
Ticket Office: 0924 46277
Altogether, the park enclosed 8 temples.
Within this very large area, 4 different zones can be distinguished:
THE ACROPOLIS to the south
It is the richest and most beautiful part of the entire archaeological park.
It is surrounded by mighty walls and, on the southern slope, ends overhanging the sea.
It possessed an excellent defensive apparatus and an advanced urban layout.
On the acropolis are as many as 5 of the 8 temples that are part of the park.
These include Temple C, possibly dedicated to Apollo. Richly decorated, it was among the oldest and largest in the entire park.
THE HILL OF MANUCE to the north
This is the fertile and welcoming area that early settlers chose to settle. Here the settlement proper developed.
In the fourth century, however, when Selinunte ‘s golden age had ended, the inhabitants moved to the acropolis.
THE EASTERN HILL
Here you will find temples E, F and G. The latter, perhaps dedicated to Apollo or Zeus, deserves special attention.
Temple G was more than 110 m long. and more than 50 wide: this made it not only the largest in the city but also one of the most imposing in all the then known world.
THE SANCTUARY OF THE GODDESS MALÒPHOROS on the west hill.
The shrine that stands on the west hill is dedicated to the goddess Malòphoros(pomegranate bearer), one of the many local expressions of Mother Earth.
It was in use for a very long time: from the 7th century until the last period of the cities life, during which time it was consecrated to Punic deities.