The Greek Temples of Selinunte

March 31, 2019

 

On the coast just 20km from my ancestral town of Partanna and 50km from the port of  Marsala you find the archaeological area called Selinunte.  http://selinunte.gov.it/ It dates from 450 BCE.  It has some of the finest Greek ruins anywhere. 

 

Temple E
Temple F, sitting right on the coast

 

 

Selinunte was a moderately-sized town, surprising given the scale of construction they undertook.  The Greeks founded it in the seventh century BCE,  locating it on the coast.  In 409 BCE Carthaginians sacked Selinunte, then earthquakes in the middle ages damaged or toppled the remaining structures.  English archaeologists began excavations in the late 1800’s.  Excavation continues.  Sculpture panels from a temple frieze are in the archaeological museum in Palermo.

 

Temple E as it likely was. Much of the building had no roof, an interior temple housed the worshiped gods
The angora, market area
Temple d

 

 

Plan of Selinunte

 

There is an excellent museum which contains well translated exhibits as well as various remnants including a pediment atop tall columns.  Upon this structure they project a slide show.  It is superbly done and the highlight of our visit.  We videoed part of the show.  The handheld camera  can not duplicate the experience for you but at least gives you some idea of what it’s like.

 

 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q57WGNYAg8M[/embedyt]

 

There is an extensive wiki on the town https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selinunte

 

If you want to thoroughly explore the site you need 3-4 hours if you walk.  There is a motorized vehicle if you prefer, with a taped tour.

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