Quinto itinerario

Alcamo, Calatafimi-Segesta, Castellammare del Golfo

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Tempio di Segesta
Tempio di Segesta

Following the slopes of Mount Erice, in the footsteps of the ancient Elymians, you arrive at Segesta, which was an ideal refuge for ancient populations, as it guaranteed almost total defence, being such an inaccessible place.

From the city's ancient Elymian civilization, the Doric-Sicilian temple dating from the fifth century b.C, the theatre and the sanctuary remain. These go to make up the archaeological area which is still being explored, with excavations in progress.

The area of Segesta, which is explained in more detail in the section on the accessibility of the archaeological areas, specifically provides pathways for disabled people in wheelchairs, allowing cars which have disabled people on board to drive along a road which goes to the temple, inside which an iron pathway has been constructed for wheelchair transit.

Pedana a Segesta
Pedana per disabili

Not far from the temple and the theatre is the old train station of Segesta, which has been completely dismantled and restored. The structural interventions that have been made have involved the removal of architectural barriers, and this work has not affected the charm of the archaeological park in any way. The building, which is now used as a restaurant, can accommodate about 260 people in its air-conditioned interior and another 200 outside. It has a car park of 5000 square metres.

A few kilometres from the archa eo logical site of Segesta, stands the town of Calatafimi-Segesta, which was given its name in 1997. It was the scene of a memo rable battle in 1860 between the Bourbons and Garibaldi's men.

Teatro di Segesta
Teatro di Segesta

Not far from the sea is the town of Alcamo, located on the slopes of Mount Bonifato. Like the city of Marsala, Alcamo is considered to be the land of wine, where you can taste the famous DOC wine Bianco d'Alcamo. Not far from the city is the seaside town of Alcamo Marina.

Castellamamre del Golfo
Castellammare del Golfo

We conclude this wonderful journey in the land of memory, within a peasant culture, with Castellammare del Golfo whose port was a trade centre for the ancient cities of Segesta and Erice.

The town's name comes from the presence of a once impregnable castle that juts out into the gulf. Not far from the city lies the small village of Scopello, where you can visit the old tuna fishery and the shops of the artisans who work with ceramics.

In conclusion we would like to mention an initiative of the town council of Castellammare which has signed an agreement with the Italian Paralympics Committee to realize a continually operating platform within the marina, dedicated to sports for the disabled, allowing the creation of a sailing centre accessible through the activities of sailing therapy.

Scopello
Scopello