Situated on the southwestern coast of Sicily, on a series of low hills bound by the blue Mediterranean sea, the site of ancient Selinunte has been a field for archaeological investigation and a destination for visitors for over 200 years. In the 18th century the toppled ruins of the "City of the Gods" were regarded by Bristish intellectuals and aristocrats as particularly picturesque and alluring. Algernon Charles Swinburne, English Victorian poet, in his Travels in the Two Sicilies described Selinunte as «the most extraordinary assemblage of ruins in Europe: they lie in several stupendous heaps with many columns still erect, and at a distance resemble a large town with a crowd of steeples». Although 15% only of the westermost Greek colony in Sicily survive above ground new archaeological excavations and the use of geophysical survey techniques are now yelding the secrets of the lost city.

The site of Selinus today appears as a sprawl of ruined temples and jumbled architectural rubble that still hint at the grandeur of the ancient city. Enhance your visit by booking a tour with our expert tour guides who will help you make sense of this fascinating site and bring to life its ruins giving an insight into the life of its inhabitants and cross/cultural relations in ancient Sicily.

Time duration: Half day (about 3 hours)