Selinunte

The archaeological park of Selinunte is near Castelvetrano on the south-west coast of the province of Trapani. Selinunte was one of the most important Greek cities in Sicily. It was founded from Megara Hyblaea in the 7th century BC and destroyed by the Carthaginians in 409 BC. The park covers about 270 hectares and is considered one of the largest archaeological parks in Europe.

What is there to see in the park of Selinunte?

• Temple E (about 460 to 450 BC), also called the Temple of Hera, re-erected between 1956 and 1959
• Temple G, one of the largest Greek temples anywhere, never finished
• Temple C (about 550 BC), the oldest temple on the acropolis
• the acropolis with fortifications and sacred areas
• the Sanctuary of Malophoros from the 6th century BC, dedicated to Demeter
• several necropolises outside the city

The Cave di Cusa quarries are about 13 kilometers away. Half-worked column drums remain there, left behind when the Carthaginians attacked.

When is admission free?

Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month (as of October 2026). On those days guided tours, the shuttle service inside the park and concerts cost extra. On other days admission is charged, and reductions apply, for example, to EU citizens aged 18 to 25. Prices have been adjusted in recent years, and the Parco Archeologico di Selinunte publishes the current rates.

The park has entrances at Marinella di Selinunte in the east and Triscina di Selinunte in the west. Finds from Selinunte are shown in the Archaeological Museum of Palermo and the municipal museum of Castelvetrano.

When is the park open?

Opening hours depend on the season. As of October 2026 the park opens at 9 am and closes at sunset, with the ticket office closing at 5:30 pm. Hours are longer in summer and shorter in winter. The Cave di Cusa have their own information on hours, prices and booking.