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Comune in Sicily, Italy
Photo: Clemensfranz, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Calatafimi Segesta is in Sicily. Calatafimi, with the Castle of Eufemio and its churches, is characterised by its lanes and small streets of Arab derivation. At about 10 km from this town there is the archaeological site of Segesta, with the Greek temple and the ancient theatre, where they hold classical performances.
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Segesta is the site of an ancient Graeco-Roman city. The site is immediately off the main A29 road, straight after a long tunnel if travelling from Palermo. Onsite there is free parking. Tarantola Bus goes between Palermo and Calatafimi (aka Calatafimi-Segesta) a few times daily, stopping at Segesta en route. You may have a long wait for a return bus. (Perhaps confusingly, Segesta Bus does not go to Segesta.) Coffee and pizza are available at the cafe near the car park.
Built between 430-420 BCE, 61 m (190 feet) long, 26 m wide, built upon a platform of 4 steps, it has 36 Doric columns supporting the stone roof-frame of the structure (14 columns along the lengths of the building, 6 columns across front and back). They are of a "rough" finish as the temple has never been completed. The temple seems also to have lacked a roof over the cella (main chamber) in antiquity, rather uniquely - scholars are in disagreement as to whether the temple was planned this way, or just never completed.
It is on a hilltop and was built by the Greeks at about 400 BC. It was discovered in the 19th century. They play classical comedies and tragedies in July and August. A bus (€1.50) is available every 30 minutes to the site of the Amphitheatre at the top of the hill. It's a brisk, uphill, 20-minute walk otherwise.
In the archaeological area of Segesta there are the remains of an ancient sanctuary, dating back perhaps to the 6th century BC and built outside the town centre of Segesta.
Colle pianto Romano
The Ossuary of Pianto Romano, built in memory of the soldiers who died in the battle between the Mille and the Bourbon troops, from a design made by E. Basile. It was inaugurated on 15 May 1892. From its top you can admire wonderful landscapes in all directions.
It is on a hill dominating the whole town. It is probably a 12th-century reconstruction of an older castle built for defence. Today there remain only a tower, some warehouses, the cells and the courtyard.
Chiesa di san Silvestro papa
This church was built in the first half of the 13th century and dedicated to Saint Silvestro the Pope; it was then rebuilt in 1547. It has a nave and two aisles, with Roman arches. There are a lot of stuccoes, paintings, marbles and wooden statues.
Church of the Most Holy Crucifix
This church was built at about 1750, to G.B. Amico's plan. In the façade there is a portal coming from the former church of Stimmate (Stigmata) in Palermo. Inside you can see frescoes by the painter Gianbecchina, stuccoes and paintings of different periods.
Church of St. Michael
Founded by the Congregation of Saint Michael in the 14th century and restored by the Third Franciscan Order, who enlarged the adjoining friary. It has a nave with two aisles and is rich with stuccoes, paintings and wooden statues.
This church adjoins the former Benedictine nunnery and is a very beautiful church. It was built on the plan made by Giovanni Biagio Amico and is dedicated to the cult of Madonna di Giubino, patroness of Calatafimi.
colle tre croci
It is on the northern side of the hill Tre croci. It is a Marian sanctuary linked to the memory of the Blessed Arcangelo Placenza from Calatafimi and to the cult of Maria Santissima di Giubino.
il Borgo
It is like a voyage inside people's history: on the walls of these lanes you can see Garibaldi's deeds again, the farmers' proverbs, the ceramics coloured butterflies and the holy water stoups.
It represents the historical memory and Calatafimi people's vocation which is merely agricultural; you can see implements, tools and objects almost forgotten now, which were used in the fields, by artisans or in the houses.
The building dates back to 1700 and reminds the Garibaldian epic deeds: there are two marble memorial tablets on façade and inside it, dated 16th May 1860 and July 1862. Both of them are testimony of the presence of garibaldi at calatfimi and at the Pampalones' house.
ex Saint Francis' friary
The former church, dedicated to Saint James the apostle, may have dated back to the 13th century. Today, on the eastern side, there are a window (which is walled up) surmounting a door, with small columns and an archivolt of the 16th century. It was enlarged in 1544 and the interior has been restored at about 1750. It hosts some paintings and wooden statues.
Civic Library
The evergreen forests represent an environment full of fashion, not only for the species of their trees, like the cork oak and the holm oak but also for the richness of shrubs and herbaceous plants which develop in the underwood.
Amateur sport association
Its main activity is the formation of new horse-riding champions who take part in a lot of competitions.
Horse breeding, manège, boarding house
It organizes trips and excursions on horses.
Ponte Bagni
The establishment has three thermal bathing pools and three sulphuric water springs (two inside and one outside it) that naturally pour out at the temperature of 44° and 46° C. You can carry out an efficient and valuable therapy in these natural warm-damp and sudorific rooms.
Church of Saint Michael
Greek theatre
A series of classical theatrical performances held in summer.
Restaurant and pub at fixed menu.
Fry shop and self-service.
"Posto di ristoro Segesta"
restaurant-pizzeria
A large choice in the menu: very good appetizers, first courses and meat second courses.
Risto-pub
This is a restored baglio. The rooms have air conditioning, Wifi, TV and a private bath. Breakfast is rich and you can taste local dishes at its restaurant in the evening. Free parking and an open air swimming pool in the summer are at your disposal.
Rents flats overlooking a garden and a large terrace facing the temple of Segesta.
The B&B La Suite of Segesta is a new group of houses. Each guest has a fridge, TV, free wi-fi, air conditioning, and free parking. It is very near to the Temple.
Restaurant, pizzeria, lodgings.
Mediterranean coral pictures and embellished porcelain.
Taxi service
As the town centre of Calatafimi is quite small and its streets are narrow, there is no bus service, so you can walk, or for long distances, you can use your car or get a taxi.
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Palermo · International · PMO
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