Situated on the slopes of Monte Catalfano (17km East of Palermo), the site of Solunto offers a superb panorama on the Tirreno and the Madonie. If most ruins (public edifices and private housing) are of Greek and Roman origins, the places of cult pertain to the Punic tradition. This Hellenistic site, most archaeologists believe, replaced a nearby Phoenician settlement of the same name, which Dionysius of Syracuse destroyed in 397 BCE.

Founded in 648 BCE by Greeks of mixed origins, Solunto’s neighboring site of Himera stands on a plateau overlooking the Tirreno. Right on the river bank, we find the remains of a Doric temple dedicated to Athena (dated to around 460-70 bce). On the plateau, two main areas were excavated, an area sacra with the remains of three temples of pre-doric time, and, at some distance from it, some quarters of the city which, according to some estimates, counted over 4000 inhabitants.

Tour duration: ca. 4.5h

Contact us to book this private tour of Solunto and Himera, we will let you know about our availability and answer any questions you may have.

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