The Greco-Roman ruins of Solunto

Close to Bagheria, about 4 km northeast of the center, is the archaeological area of Solunto , a place of rare historical and scenic beauty. The remains of the ancient city can be found on the southeastern foothills of Monte Catalfano , along the coast and 20 km from Palermo. Scenographically, we are located in one of the most beautiful places in Sicily , steep slopes of about 180 meters leaning towards the blue sea and a fertile land kissed by the warm Mediterranean sun.

The city was founded in the 4th century BC by the Carthaginians, perhaps on the foundations (or near) of an older city of Phoenician origin.

The archaeological finds that have survived to date come from the Greco-Roman period, with excavations beginning in the first half of the 19th century

The surface must have originally been about 18 hectares and was divided by a series of streets oriented from northeast to southwest, intersected by small perpendicular axes, mostly consisting of steps. There were no sewers , but the construction of the roads was such that a series of axes with the function of sewers, real underground channels , were possible.

In fact, there is very little of the original city to be seen. The main visible remains are:

- the road Decamanus Maximus

- Gymnasium

-Casa di Leda

- Theater

- Cisterns

Be sure to also consult the information about the sights once you are there . They explain what you get to see!

This city walk is part of a series of city walks and tours departing from Balestrate and Sambucco di Sicilia and described in

"Discover all the sights of western Sicily through day trips"

6/2023