Attractions and Places To See around Salemi - Top 20

Information about the archaeological site of Segesta.

The Cretto di Burri in Gibellina, also known as “Il Grande Cretto”, is a unique work of art that honors the destroyed town of Gibellina after the devastating earthquake of 1968. Italian artist Alberto Burri created this monumental work between 1985 and 1989 and it was completed in 2015. With its huge white concrete blocks that look like giant cracks in the ground, the work symbolizes the lasting pain and memory of the past, but at the same time, renewal and reconstruction. Walking through the Cretto almost feels like walking through the past, as if you are re-entering the streets and alleys of the old town. The approximately 80,000 square meter area is made up of concrete structures that trace the original city layout. What is particularly impressive is the fact that the blocks are made from the rubble of the old town itself. When you stand on the Cretto and take in the simple but powerful aesthetic, you can literally feel the connection between art, history and human resilience. It is not only a reminder of what was lost, but also a symbol of hope and rebirth. It is especially beautiful if you do the hike in clear weather - the view into the distance underlines the silence and grandeur of this unique place.

History, culture and breathtaking views of the hilly surroundings are all mixed here. The view of the Norman-Swabian castle that towers over the town is particularly impressive - a perfect destination after a challenging stage. The climb, especially in the Monte delle Rose district, is quite demanding, but the reward is worth it: a spectacular view of the old town and the castle. Salemi is not only a visual highlight, but also steeped in history. In May 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi briefly proclaimed Salemi the first capital of a united Italy - even if the title only lasted for one day. This town combines the legacy of a turbulent past with the charm of a typical Sicilian village, which lies about 400 meters above sea level. Salemi not only offers a historical insight, but also a challenging but worthwhile route through the rural region. When you drive through the winding streets here, you can literally feel how history and the present merge into one another.

The Doric Temple of Segesta is impressively embedded in the hills of Sicily and invites not only history lovers to take a walk into the past. The unfinished construction gives the temple a rough look, but that is precisely what makes it so attractive - the columns still have the original protective layer that would normally have been removed after completion. The hiking trail up rewards you with a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape and the Gulf of Castellammare. What I particularly liked: From the temple, a beautiful path leads further up to the theater, which is located on the top of the hill. If you choose to walk instead of taking the shuttle, you will be rewarded with many smaller discoveries and fantastic views. The entire complex exudes a special calm - it is a place that invites you to linger and makes history tangible. The magic of the ancient site can be enjoyed wonderfully here, especially in the off-season, when there is less going on.

The ancient theater of Segesta not only offers an impressive historical setting, but also a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and mountains of Sicily. If you make it this far, you will not only be greeted by the amphitheater, but also by a setting that extends far beyond the ruins. The curved stone tiers seem to blend seamlessly into the landscape, and on clear days the view stretches as far as the sea. The climb is worth it for any hike, especially if you can enjoy the peace and wind at the top of Monte Barbaro. If you are interested in history, you will have a lot to discover here, as the theater was rebuilt by the Romans and is still amazingly well preserved. And if you are lucky, there might even be a performance taking place - the amphitheater is still in use today. If the walk is too steep for you, there is the option of taking a shuttle. But the climb is worth it, especially if you want to enjoy the view every now and then.

seen online and seen live it is that place that is worth seeing live, huge and astonishing, shame only for the history of all this

The Sicilian town of Gibellina was devastated by an earthquake in 1968. After the disaster, the residents at the time created a gigantic open-air museum. Alberto Burri's work of art lies like a shroud over the town of Gibellina, which was destroyed by the earthquake. The sidewalks between the concrete structures show where the town's streets and alleys used to run.

On 14 May 1860 Giuseppe Garibaldi landed in Marsala and headed towards Salemi. Here he hoisted the Italian flag, a nation that was then forming, on the Norman-Swabian castle, proclaiming Salemi the capital of Italy, an informal title that he retained for only one day. Today Salemi is a splendid town of around 10,000 inhabitants, part of the most beautiful villages in Italy according to the National Association of Italian Municipalities.