Archaeological Park of Selinunte and the Quarries of Cusa
The Archaeological Park of Selinunte and the Quarries of Cusa encompasses one of the largest and most important ancient Greek cities in the western Mediterranean, combined with the ancient stone quarry that supplied its monumental temples. Founded in the mid-7th century BC by colonists from Megara Hyblaea, Selinunte grew into a wealthy polis whose seven temple complexes remain among the most impressive remains of Magna Graecia. The quarries at Cusa, abandoned mid-cut when Carthage sacked the city in 409 BC, offer a uniquely frozen glimpse of ancient construction methods.
At a glance
- Type
- Archaeological park — ancient Greek city and quarry
- Period
- Founded c. 650 BC; destroyed by Carthage 409 BC; quarries active 6th–5th century BC
- Style
- Archaic and Classical Greek (Doric temple architecture)
- Location
- Castelvetrano, Province of Trapani, Sicily, Italy
- Coordinates
- 37.5881° N, 12.8247° E (Selinunte); quarries approx. 3 km SE of Campobello di Mazara
Overview
Selinunte was a rich and extensive ancient Greek city of Magna Graecia on the south-western coast of Sicily, situated between the valleys of the Cottone and Modione rivers. At its height it controlled fertile agricultural land and commanded significant Mediterranean trade routes, funding the construction of at least seven monumental Doric temples. The site today is managed as a unified archaeological park that also includes the Cave di Cusa, where enormous stone drums still lie half-detached from the bedrock, frozen in the moment the quarry was abandoned.
History
The city was founded around 650 BC by Greek colonists from Megara Hyblaea in eastern Sicily, making it one of the westernmost outposts of Hellenic civilization. Selinunte prospered through the 6th and 5th centuries BC, constructing a series of colossal temples whose sheer scale rivalled those of mainland Greece. In 409 BC Carthaginian forces under Hannibal Mago razed the city, slaughtering or enslaving the population; the quarries at Cusa were abandoned on the same day, leaving column drums still attached to the rock. A partial resettlement followed but Selinunte never recovered its former glory, and the city was finally abandoned by 250 BC.
What you see
Visitors explore two main temple hills on the Selinunte side: the Acropolis, with the partially re-erected columns of Temple C (mid-6th century BC), and the Eastern Hill, where Temple E (Hera) has been substantially reconstructed and stands as the park’s most photogenic monument. Scattered across both zones are colossal fallen column drums, capitals, and architectural blocks that convey the heroic ambition of the builders. At the Cave di Cusa, a 1.8-kilometre ridge of golden limestone preserves column drums at every stage of extraction — roughed out, half-cut, or fully detached — offering an unparalleled open-air museum of ancient quarrying technology.
Cultural significance
Together, Selinunte and the Cave di Cusa form one of the few ancient sites where the complete chain from raw stone to finished temple can be traced in situ, making them indispensable to the study of Doric architecture and ancient construction logistics. The park is recognised as a national monument and is among Sicily’s most visited archaeological destinations, drawing researchers and heritage travellers from across the world.
Practical information
The main Selinunte entrance is on Via Selinunte, Marinella di Selinunte, 91022 Castelvetrano TP. The Cave di Cusa are located near Campobello di Mazara, approximately 15 km from the main park entrance. Opening hours and ticket prices: check the official Parco Archeologico di Selinunte website or call the ticket office before visiting, as hours vary seasonally.
Getting there
By car: from Palermo take the A29 motorway towards Mazara del Vallo, exit at Castelvetrano and follow signs for Selinunte (approx. 90 km, 1 hr). By public transport: Castelvetrano is served by train from Palermo; local buses connect the station to Marinella di Selinunte. The Cave di Cusa are best reached by car or taxi from Campobello di Mazara.