Segesta is the ancient city of the Elimns, exiles from Troy. The date of its foundation is not known for certain, but already in the 4th century BC. it was inhabited by people. In the 5th century, the city was destroyed by the Vandals and only a small settlement remained in its place, in which the Normans, after the expulsion of the Arabs from Sicily, built a castle. Later, the castle was rebuilt by order of the Zvevi family and became the center of a medieval city. However, it was soon forgotten about, and only in 1574 did the Dominican historian Tommaso Fazzello, an expert in identifying the ancient cities of Sicily, established its exact location.

The territory of the current Segesta is notable for the majestic temple with almost perfect Doric features. Most likely, the temple was unfinished, since traces of its roof and carvings on the columns were never found. It is authentically known that the temple was built at the end of the 5th century BC. on top of a hill on the site of another building that had religious significance. Today this sanctuary, surrounded by 36 columns, is considered one of the best preserved examples of ancient architecture.
On the opposite side of the temple, also on top of a hill at an altitude of about 440 meters, stands an amphitheater built in the middle of the 3rd century BC. Seats for spectators are divided into 7 sections and carved from marble. Little remains of the stage - according to experts, it was once decorated with columns and pillars. The theater could accommodate up to 3,000 people.