Solunto, Archaeological Park of Santa Flavia

Solunto, at the current Santa Flavia in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, it was an ancient city of Phoenician origin. At Solunto the Archaeological Park is what remains today of this ancient center, whose name seems to derive from that of a brigand.

According to the sources, the city would have been founded at the time of the first Greek colonization and therefore in the XNUMXth century BC. What helps us to determine the foundation era of the center with greater certainty is what emerged from the excavations that gave life to Solunto at the Archaeological Park, such as ceramics, but also burial chambers in the necropolis.

The excavations, conducted in 1845, however, also brought to light many testimonies of all the eras lived by Solunto, with wonderful works of art from the Hellenistic period.

today Solunto Archaeological Park it is one of the largest archaeological attractions in Sicily, with many visitors who choose this destination every year.

The architecture of Solunto and the Archaeological Park

Reproducing in detail the architecture of an entire city, and above all of a city with an ancient history like that of Solunto, is not possible in a few words. In general we can speak of the plant of the centre, which is defined as hippodamea, i.e. of a regular plant. In fact, great order reigns among the streets of the archaeological park, while the visitor is infinitely surprised by all the incredible works of art that have been found during the excavations, whether they have remained on site or preserved Archaeological museums the area.

La Funerary Stele of Soluntum, statue of Zeus, coins with very ancient Punic inscriptions, the painted plasters of the Roman age, the censers and pottery found under centuries of earth, but even the humblest and most luxurious houses, courtyards and taverns are a real priceless treasure, with such a wealth of finds that it rivals the Pompeian villas and the largest museums in our country.

What to do near Solunto and in the Archaeological Park

Visit theantiquarium at the entrance, to then explore the streets of the ancient city: a real journey through time to be done on foot, among the remains of civilizations now consigned to myth. Visit Soluntum and the Archaeological Park, for archeology enthusiasts, is a real mystical experience, allowing the visitor to touch the life of thousands of years ago. In Santa Flavia, 2 km from the Archaeological Park, you can also visit the more "modern" Villa Filangeri, built in the seventeenth century and now the Town Hall.

Naturally, to visit the Archaeological Park of Solunto, you can choose to stay overnight in one of the accommodation facilities in nearby centres, such as in Bagheria in the center or in the fractions of Porticello e Sant'Elia, from where you can also experience the sea.

The whole area surrounding the Archaeological Park and Bagheria seems to be interwoven with marvels: Palazzo Butera wanted in the seventeenth century by Giuseppe Branciforte, the Madrice Church and Corso Umberto I are among the main attractions of the centre, while to breathe pure air and swimming in the sea, you can reach the wonderful beach of the French, just a quarter of an hour from the center. Also visit the Soluntina Basilica of Sant'Anna, the Church of Santo Spirito and Villa Valguarnera, near Bagheria. In the hamlet of Porticello you will find many places where you can taste fresh fish with a sea view, but if you want to discover the typical Palermo cuisine, you will reach the center of Palermo with just 21 km.

In town, don't hesitate to taste arancini and panelle, pasta with sardines and Sicilian cannoli. To truly discover the heart of local cuisine, you can also stop at Ballarò, the historic city market where you can find the classic specialties of Sicilian cuisine. Once your appetite has been satisfied, you can stroll around the port or in the centre, to discover Porta Nuova and Piazza San Domenico, the Kalsa and the Falcone-Borsellino Museum.

How is it possible to get to the Archaeological Park of Solunto

Solunto, with its Archaeological Park, is located in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, 26 km from the center and only 2 km from the town of Santa Flavia, where tourists who want to visit the Archaeological Park must go.

In the car, Santa Flavia can be reached from the A19 Palermo-Catania, taking the exit for Bagheria and continuing for about 2 km to the centre, while on the train it is possible to get off at Bagheria Station.

© Image by Bjs, CC BY-SA 4.0, David Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0, Allie_Caulfield from Germany, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons