Soluntum (Solunto)
Solunto
The ruins of a Phoenician-Hellenistic ancient city on the slopes of the Monte Catalfano headland, with surviving colonnades and mosaics overlooking the Bay of Palermo.
Solunto was founded by the Phoenicians and was rebuilt in the 4th century BC on a Hellenistic grid plan on the south slope of Monte Catalfano. It gradually declined during the Roman period. The site preserves stepped streets, mosaic floors in houses, cisterns, and a re-erected Doric colonnade known as the 'Gymnasium of Leda'. A small museum at the entrance displays the artefacts excavated here. From the hilltop theatre and the bouleuterion (council chamber), you can look out over the Gulf of Termini and the coast toward Cefalù, as well as the city of Palermo, and the views are one of the site's great highlights. The site is managed by the Palermo Archaeological Park and is usually open Monday to Saturday mornings (check the official website), with admission of a few euros. From Palermo, take a regional train to Santa Flavia-Solunto-Porticello station, then walk about 20 to 30 minutes uphill. By car it takes about 30 minutes. It can be combined with the Villa Palagonia in Bagheria for a half-day trip.
Opening hours
Usually 09:00–14:00; closed Sundays (check website)
Nearby sights
- Villa Palagonia (Bagheria)
- Admiral's Bridge (Ponte dell'Ammiraglio)
- Orto Botanico di Palermo
- Palazzo Abatellis (Regional Gallery of Sicily)
- Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum
- Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri
- La Vucciria
- Oratorio del Rosario di Santa Cita