Himera (Archaeological Park and Antiquarium)

Himera was founded in 648 BC by Greek settlers of Chalcidian and Dorian origin on the coast between Cefalù and Termini Imerese. Sicilian Greeks defeated the Carthaginians here in 480 BC; the city was destroyed in 409 BC. The site, at Buonfornello, belongs to the Himera, Solunto and Iato Archaeological Park.

Reachable by car only.

What to see

• Tempio della Vittoria: Built in the lower city after the 480 BC victory as part of a large sanctuary; a lion-head gutter from it is displayed in the Antiquarium.
• Temenos di Atena: Sacred area in the north-eastern part of the upper city.
• Antiquarium: Designed by Franco Minissi (early 1970s, opened 1984): finds from the Athena sanctuary, domestic life, the hinterland, necropoleis.
• Museo Pirro Marconi: Opened in 2016, partly devoted to the excavations of the western necropolis and the Temple of Victory.

Getting there

When to go

Summer Mon-Sat 9:00-18:30 (last entry 17:30), winter 9:00-17:30 (last 16:30); Sundays and holidays 9:00-13:00. Changeover dates not stated.

Tips

• Tickets (Park website): archaeological area 6 euro full, 3 reduced; Antiquarium and Pirro Marconi Museum 6 euro full, 3 reduced, listed separately: check whether a combined ticket applies.
• Confirm hours and prices before going: the Ministry of Culture listing shows different data (4 euro full, 2 reduced, hours 'closed').

Where a detail could not be found on an official source we do not include it: always check times and fares on the official site before you go.