SOLUNTO
Solunto is a zone of great archaeological interest on the terrassed slopes of Mount Catalfano, a site of great beauty for its landscapes and views. The first settlements here were very probably Phoenician. Later a Punic stronghold together with nearby Palermo and Motye, it was first conquered by the Syracusans (fourth century B.C.) and then by the Romans (third century B.C.). The place went into a rapid decline and was completely abandoned in the second century B.C. Recent aichaeological studies allow us to dismiss the hypothesis that the most ancient nucleus was in fact at the nearby locality called Pizza Cannita. The excavations have brought to light the remains of an ancient settlement of urban character, similar to those of other archaeological zones in the island. They can be defined as late Classical in type, with Hellenistic and Roman additions. In the Antiquarium we can see the finds from the archaeological explorations. The Gymnasium is in part the result of reconstruction in the second half of last century; its name derives from an inscription found there. Among the many houses the Casa di Leda is outstanding. It was brotight to light in the early sixties of this century, and its name derives from the subjects of some paintings from the ftrst century A.D.found in an inside room. It is also worth nothing the vestiges of the small Theatre, once capable of seating 1200 people, and the nearby Bouleuterion, where the meetings of the senate were held. It is believed that in the highest part of the archaeological area there was an Acropolis.