Segesta's Greek temple reopens with contemporary art installation

The Doric temple of Segesta in Sicily, one of the few intact ancient Greek temples, has reopened to the public after twenty years. Dating from 430–420 BCE and dedicated to Aphrodite Urania, the temple is now accessible inside for the first time. Until May 19, 2024, it hosts "ELYMA," an installation by artist Gandolfo Gabriele David that conceptually and physically guides visitors into the temple. The project, curated by Lori Adragna and Luigi Biondo (director of the Segesta Archaeological Park), incorporates symbolic elements from diverse cultures to explore shared human essence. The route begins near the Porta di Valle with a vegetal installation, continues along an ancient path with sound installations, and culminates inside the temple with David's sculpture-altar, reflecting on the relationship between antiquity and contemporaneity, art, nature, and the sacred.