New ways to visit an archaeological site: for five days, July 16-20, the Segesta Archaeological Park in Sicily will allow visitors unprecedented hot air balloon tours to see the ruins from above. From 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., for five consecutive evenings, one will be able to lift off from the ground in this initiative that will not fail to cause discussion.
The hot air balloon, anchored to the ground to ensure safety, will reach a maximum height of about 15 to 20 meters, allowing groups of up to five passengers at a time - including children - to enjoy the view together with the pilot for ten minutes. On the occasion, the Doric temple area will remain open during the same time slots with reduced tickets.
The initiative was enthusiastically greeted by the Councilor for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, who stressed the experiential and symbolic value of the project: “A new and engaging way to experience the park, an immersive experience that combines the charm of the evening view with the suggestion of a different perspective, giving visitors a unique look at the site, suspended between sky and history.”
The initiative is curated by the Campania-based company Volare sull’Arte, a social enterprise created with the aim of promoting access to places of artistic, historical, architectural and landscape interest by offering a “different vantage point.” The idea is simple: to show cultural heritage from a perspective that surprises, offering even those with mobility difficulties the opportunity to have this experience.
In fact, the hot air balloon used is equipped with an access door that makes it suitable for boarding passengers with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive experience. The organization invites participants to arrive in comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes, specifying that strollers cannot be brought on board. Flights will be conducted in full compliance with current safety regulations and according to the guidelines of Enac, the National Civil Aviation Authority. In case of high winds or bad weather, flights will be suspended to ensure the safety of all participants.
For those wishing to experience the event, tickets can be purchased and more details can be found on the page dedicated to the initiative on the website of CoopCulture, the partner that manages cultural and hospitality services at Italy’s main monumental sites.
![]() |
For five evenings, visitors will be able to see the ruins of Segesta in a hot air balloon |
Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.