Bosco Littorio, Archaeological site in Gela, Italy.
Bosco Littorio is an archaeological site in Gela containing ten structures that stretch from an ancient harbor to the acropolis, featuring quadrangular buildings with thick walls. The buildings vary in size and layout, revealing how people lived and worked in this commercial settlement.
The trading center of Gela flourished from the 8th century BC until around 480 BC, when a natural disaster, possibly a tsunami, destroyed the settlement. This sudden destruction preserved the buildings in a state that helps archaeologists understand daily life at that moment.
The excavations uncovered terracotta altars from the 5th century BC decorated with mythological figures that reveal the religious practices of the ancient port. These objects are now displayed at the Regional Archaeological Museum of Gela, offering insight into daily spiritual life.
The site is freely accessible year-round and maintained by the Forestry Corps of the Sicilian Region. You can explore independently, though wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven and shade is limited throughout the area.
The buildings preserve visible entrance doors with door jambs and lintels, along with holes from wooden roof beams. These details reveal how houses were actually built and make ancient construction techniques tangible.
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