The archaeological park of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is one of the most fascinating places in Sicily and one of the most important archaeological areas in Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
The Valley of the Temples is among the best preserved archaeological sites of classical Greek civilization and corresponds to the remains of ancient Akragas, the original nucleus of modern Agrigento.
A journey into antiquity, an experience to try, a fascinating place, even more so at sunset. An obligatory stop for anyone in Sicily, a nice walk among the ruins of ancient times (at least a couple of hours to visit it properly).
The archaeological area:
The Temple of Juno
The Temple of Concord
The Temple of Hercules
The Temple of Jupiter
The Temple of the Dioscuri
The Garden of Kolymbetra
The Temple of Vulcan
The Temple of Asclepius
The Tomb of Theron
The Roman Hellenistic Quarter
The Archaeological Museum
Underground routes
The archaeological area corresponds to the remains of ancient Akragas, the original nucleus of modern Agrigento: on a rocky ridge, which delimits the plateau on which the classical town stood to the south, the imposing remains of the Doric temples dedicated to Hellenic deities.
Inside the area there is also the Pietro Griffo Regional Archaeological Museum, which houses 5688 finds that illustrate the history of the area from prehistory to the end of the Greco-Roman age.
Valley of the Temples from the top of the Rupe Atenea, where, in addition to enjoying a unique view of the archaeological site, you can appreciate what remains of the Temple of Demeter, incorporated into the >medieval church of San Biagio.
Along the Via Panoramica dei Templi you find yourself in front of the Temple of Juno, built around 450 BC. Of the majestic building, 30 columns more than 6 meters high are preserved, 16 of which have capitals.
The Temple of Concordia is the best preserved Doric temple in the world together with the Parthenon and awaits you along the Via Sacra. The name by which we know it derives from a Latin inscription found near the temple, but to date we have no certainty about the god to whom it was dedicated. The excellent state of conservation allows you to admire its 78 columns, together with the imposing pediment and tympanum.
Its most evocative image is the night one, when it emerges from the darkness thanks to well-studied lighting.
The Temple of Heracles is the oldest of the Agrigento temples, built at the end of the 6th century BC. and mentioned by Cicero in the IV Verrina. Of the 38 original columns, only eight remain, rebuilt in the 20th century by putting together, element by element, the original pieces found in the area. Just below you can see the so-called tomb of Theron, a Roman-era sepulchral monument erroneously attributed to the ancient tyrant of Akragas.
The Temple of Zeus, the third largest in ancient Greece, was built to celebrate the victory in the battle of Himera in 480 BC. and was characterized by the presence of Telamons, gigantic 8 meter high statues of which you can find an example lying right next to the ruins. The original, however, can be observed in all its splendor in the Pietro Griffo Regional Archaeological Museum of Agrigento together with other finds from ancient Akragas.
Among the last buildings preserved in the Valley of the Temples there is the symbol of the city of Agrigento, the temple of the Dioscuri, four columns that support a corner of the entablature and which are the result of a nineteenth-century reconstruction, carried out with pieces from different eras found in the area.
Valley of the Temples Park
Via Panoramica dei Templi – Casa Sanfilippo
Agrigento
Sicily – Italy