Valley of the Temples is a dream. A splendid vision of spring. An archaeological area that houses the important Doric temples that once surrounded the ancient and majestic city. In this suggestive corner you can breathe history and immerse yourself in a landscape of very rare magnificence. Discovering the masterpiece of Akragas (now Agrigento) between curiosities, nature, tourism of the Sicilian beauty.
Valley of the Temples, myth and history
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a unique place. A tale of two thousand years and of an inserted area in 1997 by Unesco on the World Heritage List. The city of Akràgas, founded in 581 BC by settlers from Gela and originating from the islands of Crete and Rhodes, it was one of the most important Greek colonies in splendid Sicily. In 5th century BC, between a significant military expansion and the victory over the Carthaginians, the great temples; testimony and symbol of prosperity and importance of the city. The area of interest extends for 1300 hectares and has always been a popular destination for onlookers, travelers, but also writers, historians and topographers. The Valley is characterized by the remains of twelve Doric temples, three sanctuaries, the necropolis, hydraulic works, fortifications and also part of a Hellenistic Roman quarter on a Greek plan.
How many wonders
Furthermore, two can be visited Agora, Olympeion, Bouleuterion and the Tomb of Terone, a pyramid-shaped tuff monument. Since 2016 (date of discovery) it is possible to see the remains of the ancient Greek theater. The Regional Archaeological Museum "P. Griffo", again, it exhibits more than five thousand finds; from prehistoric times to the Greco-Roman age. Among the best preserved temples we find that of Concordia, built around 440-30 BC and transformed into a Christian temple in the sixth century.
Among the most fascinating: Temple of Hera Lacinia, that of Heracles, the Dioscuri, Athena, Isis, Demeter, but also that of Zeus, the interminable giant. The Temple of Olympian Zeus or Olympeion, built after Himera's victory over the Carthaginians (480-479), was one of the most grandiose. The rectangular platform measured m. 113, 20 in length and 56 in width, on an area of 6407 square meters. In the Middle Ages, a terrible earthquake destroyed the majestic temple. The ruins and the imposing fifteen columns are some of the most important remains of the classical era.
Timetables, tickets and some useful information
The Valley of the Temples can be reached by car, train, and bus. From Palermo, Trapani and Catania, it takes about two hours to reach the city of Agrigento. The Hill of the Temples is open every day from 8.30 to 19.00. The full entrance ticket costs € 10 and reduced € 5. Always free admission on the first Sunday of the month. We also recommend that you visit Agrigento, the city of Luigi Pirandello and of Pirandello's events and characters for an extraordinary journey in the name of history and literature.
