Agrigento Sicily. Sicily, Agrigento: location of the island, history, beaches, hotels, attractions

Agrigento is located in the Italian region of Sicily. The current modern city arose on the site of the ancient settlement of Akragas, founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC.

general information

On the map of Italy, Agrigento is located in the southwestern part of the island of Sicily. The climate in the city is moderately warm. The maximum temperature in summer is +25. In winter, the temperature ranges from +10 to +15. Most of the precipitation falls during the winter months.

Important! Agrigento does not have its own airport. You can fly by plane to Catania, Palermo and Trapani.

The city can be easily reached by bus or train. From the capital of Sicily, Palermo, where the international airport is located, there are several trains a day. Agrigento can be reached from Catania, where the airport is also located.

The ancient city of Agrigento

Ticket price: From Palermo - 8…13 euros*. The duration of the trip is 2 hours. A ticket from Catania costs 15…23 euros. The duration of the trip is 6 hours.

The bus in Silicia is considered the main transport. Agrigento can be reached by bus from Palermo, Catania and Trapani.

Ticket price: from Palermo - 11 euros, travel time - 2 hours; from Trapani - from 48 euros, travel time - 5 hours; from Catania - 17 ... 24 euros, travel time - 5 hours.

In addition to the bus and train, the city can be reached by car. Coordinates on the map for motorists: SS 189 leads from Palermo to the city.

Important! Agrigento is almost all pedestrian and it is almost impossible to enter the city by car. You can find a place to park your car near the station, where there is a car park.

Valley of the Temples

Agrigento (Sicily): description of the main attractions

The main attraction of the city is the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento. It is located a few kilometers from the city center. The valley is a territory on which the remains of ancient temple buildings are located. The buildings were erected by the ancient Greeks living in this area (ancient Akragas) in the 5th-6th centuries BC. e. The archaeological park is divided into two parts by the road.

Temple of Concordia

This temple is better preserved than all the ancient buildings that have survived to this day. It is also called the Temple of Concord. This ritual building in the Doric style was erected in 430 BC. e. The temple has a quadrangular shape with columns around the perimeter.

Temple of Concordia

The columns were designed by ancient Greek architects in such a way as to create an optical illusion for those present (the structure looks much more massive and majestic than it really is). In the 7th century BC. e. the temple became the Christian church of Saints Peter and Paul.

Temple of Hera and Juno Lacinia

This temple is located at the highest point compared to other buildings. It was erected in 450 BC. e. Previously, the building had 38 columns. Only 25 of them have survived to this day.

There is a belief that it was in this temple that a picture depicting the goddess Juno, painted by the ancient Greek painter Zeuxis, was kept.

Temple of Hera and Juno Lacinia

Temple of Hercules

Its purpose was to personify the strength and power of Hercules, revered in Sicily. Of the 38 columns, only 8 have survived to this day. The structure dates back to 510 BC. e.

Temple of Jupiter

It was built in the second half of the 4th century BC. e. It was the most majestic of all temples. It was surrounded by 38 semi-columns of 6.5 meters in circumference. The temple was supported by telamones (sculptural images of men, they were also called Atlanteans) 7.5 meters high. Only remnants of its former glory have survived to this day. The original of one of the telamones is kept in the National Archaeological Museum.

In addition to the above buildings, in the Valley of the Temples you can see the remains of temples:

Dioscuri;
Aesculapius;
Ephesus or Vulcan;
Also on the territory there are necropolises of early Christians.

Additional Information! Entrance to the territory of the Valley of the Temples is paid - 5 euros, preferential - 3 euros. Opening hours: daily from 8:30 to 19:00.

Agrigento itself in Sicily is also of interest to tourists: it has preserved medieval buildings, and there are also many churches, museums, squares and alleys. In the city itself, the following attractions are of interest:

Cathedral. The building of the cathedral, together with the bell tower, remained unfinished. The building has excellent acoustics. Inside you can admire the beautiful paintings. It was built in the middle of the 15th century.
Bishop's Palace and Seminary (14th century), as well as the building of the Lukesian Library. All these buildings are located opposite the Cathedral.
Church of Santa Maria dei Greci. Its building was erected on the ruins of an ancient temple of Athena.
Theater Luigi Pirangelo (18th century).
City Museum, located in Piazza Pirandello. The City Hall is also located there. Address: Cortile St Spirito, I-92100 Agrigento.
Diocesan Museum.
Churches of Saint Lawrence, Holy Spirit, San Biagio.
Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone.
Archaeological Museum (considered the largest and most visited museum).

Temple of Jupiter

Excursions

To better know the history of all the sights of Agrigento, you should book a tour of the iconic places of the city. The cost of excursions starts from 200 euros. In addition to excursions around the city itself, you can book a tour of other provinces of Sicily and look at local attractions.

Types of recreation

Agrigento is famous for its beaches. The best time to relax on them is summer - mid-autumn. There are no beaches in the city itself, but the road to the suburban ones will take no more than 15 ... 20 minutes.

San Leone beach. It is located near the main attraction of the city - the Valley of the Temples. During the high season, the beach is filled with tourists.
Scala dei Turki. Here is the most beautiful nature, sandy shore and very warm sea water, which is suitable for relaxing with a child.
You can also note such beaches as Kaos, Marinella, Lido Azzuro.

In addition to relaxing on the beaches, you can walk along the streets of the city and try to feel the spirit of the Middle Ages - here it will not be difficult. True, the view of the city itself creates a feeling of dilapidation, but this does not hurt to take great photos that convey the mood of Agrigento.

A few kilometers from Agrigento is San Leone - a tourist place by the sea. You can go here after all the interesting places in Agrigento have been explored. There are amusement parks for adults and children. You can also go on a boat trip from here.

San Leone beach

You can arrange a gastronomic tour of Agrigento. The city is famous for its cuisine, however, like any other city in Italy. Definitely worth a try:

pasta with sardines;
various types of mussels, fried fish;
local delicacy - marinated shrimps;
Kubaita's signature dessert is a confection made with sweet honey and roasted almonds.

Information for tourists

Going on an excursion to the Valley of the Temples in the summer, you should definitely take a minimum supply of drinking water and a hat with you.

There are few hotels in the city, but you can choose an option and find both a 5-star hotel and a 3-star hotel.

On a note! In February, hundreds of almond trees bloom in the Valley of the Temples, which gives the place a special beauty.

The direction of Agrigento Sicily can rightly be called one of the most interesting. This city is definitely worth a visit. It contains everything in order to get vivid impressions, a sea of emotions and wonderful memories of what you saw.

*The prices indicated in the article are current at the time of publication of the material.

The Greeks called their city Agrigentum and Akragas, the ancient Romans called it Agrigentum, the Normans called Girgenti, the Arabs called Kerkent... And only at the beginning of the last century, the ancient Greek city in Italy, the main attraction of which is the Valley of the Temples, was officially named Agrigento.

Located a few kilometers from the city center, the 1,300-hectare archaeological excavation area has no analogues among Greek religious buildings, even in Greece itself. To date, the complex has 10 majestic temples, examples of the Doric style outside of Hellas. In 1997, all the surviving structures became UNESCO World Heritage Sites. True, archaeologists still continue to excavate on the territory of this open-air museum, and it is quite possible that in 15–20 years the UNESCO list will be replenished with new monuments.

History pages

The city of Akragas was founded as a colony in 581-582 BC. e. Rhodians who came from Gela. Already 14 years after its founding, the cruel tyrant Falaris came to power, ruling the city for 16 years. Thanks to the wealth of the area itself and the development of trade under Feron, Akragas turned into one of the most prosperous cities of the ancient world, with a population of over 20,000 people. Its inhabitants traded olive oil and wine, earning a lot of money from this. Almost along with the founding of the city, the construction of majestic temples began. A native of Agrigento, Empedocles noted: "The brilliance and power of the city are such that its inhabitants build such temples as if they were destined to live forever, and eat and drink as if they were destined to die the next day."

Akragas was partially destroyed after an attack in 406 BC. e. Carthage, but 20 years later Corinth helped the local population get rid of the Carthaginians. The Second Punic War established Roman power in the town, but after the fall of the Roman Empire, Akragas was under the yoke of barbarians, Normans, and Byzantines. The ancient Greek city became part of Italy in 1860, and in 1929 it received the official name of Agrigento.

A little about the temples from the Valley of the Temples

On the tops of green hills there are stone giants - temples dedicated to the gods. They are so huge that you can see them directly from the city, and, being nearby, a person feels like a grain of sand in the desert. Approximately three kilometers will have to be trodden from Agrigento in order to see for yourself the greatness of the ancient Greek places of worship.

The Valley of the Temples was discovered at the beginning of the 19th century through the efforts of Domenico Antonio Lofaso Pietrasanta. Most religious buildings date from the 6th-5th centuries BC. e. Eight of them are described in guidebooks, some are well preserved, others are only the foundation.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Colossal in size Temple of Olympian Zeus located in the western part of the Valley. More precisely, there are its ruins. The construction of the building was initiated by the tyrant Heron, who wanted to dedicate the construction to his victory over the Phoenicians in 480 BC. e. The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Agrigento is considered the largest ancient sanctuary. It occupied an area of more than 6000 m², reached 30 m in height, 111 m in length and 56 m in width. But the temple dedicated to the supreme Olympic god was never completed, and the earthquake that happened also destroyed the skeleton. From the temple of Zeus, only the giant figure of Atlanta in the museum has survived to this day.

Temple of Concord

The real gem of the Valley of the Temples is Tempio della Concordia - Temple of Concord(Concordia). Erected in the 5th century, the building was converted into the Christian church of Peter and Paul in the 7th century, thanks to which it has survived to this day almost intact. The rectangular base of the temple 39.44 m X 16.91 m around the perimeter is surrounded by columns. Despite the fact that in 1748 the Christian church was dismantled, the remains of arches can be seen through the gaps in the roof.

Temple of Hera

The second well-preserved sanctuary of the Valley is the highest standing Doric Temple of Hera or Juno, built in 450 BC. e. The rectangle at the base of the temple is slightly smaller than that of Concordia, of the 34 columns built by the ancient Greeks, 25 have survived. The building was badly damaged during a fire in 406 BC. e., but during the Roman Empire it was restored. Some surviving fragments testify that in the 6th century there was also a Christian church here, which saved the pagan temple from destruction. Tradition says that it was in this cult building that the famous image of Juno, written by the Greek Zeukis, was kept.

The power and strength of Hercules, whom the Sicilians were very fond of, personifies, erected in 510 BC. e. The sanctuary with 38 columns was indeed impressive in size: 73.99 m long and 27.79 m wide. But of all its former grandeur, only 8 huge columns have survived to this day.

Four surviving columns are considered a classic Greek temple and one of the symbols of the Valley of the Temples. Temple of the Dioscuri. Once upon a time, Doric columns stood around the perimeter of a powerful pedestal, four of which were put in place in 1836.

Almost next to the Temple of the Dioscuri is the sanctuary of the chthonic deities of the 6th-5th centuries BC. e., dedicated to Demeter and Persephone. Taking a few steps towards Agrigento from the ruins, you can see the gorge with the ruins Temple of Hephaestus. The sanctuary got its name "with a light hand" from an unknown Greek author, who indicated that Mount Hephaestus and nearby sulfur springs are located here - the forge of Hephaestus. In the Middle Ages, a residential building was erected right on the ruins of the temple, which was demolished in 1929.

A little away from the archaeological park on a rock above the cemetery is located. It is not at all like the traditional Greek temples. The lions carved in stone that once adorned the roof are kept in the museum. A little southwest of the Temple of Hera is the Temple of Asclepius.

Approximately 10 minutes walk towards the city from the Valley of the Temples, in the former building of the monastery of St. Nicholas, there is a regional archaeological museum that owns a rich collection of ancient Greek ceramics, several sarcophagi and numerous statuettes of rulers and deities.

Valley of Temples for Tourists

The ticket office and the turnstile are located near the Temple of Demeter. A visit to the Valley of the Temples and the museum itself will cost 13.5 euros. If the original archaeological finds are not particularly interesting, then you can walk around the excavation area for 10 euros. Tickets purchased at the entrance should be kept, since the Valley is divided by a road, and after crossing it, they will have to be presented again.

There are practically no trees on the territory of the open-air museum, so you should take care of your hats. In addition to a couple of bars, there is nowhere to replenish water supplies in the Valley, since the water in the columns is only suitable for washing.

Where is Sicily located?

The island of Sicily is located south of the mainland of Italy, between Europe and Africa. In the north, it is adjacent to the Apennine Peninsula. To the south of the island is Malta. A little further south are Tunisia and Egypt. In the northwest direction is another island of Italy - Sardinia. Sicily's eastern neighbor is Greece, from which the island is separated by the Ionian Sea. In addition, Sicily is washed by the Tyrrhenian (in the north) and the Mediterranean (in the south and west) seas. For lovers of exact numbers, we inform you that the geographical coordinates of Sicily are 37 ° 45’ 0 "N and 14 ° 15’ 0" E. d.

A bit of history

Today we invite you to take a short virtual tour of one of the ancient cities of Sicily - Agrigento, but first let's get acquainted with some historical facts.

In different periods of its history, this city had different names. The ancient Greeks called it Akragas, the Romans, who built their mighty empire, renamed it Agrigenta. Centuries later, the Arabs called it Kerkent Germente. The name Girgenti was given to the city by the Norman rulers. The current name was officially adopted in the middle of the 20th century, when the fascist regime ruled in Sicily.

The first mention of a settlement located on the lands where the city of Agrigento in Sicily is now located dates back to the 6th century BC. During this period, Rhodes and Cretan navigators mastered the local shores and founded the city of Akragas on the island. It soon became an important Greek colony, on a par with Syracuse to the south.

A few decades later, the city occupied an area of five hundred hectares. Residential and administrative buildings were surrounded by strong walls, which initially had nine gates. It was a fairly large city for its time. Akragas was inhabited by more than three hundred thousand inhabitants. They included citizens of other colonies and Greek metropolises, and descendants of the first colonists, as well as slaves.

Historians consider the heyday of the city to be the 5th century BC. e., when they were ruled by the mighty Theron. He managed to constantly expand the zone of influence of the city. The Temple of Zeus built by the Greeks, which was surrounded by other religious buildings, can be considered a real breakthrough for the architects of that time. Some of these buildings have survived in the Valley of the Temples to this day.

When the Western Roman Empire fell, the Byzantines and then the Norman conquerors came to power in Agrigento in Sicily. The city was later taken over by the Spaniards. And only in 1860 the city became part of Italy. Agrigento on the island of Sicily received its current name in the late twenties of the XX century.

Today, little remains of the former greatness of a large and important administrative center. The area of the city and its environs is only about 250 sq. km. The population is about 55.5 thousand inhabitants.

Getting to know modern Agrigento: city streets

The city perfectly conveys the spirit of the Middle Ages - narrow streets covered with paving stones, ancient architecture, exquisite fountains. Agrigento (Sicily) is especially good at sunset, the play of shadows turns it into a kind of theatrical scenery for the play of the great master.

Architecture

Despite its turbulent history, Agrigento (Sicily) has preserved numerous ancient monuments that are of interest to tourists. These are fortifications, and medieval palaces, and several museums, cathedrals, churches and monasteries, large squares and miniature courtyards that keep the memory of ordinary people and nobles who lived in this city hundreds of years ago. The city has preserved the heritage of dozens of cultures and absorbed all the best of them.

Sicily, Agrigento: holidays

One of the most popular and most visited resorts in the province of Agrigento is undoubtedly Schiaccia. This is a fairly large city, it is famous for its thermal springs and luxurious white beaches, among which it is necessary to highlight the areas of Tonnara, Stazzone, San Marco and Foggia. All these amazing places are ideal for a beach holiday and a relaxing time. Unique landscapes, warm and clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and comfortable hotels - all this attracts tourists to the resorts of Agrigento (Sicily).

Island holidays are very popular in the province of Agrigento. The Pelagian Islands hospitably open their arms to everyone who wants to sunbathe under the gentle sun.

The beaches of Agrigento

According to experienced travelers, here are the best beaches in Sicily. Agrigento, thanks to its climatic conditions, allows you to enjoy a beach holiday throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the city is early summer or early autumn. First of all, we recommend that you visit the San Leone beach, which is known to everyone who has been to the island. It is located near the famous Valley of the Temples, where the main historical monuments of ancient Greek architecture are concentrated. The sea here is calm, however, there are quite a lot of tourists in the high season.

Be sure to visit the Scala dei Turki beach. Once upon a time, Turkish pirates lived here, thanks to which the beach got its name. This is a great place for a relaxing family holiday. Magnificent nature, comfortable climatic conditions and warm sea water.

What to see in Agrigento?

When visiting this city for the first time, we recommend visiting its historical center. It is here that the main attractions of Agrigento (Sicily) are concentrated - monuments of architecture and art that illustrate the history of this ancient place.

Unfortunately, there is not much left of the former grandeur of the Old Town, but tourists with great pleasure roam the old streets and visit places where the spirit of antiquity hovers. The city has several beautiful temples, monumental palaces, spacious squares and shady alleys. In Agrigento (Sicily), the photo of which we posted in this review, will certainly appeal to everyone who loves the unique fabulous beauty of small old towns.

Museums

Probably, it is necessary to dwell in more detail on the museum complex of the city, since it is visiting museums that allows you to better know the history, culture, and traditions of an unfamiliar place. The largest and most visited is the Archaeological Museum.

You should definitely visit the Civico Museum, where a large number of paintings and sculptures that have come down to us from the Middle Ages are collected in huge galleries.

In 1963, the Diocesan Museum began its work in the city, built according to the project of the architect Minissi. Here are the relics of the nearby Cathedral and the seminary adjacent to it, as well as exhibits that testify to the history of the local church, rites and traditions.

There is another unique institution in Agrigento (Sicily). This is a gem museum. Here you can not only enjoy the beauty of precious stones, but also learn to distinguish between natural and artificial minerals, feel like a real gemologist, and work on professional equipment.

Valley of the Temples

Undoubtedly, this is the main attraction of Agrigento (Sicily). A huge temple complex that amazes and fascinates with its scale and unsurpassed splendor. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here from different parts of our planet to take a look at the ancient buildings and temples with their own eyes, which, despite the past centuries, are perfectly preserved.

To get here, you need to go to the southeastern region of the city. You will find yourself surrounded by monuments that symbolize the former greatness of the Greek colony. The first temples on this land were built in the 5th century BC. e.

Temple of Zeus

Initially, it was planned to build a structure measuring 56 x 112 meters with twenty-meter columns. The temple was supposed to be the largest Doric building of the ancient Greeks. But the storming of the city by the warriors of Carthage did not allow the construction to be completed, and a strong earthquake practically destroyed what had been built by that time. Today, in the midst of the ruins, there is an 8-meter sculpture of King Telamon, who raised his hands to the sky.

The temple was built in the 11th century. It was seriously damaged by a landslide (1244), but was reconstructed. In the 17th century it was rebuilt in the Baroque style. The south side of the temple is decorated with double Norman windows, and in the western part of the building there is an episcopal seminary. Steps from the majestic bell tower lead to the main entrance to the cathedral. The three-aisled basilica, which was restored after the devastating earthquake of 1966, adorns the interiors.

The nave has been preserved, the front part of the building is made in the Gothic style, the wooden ceiling was decorated in the 17th century.

Sanctuary of Kalogera

A unique building in Agrigento (Sicily) was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. It is divided into three parts by two colonnades. A rectangular apse with three chapels crowns its center. The altar was made in the 14th century from wood with mother-of-pearl inlays. The building is decorated with gilded multi-colored mosaics, the work of Michele Amico.

Where to stay in Agrigento (Sicily)?

The city can be divided into three districts:

the historical center, which is located on the top of the hill;
lower part, at its foot;
the main street is via Atenea.

You can choose hotels in Agrigento (Sicily), located in the valley. They offer stunning views of the orange orchards and the Valley of the Temples.

Among the hotels in the historical part of the city, we should highlight the small but very cozy B&B Bibirria. It offers accommodation in only four rooms. Each has a dining area, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. The rooms are equipped with air conditioners, necessary household appliances.

You can pay attention to another hotel in the historical part of the city - B&B Liol, which is located next to the Cathedral. It is also quite small (three apartments) with a shared kitchen with a refrigerator that stores snacks. In the morning, the hotel serves a rich and tasty breakfast, which can be served in your room.

Most of the shops, restaurants and bars are located in the lower part of the city. Several hotels located in the area overlook the Valley of the Temples. B&B Portatenea, for example, is located right on the main street (via Atenea), with public parking next to it. Breakfast at this hotel is served on the terraces.

The nearby B&B Marchese Sala is a real palace built in the 18th century. From its terrace and from the windows of the rooms there is an amazing view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Valley of the Temples. The owners of the hotel organize and conduct excursions.

B&B Villa San Marco is located 500 meters from the temples and is also surrounded by a beautiful garden where birds chirp merrily. At any time of the day you can cool off in the swimming pool located on site.

Hotel Villa Athena is the most luxurious hotel in Agrigento (Sicily). It is located in a villa built in the 18th century. In 2012, the hotel was recognized as the best on the island. Some of its rooms overlook a wonderful garden, some - the Valley of the Temples. Each room has its own bathroom, finished with natural marble, bedroom and living room, furnished in a classic style.

What travelers say

About Agrigento (Sicily) reviews of tourists are different. For the most part, vacationers are satisfied with the trip. They liked the wonderful nature and climate of Sicily. Agrigento attracts with a calm, measured way of life, an excellent opportunity to combine a beach holiday with an excursion.

Someone thinks that Agrigento in Sicily is suitable for lovers of history and ancient architecture. There is little entertainment in the city, so many go to clubs and discos located in the nearest resorts.

It is impossible to visit Sicily and not visit Agrigento. The world fame of the Valley of the Temples, located near the city, attracts crowds here who are eager to touch the secrets of history. The fact that this piece of Ancient Greece is protected by UNESCO only adds to the popularity and desire to see the picturesque colonnades of thousand-year-old temples with your own eyes.

The chronicle of the town itself is no less intriguing than the history of the majestic remains. The appearance of Agrigento is attributed to 582 BC. e. It was founded by settlers from the Greek islands of Rhodes and Crete. They called it either Akragant or Agragas (historians have not come to a consensus on this matter).

At first, the new settlement was not lucky. It was captured by the cruel tyrant Falarid. His behavior would certainly have attracted the attention of psychiatrists, since the ruler entertained himself by burning people alive in a hollow bull specially cast from copper.

Fortunately, the earthly path of the sadist was short-lived, the good creator Theron came to replace him. During his reign, the city flourished, grew rich, acquired the glory of the most beautiful and huge. For those times, a population of 60 thousand is a metropolis, by today's standards.

Until now, the inhabitants of Agrigento are proud of their famous ancestor - the philosopher Empedocles, who even in those days contributed to the establishment of a democratic system in a huge city. History has brought the legend that thanks to Empedocles even the climate of the area has changed. He figured out how and where to build a tunnel, after the appearance of which warm southerly winds began to flow into the valley. Modern engineers say that it was technically impossible at that time.

Tourists and guests of modern Agrigento note the special lively and positive attitude of the locals. Energetic, even impulsive, witty, funny - such is the reputation of its inhabitants. Interestingly, even in prehistoric times, the characteristic was similar. Empedocles wrote: “The power and brilliance of this city are such that its inhabitants build temples, as if they were destined to live forever. And they eat and drink as if they were destined to die the next day.”

The famous mafia of Sicily also singled out Agrigento with its attention. But here "fathers and sons" more often rested from the labors of unrighteousness. Don't confuse places to live with work.

Ancient Greece on the land of Italy

The legendary Valley of the Temples is one of the best preserved rare places on Earth. Its Doric columns can compete in safety and age only with those for which Greece itself is famous. Although Greek influence and rule in Agrigento ended as early as 241 B.C. e., when a peace treaty was signed, and all of Sicily came under the rule of Rome.

The lanes and rakes of the historical path of mankind led either to destruction or to creation. At the same time, it was considered mandatory to rename settlements in their own way. The current name of the city of Agrigento was legally approved only in 1949. Forgotten Arabic Kerkent, Greek Akragant. But the locals still continue to call their native places in Sicilian Girgenti.

A small cozy town with a wonderful climate, an atmosphere of antiquity and hospitality delights tourists with many colorful buildings that have preserved the breath of time. But all the streets lead to the most desirable object for travelers: the Valley of the Temples.

Corner of antiquity

Now it is the Archaeological Museum of Sicily. The time-worn columns keep the memory of ancient myths about the Olympian gods. Hercules, Vulcan, Aesculapius, Juno and Zeus the Thunderer himself are immortalized in the names of dilapidated ancient temples.

The most preserved is the Temple of Concord or Concordia. It was saved from barbaric destruction by the reconstruction, which was started in the 7th century by Christians who set out to turn the sanctuary into the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. The mighty columns have been perfectly preserved to our times. There are 34 of them, standing on a four-step rectangular base. The harmony of majestic simplicity and proportionality of proportions shocks everyone who sees this unique evidence of the power of the ancients.

The Temple of Hercules was built, according to experts, at the end of the 6th century BC. e. It is the oldest and largest among the architectural treasures. It is the only one that has the surviving parts of the altar. Nearby is the tomb of Theron, the very benefactor who contributed to the flourishing of Agrigento.

The Atlanteans of Telamon supported the powerful roof of the temple of Zeus. Their height was 7 and a half meters. One of these giants, defeated by time, still lies at the ruined colonnade. Another surviving copy adorns the exposition of the Archaeological Museum of Agrigento. This Telamon is a relic that all Sicily is proud of.

The Valley of the Temples does not correspond to its geographical designation. The entire ancient complex of seven surviving structures is located not in the valley, but on the crest of the hill. Only the smallest temple of Asclepius is located on a flat surface in the center. Its construction dates back to the 5th century BC. e.

It is interesting that in its sanctuary there is a bronze Apollo - a statue of the Greek sculptor Myron. It is worth admiring, because even the Roman commander Publius Cornelius Scipio enjoyed contemplation of this work. It was for him that the sculpture was created.

A noble footprint in history

Domenico Antonio la Fazo Pietrasanta is the name of a man who preserved the ancient value for posterity. True to his profession, the archaeologist Pietrasanta dedicated his life to the reconstruction of the Valley of the Temples. He drew the attention of the world community to this unique relic of Sicily.

In 1809, he inherited this territory along with the title of Duke of Serradifalco. When he realized what responsibility was bestowed on him by fate, he was not afraid to take up the matter. And with honor fulfilled the intended.

The Valley of the Temples is especially beautiful in winter. At this time, almond trees flourish here. The view of ancient relics becomes divinely beautiful. And the streets of ancient Agrigento are getting younger from the pearly radiance of fragrant flowers.

This outstanding monument of ancient architecture was included by UNESCO in the list of world cultural heritage sites. This significant discovery was made by the Italian archaeologist Domenico Antonio Lofaso Pietrasanta at the end of the 19th century. In ancient times, there was a large Greek city of Akragas, founded in 581 BC by settlers from the island of Rhodes, but it reached its peak during the reign of the tyrant Falera and became the center of the economic life of Sicily. The city was located in a very advantageous place, and therefore was attractive to other peoples. During the attack of the Carthaginians in 406 BC, the city was badly destroyed and was under the yoke of Carthage for another 20 years, until the inhabitants, with the help of Corinth, drove out the invaders. In 210, Akragas was occupied by Roman soldiers and renamed Agrigentum, but in the 7th century the Romans were forced to leave the city, as there was a threat of invasion by Arab tribes, they moved to a nearby hilltop, where the modern city of Agrigento is now located.

On the site of the once mighty city of Akragas, the Valley of the Temples of the ancient Greek gods remained, most of which date back to the 5th-6th centuries BC. Here are the temples of Zeus, Hercules, Hera, Vulcan, Asclepius and other gods.

Temple of Hercules

This temple is dedicated to the ancient Greek hero Hercules or Hercules and is considered the oldest in the Valley of the Temples, once there were 38 columns supporting the vault of the temple, but in our time there are only 8 of them. ascended to Olympus, was one of the most revered gods in Agragas.

Temple of Hera

The ruins of the temple of Hera or Juno, the supreme goddess in Greek mythology, are located near the wall that protects the city and at the same time the temple. The temple survived a lot - first a fire in 405 BC, then, already in the Middle Ages, it was destroyed by an earthquake.

Temple of Zeus

The Temple of Zeus, the chief among the Greek gods, is located in the western part of the Valley of the Temples. The construction of this temple was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the victory over Carthage in 480 BC, but was never completed. At present, on the site of the temple, you can see the remains of statues of the mighty Atlanteans.

Temple of Concordia

The Temple of Concordia or Concord is the best preserved, it is believed that this happened due to the fact that in the VI century a Christian church was opened here. Local residents who converted to the Christian faith protected the former temple from destruction. After the church was partially dismantled in 1748, arches remained, visible through the gaps in the roof.

Temple of Vulcan

The temple of Vulcan or Hephaestus was built in the 5th century BC. Archaeologists believe that this is one of the oldest buildings in the Valley of the Temples, after the Temple of Hercules. Unfortunately now it is also the most poorly preserved building.

Archaeological Museum

On the territory of the Valley of the Temples there is the Archaeological Museum, which contains finds discovered during excavations. The most famous exhibit is the statue of the titan Atlanta, 8 meters high, which was discovered on the site of the Temple of Zeus. The museum also houses a rich collection of ancient ceramics.

Tourists can visit the Valley of the Temples and see these beautiful monuments of ancient architecture during a trip to the island of Sicily in the city of Agrigento, the city has many other attractions, as well as swim in the warm sea.