The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is one of the most amazing places in Sicily, Italy and even in Europe. It is a vast archaeological site where the towering ruins of the ancient Greek temples, on a barren plateau surrounded by the Mediterranean scrub, olive and almond trees in bloom. A place of incredible beauty that has inspired many romantic painters.
The site corresponds to the Greek city of Akragas, the original core of the ancient Agrigento, founded in 582 BC. Today is the regional archaeological park with an area of 1300 hectares is the largest archaeological site in the world. In 1997, the Valley of the Temples was recognized World Heritage Site.
The Valley of the Temples was awarded the Prix Italian Landscape 2017 at the first edition of the National Landscape Day, established by Mibact to promote the culture landscape as Italian identity value. To be awarded was the project Agri Gentium: landscape regeneration of the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
Valley of the Temples: the monuments
The area includes ten temples in Doric style, dating between the sixth and second centuries BC, and is located south of the city of Agrigento, overlooking the city and the nearby sea. A position with a magnificent view. The temples were built with local tufa stone and are facing east, as to respect the custom according to which the statue of the god, placed inside the entrance cell, was illuminated by the rising sun.
Valley of the Temples: when to go and how to get
The Valley of the Temples can be visited all year, keeping in mind that in summer the heat is scorching, almost an African climate. If you want to admire the ancient temples surrounded by blooming almond trees, the ideal time is spring. The almond trees bloom as early as February, and at the beginning of this month (March) is the feast of the “Almond Blossom”. Folk groups from around the world gather in the Valley of the Temples gather together to celebrate the arrival of spring with music, songs and dances.
In summer or late spring you can go up to the Valley in the early morning or late afternoon, when the archaeological area is less crowded and sunlight illuminates the temples with spectacular effects.
How to get
By plane: the nearest airport to Agrigento is to Comiso about 120 km. From here you reach Agrigento with the SS 115 along the southern coast of Sicily.
By car: from Palermo (about 130 km) take the SS121 exit to Agrigento / SS189 and continue to the Valley of the Temples. From Trapani (about 175 km) take the State Road 115 up to Porto Empedocle. From Catania (about 165 km) take the A19 Catania-Palermo and, after Enna, Caltanissetta-Agrigento exit towards, taking the SS 640.
Just few minutes from Agrigento and The Valley of the Temples is located Villa Concordia: strategically located close to Agrigento and the majestic archeological site Valley of the Temples, Concordia is an exclusive villa with private swimming pool, ideal for those seeking privacy, comfort and relaxation. This luxury villa is set in a pleasant rural area, hidden among the rocks, not too far from the beach and the city. Immersed in a luxuriant garden, the property consists of three buildings overlooking the large pool and a beautiful Jacuzzi.