Sicilia: Agrigento

Hotels Restaurants Sights Shopping

Agrigento sits high on a hill facing the sea and looking out on the Valle dei Templi. The reason people come to this town is to visit/tour the Valle dei Templi/Valley of Temples. The monuments here are what are left of the ancient town of Akragas (5^th century). It was dubbed "man’s finest city/the finest city of mortals". Located below the modern town of Agrigento, the temples on Via dei Templi are dramatically situated on a ridge. The Tempio di Ercole/Temple of Hercules is the oldest temple (6^th century). The Tempio di Giunone/Temple of Juno sits on a ridge and was built in 470 BC. The Tempio della Concordia/Temple of Concord was built in the 5^th century and is very well preserved. The Tempio di Giove/Temple of Jupiter was never finished and would have been one of the largest ever in the ancient world. The Tempio dei Dioscuri/Temple of Castor and Pollux/Tempio di Castore e Polluce only has 4 columns. For a treat, drive along the ridge/the Strada Panoramica in the evening as the monuments are lighted. You’ll be transported with a visit here. How could so much ancient history be this well preserve? The Museo Regionale Archeologico has artifacts from the temples and the area. After you’ve spent the morning in the Valle, spend the afternoon in the medieval center of town. Piazza Aldo Moro is the center of Agrigento and leads to winding streets and leisurely strolls. The Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Greci, is an 11^th century church built upon a 5^th century temple. There are some Byzantine frescoes inside. On Via Duomo is the duomo built in the 11^th century. The Monastero del Santo Spirito (13^th century) has stuccoes in the chapel by Serpotta. Market day is Friday in Agrigento (and Tuesday too).