Agrigento is a large city in Sicily, near the archaeological park of the Greek temples and the sea. Visitors travel here to visit the Valle dei Templi , the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily’s must-see sites. The area was a Greek settlement 2500 years ago and there are large remains of Greek temples that can be seen in the archaeological park. The Temple of Concord, beautifully perched on a ridge, can be seen as you approach the area. The city itself has a small and interesting historical center.
Agrigento Location and Transportation
Agrigento is located in the southwest of Sicily, overlooking the sea. It is right off the main road that runs along the southern coast of Sicily. It is about 140 km south of Palermo and 200 km west of Catania and Syracuse.
The city can be reached by train from Palermo or Catania, where there are airports. The train station is in Piazza Marconi, in the city center, a few steps from the historic center. Buses go from the city to the archaeological area of the Valley of the Temples and to nearby cities, beaches and towns.
Where to stay and eat
The 4-star Villa Athena, next to the Valley of the Temples, is an ideal place to stay and you can also enjoy a meal on its terrace overlooking the temples. Another option of the temples is the B&B Villa San Marco. They both have a seasonal pool and parking.
The cozy Bed and Breakfast Scala dei Turchi in nearby Realmonte is a good and inexpensive base for exploring the area. There is bus service between Realmonte and Agrigento.
There are several restaurants near the historic center. The Concordia is highly recommended and is located just off Via Atenea, the main road along the bottom of the center. They serve wonderful pasta and fish dishes. For a splurge, eat at Villa Athena on a fine day when serving on the terrace. Along with an excellent meal, you will have a breathtaking view of the Valley of the Temples.
Agrigento tourist information
The tourist information offices are located in Piazza Marconi, next to the train station and in the city center, in Piazzale Aldo Moro . There is also tourist information near the parking lot at the archaeological park of the Valley of the Temples.
The traditional Sicilian carts made by the master cart maker Raffaele La Scala are based in Agrigento. It is possible to arrange a visit by contacting his son, Marcello La Scala, who maintains Raffaele La Scala’s workshop and cars.
Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park (Valle dei Templi)
The Valley of the Temples archaeological park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a large sacred area where monumental Greek temples were erected in the 4th and 5th centuries BC. They are some of the largest and best preserved Greek temples outside of Greece.
Unmissable attractions
The archaeological park is divided into two sections, divided by the road. There is a large parking lot where you can park for a small fee. There you will find the ticket office, souvenir stalls, a bar, restrooms and the entrance to a section of the park, the Zeus area . Across the street is a second section, Collina dei Templi , where you’ll find the most complete temple remains lined up on a ridge, another bar, and bathrooms. There is also a ticket office and entrance at the opposite end of the Collina dei Templi section.
Further up the road to town is the Regional Museum of Archeology with some ruins closer by. Here are more places you can’t miss:
- The Temple of Herakles, Ercole , is the oldest of the temples still standing and dates from around 500 BC. It is the first temple you come to when you enter the Collina dei Templi section from the large car park.
- The Temple of Concord, Tempio della Concordia , from 430 BC. C., is the most intact of the temples. It is better preserved because it was used as a church. Sitting on the hill, it can be seen from a distance and offers good views of the valley below.
- Tempio di Giunone is the furthest from the car park in the Collina dei Templi section. It still has several columns. There are also good views from here.
- Roman tombs and Greek walls run along the path that leads to the three temples above.
- The remains of the ancient Agora are located near the parking lot and the entrance to the Zeus area .
- The remains of the Tempio di Giove have just passed the Agora.
- Giardino della Kolimbetra is an ancient garden of olive and citrus trees.
- The remains of the Hellenistic and Roman quarter are across the street from the museum.
- Recreations of the Temple of Zeus and Giant , in the museum, show the size and shape of the temple. The temple itself is now just a jumble of large stones, but it was once the largest known Greek temple in the world.
- Other interesting exhibits in the museum include lion-headed water spikes, a large collection of Roman vases and mosaics.
For more detailed information on admission fees, hours, and guided tours, visit the official Valley of the Temples website.
