The temples of Agrigento: Classical Greece on our doorstep!
On a rocky ridge south of the plateau on which the classical settlement stood, they emerge in their eternal beauty The remains of Doric temples. From east to west, one can still see the eight temples dedicated to the deities of theAncient Greece. Anyone who wants to plan a trip to Sicily must undoubtedly visit the ancient Valley of the Temples. And to do so, he must know its history. Here we tell you about some of it.
The Valley of Agrigento between conflicts and conquests: the story of a place desired by all
It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 and is most famous for its Doric temples dedicated to Greek deities, which are still well preserved. Over the centuries, this place has been a source of inspiration for many poets, philosophers, painters and architects.
Along with the Temples of Selinunte and the Temple of Segesta, is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic archaeological parks in Sicily, as well as the largest archaeological site in the world! The origins of the Valley date back to the 6th century B.C. when Greek settlers, who had first settled in Gela (south of Agrigento), decided to move up inland to counter Selinunte’s attempts at expansion. The local land was very fertile and conducive to the cultivation of grains.
The Greek city of Akragas (ancient name for Agrigento) experienced a long period of economic prosperity. The famous temples were erected during this period and still contribute to the fame of this enchanting place centuries later.
Unfortunately, however, other peoples were interested in this success. In 406 B.C. the city was brutally attacked by the Carthaginians. The eight-month siege ended in victory for the enemies, and all residents were killed or exiled.
After a quieter period, Akragas was defeated in 210 BC by the Romans, and the Valley of the Temples suffered gradual abandonment. To date eight temples remain, all built between 510 and 430 BCE.
Doric architecture: the experience of a journey through time
In the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, it is possible to admire the remains of many Doric temples, some of which are in an excellent state of preservation. Here you can observe and visit three shrines, several necropolis e fortifications, and part of a Hellenistic quarter Roman built on a Greek plain.
Two Agora, one Olympeion, a Bouleuterion (council hall) and the remains of a Greek theater discovered only in 2016 can be visited daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Very interesting is the Tomb of Theron, the tyrant who gave particular impetus to the city, built as an imposing tufa monument in the shape of a pyramid.
Among the monumental temples in the Valley, we recommend that you do not miss the Temple of Concord. Built in the 5th century, it is the best-preserved building, partly due to the fact that it was converted into a Christian temple in the 6th century AD. No less important and equally spectacular are the Temple of Hera Lacinia or of Juno, the Temple of Heracles or Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Zeus Olympius, built after the victory of Himera over the Carthaginians (480-479), the Temple of the Dioscuri or temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Temple of Athena, the Temple of Asclepius, the Temple of Demeter and the Temple of Isis located in the museum complex of St. Nicholas.
Walking in this place where one breathes the air of an ancient world you will be able to observe the magnificence of the Greek civilization, surrounded by a bare and wild landscape. Between the countryside and the sea before evening twilight, when the fiery light filters through the columns of the temples, you can discover themystical and dreamy atmosphere of the Valley.
We recommend that you walk slowly, appreciating the silence and the vastness of the space.
Since you are already in the vicinity, you could pay a visit to the Regional Archaeological Museum “P.Griffo” In the Contrada San Nicola. On display here are 5688 artifacts illustrating the history of the Agrigento area from prehistoric times to the conclusion of the Greco-Roman era.
For visitors from all over the world, the Valley of the Temples remains one of the most evocative places ever, where one can still sense the grandeur of its inhabitants and hear their eternal prayers in the background.
If you felt like buying a ticket right away you can do so here.
Giulia Nari