Ancient Greek temples dot the landscape of this Sicilian city. The Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO site, preserves well-preserved Doric structures from the 5th century BCE.
Agrigento, on Sicily's southern coast, is a city rich in ancient Greek history and medieval charm. You can explore the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples, with its Doric structures from the 5th and 6th centuries BCE. Walk through the narrow streets of the old town, join local festivals, or visit the nearby Scala dei Turchi, a striking white cliff formation.
Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples, Agrigento's primary site, stretches across a ridge south of the modern city. This archaeological park contains some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. As you walk along the ancient sacred way, you'll see a series of impressive Doric temples dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries BCE. The Temple of Concordia is in excellent condition, due to its conversion into a Christian church in the 6th century CE.
Temples and Structures
At the eastern end of the sacred ridge stands the Temple of Juno Lacinia, built around 450-430 BCE. It once housed a statue of the goddess Hera. The Temple of Hercules, dating back to the late 6th century BCE, is the oldest in the valley and has eight remaining columns. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, now in ruins, was one of the largest temples of the ancient world. You can see its massive scale from the fallen telamons - giant stone figures that once supported the temple's roof.
Archaeological Museum
Visit the Archaeological Museum between the modern town and the Valley of the Temples to learn more about Agrigento's ancient history. The museum displays artifacts excavated from the ancient city and its surroundings. You'll find pottery, sculptures, and the telamon from the Temple of Olympian Zeus. These exhibits help you visualize the grandeur of ancient Akragas.
Medieval Old Town
The medieval old town sits on a hill above the ancient ruins. The historic center has narrow streets and staircases that lead to piazzas and viewpoints. You'll find the Cathedral of San Gerlando, founded in the 11th century, which combines Norman, Gothic, and Baroque elements. Nearby, the Church of Santa Maria dei Greci sits atop the foundations of an ancient Greek temple, showing how different eras of history overlap in Agrigento.
How to Get There and Transportation
You can reach Agrigento by train or bus from major Sicilian cities. Trains from Palermo run approximately hourly, taking about two hours. The journey from Catania is longer and may require a change. Agrigento's main train station (Stazione Centrale) is in the city center. Local buses connect the town center with the Valley of the Temples, though you can also walk if you don't mind a 30-minute uphill trek.
Surrounding Area
About 15 km west of Agrigento, you'll find the Scala dei Turchi, a white cliff formation that resembles a giant staircase descending into the sea. For a day at the beach, head to the nearby resort of San Leone. Its sandy shores and bars are active during the summer months. These coastal areas offer a different experience from the historical sites of Agrigento.
