Valley of the Temples

The Valley of the temples is an archaeological site included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. In 2000 an Archaeological Park was established in order to safeguard the extraordinary historic and landscape heritage.

The Valley is located on the territory of the ancient Akragas – the current Agrigento – and is proof of the Greek domination, which represents a fundamental part of the history of this beautiful city.  It expands for about 1300 hectares and customised guided tours are provided. You can admire not only nine temples but also sanctuaries, necropolis, Theron’s Tomb, a Gymnasium and a Theatre.

The temples

The temples of the Valley are among the best preserved of the entire Sicily, built in Doric style around the fifth century B.C. We can’t know exactly to which god they were devoted: their attribution mostly derives from the interpretation of classical literary works.

The temple of Concordia is the best preserved. At the end of the sixth century a.D. it was converted into a Christian church.

The majestic temple of Zeus (or Olympian  Jupiter) was originally erected to be set apart from the surrounding environment: it was built on a gigantic rectangular platform encircled by steps and enclosed by soaring columns.

On the highest point of the Hill of the Temples, offering an amazing panorama, stands the temple of Juno (or Hera).

The temple of Castor and Pollux is located within the sacred area known as Sanctuary of  the Chthonic Deities.

Symbol of Agrigento, the temple of Hercules is the most ancient one.

The temples of Vulcan, Asclepius and Demeter are the worst preserved ones (today, the latter is incorporated into the Church of Saint Biagio).

Lastly, the temple of Athena is located outside of the Archaeological Park.

You can visit the Valley of the temples also by night, enjoying a breathtaking sight of the illuminated temples and a magic atmosphere.