Agrigento Valley of the Temples guide
The **Valley of the Temples** in Agrigento is one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites — a vast complex of ancient Greek temples set against the Sicilian countryside. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it embodies the grandeur of classical civilization and the soul of ancient Sicily.
- Visit Sicily
- 3 min read
Agrigento Valley of the Temples Guide
🏛️ Overview
Located on Sicily’s southern coast, the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) is an open-air museum of Greek architecture and one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the Mediterranean. Founded in the 6th century BCE by settlers from Gela, the ancient city of Akragas (modern Agrigento) was once one of the richest and most powerful Greek colonies.
Today, the site spans nearly 1,300 hectares, filled with temples, sanctuaries, and necropolises that tell the story of a civilization at its peak.
🏺 Main Temples and Highlights
1. Temple of Concordia
The most iconic and best-preserved Doric temple in Sicily — and arguably in the world. Built around 430 BCE, it remains almost entirely intact. Its name, however, comes from a Latin inscription found nearby, not from its original dedication.
2. Temple of Juno (Hera Lacinia)
Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, this temple was dedicated to Hera, goddess of marriage. Traces of fire damage hint at its destruction by the Carthaginians in 406 BCE.
3. Temple of Heracles (Hercules)
One of the oldest temples, recognizable by its eight standing columns. It was admired by Cicero, who once described it as one of the most beautiful in the ancient world.
4. Temple of Zeus Olympios (Jupiter)
Once one of the largest temples ever built in antiquity — though now mostly in ruins. Its massive stone giants, the Telamons, can be seen in the nearby museum.
5. Temple of Castor and Pollux (Dioscuri)
Symbol of modern Agrigento, partially reconstructed in the 19th century. It marks the western edge of the sanctuary area.
🏛️ Archaeological Museum and Garden
Visit the Regional Archaeological Museum of Agrigento to see sculptures, pottery, and artifacts found in the Valley. Don’t miss the Kolymbethra Garden, a lush green oasis filled with citrus trees and ancient irrigation channels — perfect for a break from the sun.
📍 Visiting Tips
- Opening hours: daily, usually from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM (extended in summer).
- Tickets: around €12; combined tickets include the museum.
- Best time to visit: early morning or at sunset — the golden light makes the temples glow.
- Dress comfortably: wear hats, sunscreen, and good walking shoes — the site is large and mostly unshaded.
- Guided tours: available in multiple languages and highly recommended for historical context.
- Night visits: from May to September, the temples are beautifully illuminated for evening tours.
🚗 Getting There
- By car: 2 hours from Palermo, 2.5 hours from Catania.
- By train: connections from Palermo take about 2 hours.
- By bus: frequent routes from major Sicilian cities.
Agrigento itself has a charming historic center, worth exploring for its narrow streets, local trattorias, and views over the valley.
🧭 Summary
The Valley of the Temples is not just a monument to ancient Greece — it’s a place where time stands still. Walking among these sunlit ruins, you can feel the power and artistry of the ancient world echoing through Sicily’s landscape. A visit here is an unmissable journey into the island’s classical heart, where history, myth, and nature intertwine.