Agrigento, Sicily
Visit Agrigento
Agrigento is an important Sicilian city, and the capital of the Sicilian province of the same name. It is located on southern coast of the island.
It was one of the most important centers of civilization for the Greek colonists on Sicily, which can clearly be witnessed through the archaeological sites in the city. Agrigento has a long history of occupation and has changed hands several times during its 2600 year life.
Whats in a name?
The original Greek name for the town was Akragas. After falling to the Carthaginians in 40 BC it was the Romans, who occupied the region from 210 BC, that gave it the name of Agrigentum.
With the Arab occupation of the 9th century the name changed to Kerkent, which subsequently became Girgenti. it wasn't until 1927 that the current name, Agrigento, was bestowed upon the town by Mussolini.
Valley of the Temples, Sicily
The most famous archaeological attraction, which has raised Agrigento to worldwide recognition, is the Valle dei Temple, or the Valley of the Temples, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was constructed from the 6th century BC onwards.
Built in the manner of the great Acropolis in the Athens, the complex of the Valley of the Temples is built on a high ridge, a worthy place for temples from the viewpoint of the ancients, and facing the sea. From this description, you can clearly see that the name for the site has been chosen very inappropriately.
Probably the most spectacular of all the structures in the complex is the Temple of Concord, which still stands tall and is the best preserved structure of the complex - this is because it was converted to be used as a Church in the 6th century AD, and thus avoided the damage done by christians to many of the temples here on the basis they were pagan monuments.
The other structures in the Temple Complex include Temple of Zeus Olympic, Temple of Juno, Temple of Heracles, Temple of Castor and Pollux, Temple of Vulcan and Temple of Asclepius. The Tomba di Terone is also an interesting pyramid shape structure in the Valley of the Temples.
Other places in and around Agrigento
The town itself has an interesting historical centre that is very pleasant to explore. Attractions in the town of Agrigento like the Cathedral, Via Atena and the Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Greci are all noteworthy.
There is also a Regional Museum of Archaeology that features many artefacts that have been unearther during excavations in and around the Valley of the Temples and elsewhere in the region.
Agrigento beaches
When you tire of all the history that surrounds you, relax by visiting some beautiful beaches near the town. The beaches near Agrigento include Scala dei Turchi, San Leone and Torre Salsa.
Places to visit near Agrigento, Sicily |