Valley of the Temples in Agrigento

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is considered the largest archaeological site in the world, covering an area of 1,300 hectares. The attraction is located in Sicily, the valley lies among blooming almond trees, offering picturesque views. It represents the ruins of buildings erected by ancient Greek colonists.

The uniqueness of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento

Today it is one of the most visited attractions in the country, which has officially received the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historical site contains buildings of an ancient civilization. Scientists have discovered here 10 temples of the Doric order, dedicated to the world of the gods, and 3 sanctuaries, burials, fragments of a fortification system and part of the ancient Roman quarter, which was built on the territory of Ancient Greece. Previously, meetings were held in the valley, which the Greeks called “agora”. There were 2 market squares nearby. Much has changed since then, but Greeks and Italians are proud of an amazing place that has no analogues in any country.

Temples in Agrigento

Different locations of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento are of great interest to travelers. For example, the temple of Castor and Pollux Dioscuri. These are mythical twins, the sons of the god Zeus and the wife of King Tyndareus Leda, who was mentioned in the Iliad and Odyssey. The temple of the goddess Concordia was built around the 5th century. A Christian church was built here, as evidenced by an inscription found near the building. The Temple of Zeus, also called Jupiter, was built as a thank you for his support during the battles with the Carthaginians.

People believed that divine power helped them in the war. The giant figure of the Atlantean has been preserved; against its background, many people take selfies and set avatars on social networks. The Temple of Hercules is considered the oldest in the valley. But the building has not survived to this day. It collapsed during an earthquake. The cult of the hero is well described in the myths of Ancient Greece. There are a total of 20 temples in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. It is physically impossible to see the complex in one day, so most tourists choose a 3-4 day visit format.

Useful information

You can visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento every day from 8.30 to 20.00. Admission under 18 years of age is free. And on the first Sunday of any month, everyone can take advantage of this privilege; there is no entrance fee. On other days, to get into the valley, you need to pay 10 euros; during exhibitions, the price rises to 12 euros. Combined tickets for the regional museum of archeology and the Valley of the Temples cost from 15 euros, but they are valid for 3 days.

At the ticket office you can rent an audio guide in various foreign languages. But you should leave your ID as collateral. If you don't have a passport with you, a driver's license will do. Guests choose how to visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento on their own. The valley has 3 entrances. You can take a map with you and navigate by it or hire a professional guide who knows every corner of the complex.