The total area of the monument is about 1300 hectares. In the VI century. BC. Greek settlers founded the colony of Akragas here, which was conquered by the Carthaginians two centuries later. Witnesses of the rich history of the city are Doric temples, squares, pagan and Christian burials, as well as a dense water supply network.
Valley from a bird's eye view
Scientists have identified in the valley the ruins of as many as ten temples of the Doric order and three sanctuaries, as well as many burials, fragments of the fortification system and part of the ancient Roman quarter, built on the site of the ancient Greek. There were also two market squares where meetings were held (in Greek they were called "agora"), and an administrative building for meetings of the city council - the bouleuterium.
temples
Temple of the Dioscuri. Photo © Merlijn Hoek, Angelo Milioto / Flickr.com
The temple of the mythical Dioscuri twins Castor and Pollux, the sons of Jupiter (Zeus) and the wife of the Spartan king Leda, has become a symbol of Agrigento.
Temple of Concordia. Photo / Shutterstock.com
The temple of the goddess of consent Concordia stands on the sacred road; it was built around the 5th century. BC. and is distinguished by the best preservation among the entire complex. In the VI century. AD a Christian church was set up in it. The original purpose of the temple was identified by an inscription found near the building.
Temple of Concordia. Photo © mariocutroneo, Merlijn Hoek / Flickr.com
The temple of Jupiter (Zeus) was built in gratitude for the victory of the inhabitants of Akragas over the Carthaginians in 480 BC. A gigantic figure of an atlas, consisting of massive stone blocks, has been preserved here.
Temple of Zeus. Photo © Dennis Jarvis, Terry Feuerborn / Flickr.com
Temple of Hercules (Hercules)
Temple of Hercules (Hercules) - the most ancient in the valley; the cult of the legendary hero was one of the central ones in Akragas. The building contained a bronze statue of Hercules; the temple was destroyed by an earthquake, and today only eight columns remain from it.
Temple of Hercules. Photo © poudou99 / Wikimedia Commons
Temple of Juno Lacinia
The temple of Juno Lacinia (scientists find it difficult to establish with accuracy who the temple is dedicated to, therefore the name is conditional) stands on a spectacular cliff, on the eastern part of the hill. On the walls of the cella (interior, limit), traces of a fire are still clearly visible: in 406 BC. this temple, almost indistinguishable from that of Concordia, was destroyed by the Carthaginians. Near the ruins of the temple, you can see a large altar for sacrifices (on the east side) and a section of the road with deep tracks from the wheels of carts passing along it.
Temple of Juno Lacinia. Photo © Angelo Milioto, mariocutroneo / Flickr.com
The temple of the god of healing Aesculapius was built quite far from the walls ancient city: the sick flocked here, praying for recovery. The walls of the temple were covered with inscriptions of gratitude from those who were lucky enough to be cured.
The Temple of Vulcan (Hephaestus) was built in the 5th century. BC. and, apparently, had a rather impressive scale. Unfortunately, very little of it remains today. In the foundation, the ruins of an even more ancient and very small temple were revealed.
Near the Golden Gate is the so-called "Tomb of Theron". It has nothing to do with the ruler of Acragas Theron: in fact, this pyramidal building made of tuff is a monument to those who died in the Second Punic War (Rome against Carthage, 218-201 BC).
Acropolis and Burials
Agora. Photo © Harvey Barrison / Flickr.com
The agora, the market square, which served as the main center of public life of the Greek city-states, also makes a great impression. In addition, it is worth seeing the "Council Hall" north of San Nicola Hill and the gymnasiums - a place where the townspeople played sports, studied and spent their leisure time.
Byzantine and early Christian burials. Photo © Clemensfranz / Wikimedia Commons, © Dennis Jarvis / Flickr.com
There are many Greek, Roman and early Christian necropolises in the valley, located just outside the ancient city. Also noteworthy are the plumbing, floor mosaics from Greek and Roman residential areas, as well as early Christian basilicas of the later era - for example, not far from the Temple of Concordia.
Agrigento is located in the Italian region of Sicily. The current modern city arose on the site of the ancient settlement of Akragas, founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC.
general information
On the map of Italy, Agrigento is located in the southwestern part of the island of Sicily. The climate in the city is moderately warm. The maximum temperature in summer is +25. In winter, the temperature ranges from +10 to +15. Most of the precipitation falls during the winter months.
Important! Agrigento does not have its own airport. You can fly by plane to Catania, Palermo and Trapani.
The city can be easily reached by bus or train. From the capital of Sicily, Palermo, where international Airport, there are several trains a day. Agrigento can be reached from Catania, where the airport is also located.
The ancient city of Agrigento
Ticket price: From Palermo - 8…13 euros*. The duration of the trip is 2 hours. A ticket from Catania costs 15…23 euros. The duration of the trip is 6 hours.
The bus in Silicia is considered the main transport. Agrigento can be reached by bus from Palermo, Catania and Trapani.
Ticket price: from Palermo - 11 euros, travel time - 2 hours; from Trapani - from 48 euros, travel time - 5 hours; from Catania - 17 ... 24 euros, travel time - 5 hours.
In addition to the bus and train, the city can be reached by car. Coordinates on the map for motorists: SS 189 leads from Palermo to the city.
Important! Agrigento is almost all pedestrian and it is almost impossible to enter the city by car. You can find a place to park your car near the station, where there is a car park.
Valley of the Temples
Agrigento (Sicily): description of the main attractions
The main attraction of the city is the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento. It is located a few kilometers from the city center. The valley is a territory on which the remains of ancient temple buildings are located. The buildings were erected by the ancient Greeks living in this area (ancient Akragas) in the 5th-6th centuries BC. e. The archaeological park is divided into two parts by the road.
Temple of Concordia
This temple is better preserved than all the ancient buildings that have survived to this day. It is also called the Temple of Concord. This ritual building in the Doric style was erected in 430 BC. e. The temple has a quadrangular shape with columns around the perimeter.
Temple of Concordia
The columns were designed by ancient Greek architects in such a way as to create an optical illusion for those present (the structure looks much more massive and majestic than it really is). In the 7th century BC. e. the temple became the Christian church of Saints Peter and Paul.
Temple of Hera and Juno Lacinia
This temple is located at the highest point compared to other buildings. It was erected in 450 BC. e. Previously, the building had 38 columns. Only 25 of them have survived to this day.
There is a belief that it was in this temple that a picture depicting the goddess Juno, painted by the ancient Greek painter Zeuxis, was kept.
Temple of Hera and Juno Lacinia
Temple of Hercules
Its purpose was to personify the strength and power of Hercules, revered in Sicily. Of the 38 columns, only 8 have survived to this day. The structure dates back to 510 BC. e.
Temple of Jupiter
It was built in the second half of the 4th century BC. e. It was the most majestic of all temples. It was surrounded by 38 semi-columns of 6.5 meters in circumference. The temple was supported by telamones (sculptural images of men, they were also called Atlanteans) 7.5 meters high. Only remnants of its former glory have survived to this day. The original of one of the telamones is kept in the National Archaeological Museum.
In addition to the above buildings, in the Valley of the Temples you can see the remains of temples:
- Dioscuri;
- Aesculapius;
- Ephesus or Vulcan;
- Also on the territory there are necropolises of early Christians.
Additional Information! Entrance to the territory of the Valley of the Temples is paid - 5 euros, preferential - 3 euros. Opening hours: daily from 8:30 to 19:00.
Agrigento itself in Sicily is also of interest to tourists: it has preserved medieval buildings, and there are also many churches, museums, squares and alleys. In the city itself, the following attractions are of interest:
- Cathedral. The building of the cathedral, together with the bell tower, remained unfinished. The building has excellent acoustics. Inside you can admire the beautiful paintings. It was erected in the middle of the 15th century.
- Bishop's Palace and Seminary (14th century), as well as the building of the Lukesian Library. All these buildings are located opposite the Cathedral.
- Church of Santa Maria dei Greci. Its building was erected on the ruins of an ancient temple of Athena.
- Theater Luigi Pirangelo (18th century).
- City Museum, located in Piazza Pirandello. The City Hall is also located there. Address: Cortile St Spirito, I-92100 Agrigento.
- Diocesan Museum.
- Churches of Saint Lawrence, Holy Spirit, San Biagio.
- Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone.
- Archaeological Museum (considered the largest and most visited museum).
Temple of Jupiter
Excursions
To better know the history of all the sights of Agrigento, you should book a tour of the iconic places of the city. The cost of excursions starts from 200 euros. In addition to excursions around the city itself, you can book a tour of other provinces of Sicily and look at local attractions.
Types of recreation
Agrigento is famous for its beaches. The best time to relax on them is summer - mid-autumn. There are no beaches in the city itself, but the road to the suburban ones will take no more than 15 ... 20 minutes.
- San Leone beach. It is located near the main attraction of the city - the Valley of the Temples. During the high season, the beach is filled with tourists.
- Scala dei Turki. Here is the most beautiful nature, sandy shore and very warm sea water, which is suitable for relaxing with a child.
- You can also note such beaches as Kaos, Marinella, Lido Azzuro.
In addition to relaxing on the beaches, you can walk along the streets of the city and try to feel the spirit of the Middle Ages - here it will not be difficult. True, the view of the city itself creates a feeling of dilapidation, but this does not hurt to take great photos that convey the mood of Agrigento.
A few kilometers from Agrigento is San Leone - a tourist place by the sea. You can go here after everything has been studied in Agrigento interesting places. There are amusement parks for adults and children. You can also go on a boat trip from here.
San Leone beach
You can arrange a gastronomic tour of Agrigento. The city is famous for its cuisine, however, like any other city in Italy. Definitely worth a try:
- pasta with sardines;
- various types of mussels, fried fish;
- local delicacy - marinated shrimps;
- Kubaita's signature dessert is a confection made with sweet honey and roasted almonds.
Information for tourists
Going on an excursion to the Valley of the Temples in the summer, you should definitely take a minimum supply of drinking water and a hat with you.
There are few hotels in the city, but you can choose an option and find both a 5-star hotel and a 3-star hotel.
On a note! In February, hundreds of almond trees bloom in the Valley of the Temples, which gives the place a special beauty.
The direction of Agrigento Sicily can rightly be called one of the most interesting. This city is definitely worth a visit. It contains everything in order to get vivid impressions, a sea of emotions and wonderful memories of what you saw.
*The prices indicated in the article are current at the time of publication of the material.
Agrigento. Sicily.
Had many names: Akragas- so the Greeks called the city, Agrigentum - the Romans who came after, Kerkent the Arabs said Girgenti- Normans. And only in 1929 the city officially began to be called.
was founded by Greeks from the island of Rhodes in 581 BC. Akraganth (Akragas)- so the Greeks called the city, became one of the significant and prosperous cities ancient world. At the same time it was built Valley of the Temples and the city began to be called "most beautiful city mortals".
But in 406 BC. the city was besieged by the Carthaginians under the command of Hannibal, after a stubborn struggle and siege, the Carthaginians destroyed Acragas almost completely. This horrified the Greeks and caused a political crisis. Subsequently, the city was restored.
During the 2nd Punic War, Acragas came under the rule of Rome and received the name - Agrigentum (Agrigentum).
These were years of quiet history under the shadow of prosperous Rome. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Agrigento was ruled by the barbarians, then the Byzantines and then the Normans. The Aragonese were replaced by the Spaniards, and in 1860 became part of the united Italy.
And only in 1929 the city officially began to be called.
Main attraction Agrigento - Valley of the Temples- an extensive archaeological park with Greek temples of the VI and V centuries. BC, which are considered the best examples of the Doric style outside of Greece and are under the protection of UNESCO.
Agrigento. Valley of the Temples.
Several temples have survived to this day. The best preserved temple Temple of Concordia, it was built in the 5th century. Rectangular at the base - 39.44 m x 16.91 m, with columns around the perimeter (6 x 13). In the 7th century the temple was rebuilt into the Christian Church of Saints Peter and Paul. This is what helped it survive so well to this day.
Temple of Concord. Agrigento. Sicily.
The highest temple temple of Hera or Juno Lacinia (tempio dei Hera Lacinia)- Doric temple 450 BC With a diameter of 38.15 m x 16.90 m, with 34 columns, 25 columns have survived to this day.
According to legend, the famous painting depicting Juno, painted by the Greek painter Zeuxis, was kept in this temple. Moreover, for this picture, Zeuxis examined in the nude all the girls of ancient Agrigento and chose five of them in order to reproduce in the picture what each of them individually approved of.
Temple of Hera Lacinia. Agrigento.
Temple of Hercules was built in 510 BC. He personified the strength and power of Hercules, who was so loved in Sicily. The temple was huge 73.99 m x 27.79 m with 38 columns. But only 8 majestic columns have survived to this day.
Temple of Hercules. Agrigento.
In another part of the park (the park is divided into two parts by a highway) located Temple of Jupiter (tempio di Zeus (Giove) Olimpico), built in 480-479. BC. by order of the tyrant Theron. It was the most magnificent and grandiose temple, surrounded by 38 semi-columns six and a half meters in circumference and decorated with giant Telamon seven and a half meters high, which supported the temple. Now only ruins remain of the temple. A copy of one of the lying Telamons can be seen in the Valley near the ruins of the temple. And the original is kept in the National Archaeological Museum.
You can also see the ruins temple of the Dioscuri (tempio dei Dioscuri), temple of Aesculapius (tempio di Escupalio), temple of Ephesus or Vulcan (tempio di Efesto), as well as necropolises of early Christians.
Directions to the Valley of the Temples: From Agrigento railway station there is a bus to the La valle dei templi stop.
Website of the Valley of the Temples - www.lavalledeitempli.it
The historical center, which was formed in the 9th-15th centuries, is also interesting. and still retains medieval buildings and a special atmosphere.
Agrigento. Sicily.
Agrigento. Sicily.
Agrigento. Sicily.
Agrigento. Sicily.
On the hill is Cathedral of San Gerlando (piazza Don Minzoni) founded by Bishop Gerlando in the 11th century. The cathedral looks a little strange. The bell tower, which was added in the 15th century, remained unfinished, the construction of the cathedral itself was also not completed. Inside there is a wooden ceiling with beautiful paintings. The building of the cathedral has excellent acoustics.
Cathedral of San Gerlando.
Opposite is located Bishop's Palace and Seminary built in 1574 and building "Lucchesian Library".
Church of Santa Maria dei Greci (S. Maria dei Greci) (via Atenea) was erected on the ruins of the Doric temple of Athena of the 5th century BC, the ruins of which can still be seen today.
Church of Santa Maria dei Greci.
It is worth paying attention to the famous ravine - via Bac Bac. 
Agrigento. Sicily.
Agrigento. Sicily.
on a cozy Piazza Pirandello in the former monastic complex of the Dominicans there is the city municipality, next to the theater (XVIII century) Luigi Pirandello, as well as the City Museum.
Agrigento- a city of undeniable charm, archeological monuments of unforgettable beauty and memories of the peoples that imprinted its name through the ages.
Akragas for the Greeks, Agrigenta for the Romans, Kerkent Germent for the Arabs and Girgenti for the Normans: the name Agrigento was officially given to the city during the Nazi occupation, due to the incorrect pronunciation of the Latin name "in Italian".
Agrigento located on a hilltop, in the very place chosen by the Arabs, who completely rebuilt the city after its conquest and total ruin. Historical evidence of the original Akragas and Greek domination remains only in the Valley of the Temples, located at the very base of this hill.
The panorama that Agrigento offers will certainly captivate everyone: the close proximity to the sea, the hilly landscape with an endless array of olive, orange and almond trees and flowers, cobbled alleys and small courtyards that form the center of the city. All this has a mysterious charm, which increases sharply in the hours before sunset.
Panorama of the Temple of Juno. Photo flickr.com
Agrigento is without a doubt a city that will not leave its visitor disappointed, because it is simply impossible to get bored here. Churches, palaces, museums, archeological monuments, fountains, squares and streets: in this city located in the southwest of Sicily, many sites of historical, artistic and archaeological heritage of various cultures and peoples have been preserved.
It should be noted that one of the leading writers of Italy, Luigi Pirandello, Nobel Prize winner in 1934, was born in the province of Agrigento.
A Brief History of Agrigento
Founded in 581 BC Greek settlers from Rhodes and Crete, Akragas quickly became one of the most important cities of Ancient Greece, the second most important Greek colony after.
The urban area of the Greek Akragas consisted of 456 hectares and was surrounded by fortress walls with nine gates. The population of the city was about 300,000 inhabitants, and Akragas itself was known among the Greek poets as "the most beautiful city of mortals." The city reached its peak in the fifth century BC, under the rule of the tyrant Theron, who expanded his holdings to the northern coast of Sicily. During this period, art and culture flourished in Akragas, with the construction of a temple to Zeus and most of the temples that can still be seen in the Valley of the Temples today.
Remains of the Temple of Zeus in the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento. Photo flickr.com
In 210 BC the city was conquered by the Romans and annexed to, however, in the following centuries, Agrigento, still under the rule of Rome, survived the invasion of the Arabs. The conquerors destroyed the city almost completely, and then founded a settlement on the top of the hill, where today you can admire the historical center of the city in typical Arab form, with small lanes and courtyards that converge on Via Atenea, which continues to this day to be the most important "artery" of the city.
Via Atenea crosses the entire historical center of Agrigento and houses many beautiful palaces and churches, which sometimes differ completely in architectural style from each other. The temples and churches of the city contain treasures that are often unknown to the general public, for example, here you can see numerous works by Serpot and Gagini. In the heart of the old city, as many centuries ago, small private taverns are open, where wine is poured, anchovies and Sicilian olives are served.
In 1087, Agrigento was conquered by the Normans. The Normans gave a new impetus to the development of art and Christian culture, built numerous churches and fortifications that protected Agrigento from Saracen pirates.
In the 18th century, the city was under the rule of the Bourbons, until 1860, when Sicily was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.
Today Agrigento has an area of 245 sq. km, the city is located at an altitude of 230 m from sea level and has about 55,500 inhabitants.
What to see in Agrigento?
Historical Center
The historic center of Agrigento is rich in historical monuments and palaces that tell of the glorious past of the city, however, unfortunately, today Old city is in the running state. Nevertheless, this fact does not prevent tourists from walking along its streets and admiring many places of historical and artistic interest.
The central street of Agrigento is Via Atenea. Feast of San Calogero. Photo flickr.com
Churches
In Agrigento you will find many religious buildings that are worthy of your attention: from the church "Addolorata", famous for its underground crypts, to the church of San Francesco di Paola, with two beautiful bell towers; from the "representative" of the Baroque - the church of San Giuseppe to the Greek-Albanian church of the 16th century "Del Itria". In addition, interesting temples, from an architectural and historical point of view, are
the Baroque Church of San Lorenzo, with a façade adorned with numerous statues;
the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception with a beautiful interior containing marble tombs of nobles and clergy;
Church of St. Nicholas, where there is a wooden crucifix, which tells the story of Pirandello.
Do not forget to visit the Cathedral, now known as the Cathedral of St. Geraldo, the patron saint of the city. This building was built in 1100, and its construction lasted over 200 years!
Cathedral of Agrigento. Interior. Photo flickr.com
These are just some of the basilicas and churches that the city of Agrigento offers for inspection. In addition to photo sessions in front of each of the temples of the city, we recommend that you go inside and appreciate the heritage of great significance stored in each of them.
Palaces and other interesting architectural objects
In addition to religious monuments, Agrigento will offer many beautiful buildings and structures for tourists. These include the City Hall, which was built on the ruins of an ancient Dominican monastery of the 17th century, the Prefectural Palace, built in the second half of the 19th century, the building of the post office of the fascist era and the Palazzo del Genio Civile Palace. The list of interesting buildings should also include the Pirandello Theater (formerly dedicated to Queen Margherita and only after 1946 to a famous writer), as well as the Municipal Theater of the city, built by Giovanni Battista Basile and Dionisio Sciascia.
Piazza Pirandello. Agrigento. Photo flickr.com
Luigi Pirandello's parental home
Everyone who comes to Agrigento must go to the parental home of Luigi Pirandello, where the Nobel Prize winner was born in 1867.
Squares and avenues
Much of Agrigento's beauty comes from its avenues and squares. Start your walk in Viale della Vittoria, home to Villa Bonfiglio, the most beautiful park of the city, with its green spaces, then stroll through Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, full of beautiful buildings, do not miss Piazza Cavour and Marconi and of course Via Atenea, which runs through the whole city.
Piazza Municipio. Agrigento. Photo flickr.com
Museums
The museums of Agrigento certainly deserve a visit. Among all regional museums, the Archaeological Museum of Agrigento stands out in importance, the most visited in all of Sicily: its collections allow you to travel through the history, art and ethnography of the region. Don't miss the Museo Civico, located in Piazza Municipio, which houses some medieval and renaissance sculptures and paintings of great artistic value.
Province of Agrigento
lovers beach holiday you should definitely go to the beach of San Leone, the most famous and famous beach in the whole province of Agrigento, located at the foot of the Valley of the Temples. In summer, this beach is always crowded with a crowd of vacationers. Another obligatory stop in the province of Agrigento is the town of Porto Empedocle, birthplace of Pirandello and the contemporary Italian writer Andrea Camilleri. In addition, the ruins of an ancient Roman villa have been preserved in this seaside town.
San Leone beach. Sunset. Photo flickr.com
Valley of the Temples
Although the city of Agrigento cannot be compared in beauty with, or Rome, it has something to offer the tourist. Travelers from all over the world travel to Agrigento to admire the hallmark of this Sicilian city: the picturesque Valley of the Temples, which is nothing more than the ruins of ancient Akragas, that is, the original Greek Agrigento. Located in the southeast of the center of Agrigento, this valley allows you to imagine the period of prosperity and greatness of the city under the rule of the Greek Empire. Here the ancient Greeks erected a number of Doric temples in the fifth century BC; some of them are still perfectly preserved, some of them are only the remains, but even the sight of the ruins leaves every tourist speechless.
Entrance is paid, the valley is open from 9:00 am until sunset.
The main attractions of the Valley of the Temples:
Temple of Concordia
This is one of the most impressive and best preserved temples. Built around 430 BC, the Temple of Concordia or Concord is a Doric-style ritual building that almost 100% resembles the famous Parthenon temple in Athens. The temple has a quadrangular shape, its width is 20 meters and its width is 42 meters. Its columns were built by ancient Greek architects in such a way as to introduce everyone into a state of optical illusion: the temple looks higher and more majestic than it really is.
Temple of Concordia. Photo flickr.com
Temple of Zeus
Executed in rows of seven columns, unlike all other temples, which are based on six columns, the temple of Zeus is one of the largest buildings in the Valley: its dimensions are 113 meters long and 36 wide. Unfortunately, the temple was not completed. The temple in honor of the god Zeus, the lord of Olympus, was built in honor of the victory of the Carthaginians, but today only a row of columns remains from this temple. Next to this temple is Atlas, which once supported the vaults of the temple (now in a supine position), 8 meters in height.
Atlant. Temple of Zeus. Photo flickr.com
Other temples
The rest of the temples are even worse, but it is worth noting the Temple of Hercules (Tempio di Ercole), probably the oldest in the Valley, the Temple of Juno (Tempio di Giunone), the Temple of Dioscuri (tempio dei Dioscuri), the tomb of Theron (la tomba di Theron), the Temple Castor and Pollux (Tempio di Castoro e Polluce).
Temple of Juno. Photo flickr.com
What to try in Agrigento?
As usual in cities close to the coast, Agrigento is dominated by seafood-based cuisine. Try pasta with sardines, squid soup, cod "alla saccenese", baked mussels with chili peppers, grilled fish or marinated raw shrimp - these are dishes that you can find in every restaurant. Departing from the "sea" theme, in Agrigento you can enjoy a long series of traditional recipes. These include, for example, rabbit stew, sausages with fennel, sesame and chili, lean veal seasoned with cheese and ham, cooked in the oven, etc.
Don't forget to try the sweets, which are a real gem of this province of Italy. Caponata and Cassatine, cannoli and almond dough, chocolate and pistachios are just some of the city's main desserts. Almonds are a distinctive pastry addition in the region: among the most famous recipes are "Cubaita", with honey and roasted almonds, and "MARTURANA" cakes.
Holidays in Agrigento: main events
Almond Blossom Festival
The most popular event that the whole city gathers for is the Almond Blossom Festival. This holiday is celebrated in February to celebrate the imminent arrival of spring in Sicily. The almond blossoms make Agrigento a truly spectacular place this season: thousands of tourists flock to the city during this period as the Valley of the Temples turns into a musical scene overflowing with scents and soft pink colours. In combination with the almond blossom in the heart of the ancient Greek city, two international folklore festivals are held with the Golden Temple Award for the best folk group.
Almond Blossom Festival. Photo flickr.com
Feast of San Calogero
A whirlwind of sounds, colors and processions - this is how the feast of San Calogero is celebrated in July for two weeks, despite the fact that this saint is not the patron of the city (the protector of Agrigento is San Geraldo). However, according to tradition, it is in honor of San Calogero that Agrigento organizes a huge mass procession with a statue of the saint through the streets of the city, singing folk songs and dancing to the sounds of "Zingarella".
Feast of San Calogero. Photo flickr.com
Feast of Persephone
Numerous exhibitions and performances take place in June in the Valley of the Temples, near the temple of Hera, to celebrate the ancient Greek festival of Persephone, daughter of Zeus, goddess of fertility.
Blues&Wine Soul Festival
Once again, the Valley of the Temples becomes the undisputed star of the holiday, which takes place in July. The blues and soul music festival, along with wine tasting, takes place among the remains of ancient Akragas - what could be more impressive! A similar event is held in August as part of a festival called Moments of International Folklore.
Where to stay in Agrigento?
Agrigento offers a good choice hotels, especially three and four star hotels. Depending on your needs and your budget, you can choose from different categories of hotels - hotels, agritourism cottages or bed-and-breakfasts.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the Top 5 best hotels in the province of Agrigento, according to the reviews of travelers left on the Boking.com portal.
1. Foresteria Baglio Della Luna - Via Serafino Amabile Guastella 1C - C.da Maddalusa (Valle dei Templi), 92100 San Leone, Italy
Hotel Baglio della Luna is 5 km from the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, 800 meters from the beach.
2. Colleverde Park Hotel - Via Dei Templi, 92100 Agrigento, Italy
Hotel Colleverde Park is a 15-minute walk from the famous archaeological site of Agrigento and 2 km from the centre. The windows overlook the Valley of the Temples.
3. Hotel Exclusive - Via Acrone15, 92100 Agrigento, Italy
Hotel Exclusive is located in the center of Agrigento, opposite the train station. The hotel overlooks the Valley of the Temples and the Mediterranean Sea.
4. Hotel Costazzurra - Via delle Viole 2, 92100 San Leone, Italy
Hotel Costazzurra is located in the seaside resort town of San Leone, just 3 km from the Valley of the Temples.
5. Hotel Concordia - Via San Francesco D "Assisi 11, 92100 Agrigento, Italy
Hotel Concordia is located in Agrigento, a 5-minute walk from the train station.
How to get to Agrigento?
By plane
Unfortunately, the city of Agrigento does not have its own airport. You can land in the city of , or , and then take a bus, or perhaps rent a car (via this link). Your efforts will be rewarded when you arrive at your destination!
Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport(PMO) serves direct flights from all major Italian and European cities. After landing in Palermo, you can reach Agrigento by first taking the "Trinacria Express" train, which leaves every half an hour from the airport and goes to Palermo Central Station. There are many trains from Palermo Station to Agrigento (travel time is about 2 hours).
There is also a direct bus to Agrigento from Palermo Airport (SAL).
The alternative is Catania-Fontanarossa International Airport (CTA), where planes of all major international companies land.
From Catania airport there is a direct bus to Agrigento (SAIS Trasporti). Travel time is about 2.5 hours.
By car
From take the A18 until Catania, then continue on the A19 towards Palermo, exit at " ", and finally continue on the SS 640 until Agrigento.
From Palermo, take the A19 towards Catania, exit at Villabate, then continue on the SS 121 for about 118 km until you reach your destination.
From the SS 115 take Noto, Ragusa and Gela to Agrigento.
From mainland Italy:
follow the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria, exit at Villa San Giovanni, where the ferry to Messina is located. From Messina, follow the A18 to Catania, continue on the A19 Catania-Palermo, exit at "Caltanissetta", then continue on the SS 640 to Agrigento.
By train
Agrigento has its own train station, but with the exception of Palermo, train connections to other cities in Sicily and Italy suffer. If you take the train in Taormina or Catania, you will have to make one or more transfers.
By bus
The best way to get to Agrigento is by buses that depart/arrive at the city's bus station (Piazza Rosselli).
