Valley of the Temples in Agrigento

The Valley of the Temples is an archaeological site located in Agrigento on the island of Sicily, Italy. It is one of the most prominent sites of Hellenistic art and architecture and is the main tourist attraction of the island.

The Valley of the Temples relic site has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1997. Much of the excavation and restoration of the temples here is thanks to the efforts of archaeologist Domenico Lo Faso Pietrasanta (1783- 1863) from 1809 to 1812. The Temple Valley Landscape and Archaeological Park is the largest archaeological site in the world, with an area of up to 1,300 hectares. Although it is called a valley, this site is located inside. a ridge outside the town of Agrigento.

The valley includes the remains of seven temples, all of which are in the Doric Column architectural style. The Temple of Concordia, whose name comes from a nearby Latin inscription, was built in the 5th century BC. It became a temple in the 6th century and is currently one of the most well-preserved temples in the Valley. The Temple of Juno Lacinia is a shrine built in the 5th century BC. It was largely destroyed by the Punic people in 406. It was followed by the temple of Heracles, which was dedicated to one of the most revered deities in ancient Akragas. This is the oldest temple in the Valley and was destroyed in an earthquake.

Currently, its remains are only 8 stone columns. The Temple of Olympian Zeus built in 480 BC to celebrate his victory over Carthage, it is the largest Doric temple in terms of scale ever built, although it was never completed and today only heaps remain. dilapidated. The present temple of Castor and Pollux is only the remains of four stone pillars assembled and reconstructed in the early 19th century using pieces from other temples. The Temple of Vulcan dates back to the 5th century BC and is said to be one of the greatest structures in the valley.

Although called the temple of Vulcan or Hephaistos, the exact gods to which the temple was built is not known. This is a circular structure with Doric columns placed on a four-step Crepidoma with 6x13 columns. The Temple of Asclepius is located far from the walls of the old town. This is where pilgrims come to seek healing. The Valley of the Temples also has a place called Theron's Tomb, which is a large pyramidal volcanic tuff monument. Scholars believe it was built in memory of the Romans killed in the Second Punic War.

Around the Valley, there are many resting places with many amenities, overlooking the temples located in the valley, suitable for family travel. The archaeological park in the valley is open to visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends and public holidays. Ticket prices range from 5eu to 15eu depending on the location.