Undoubtedly Sicily's most famous attraction, the Valley of the Temples, or Valle dei Templi, lies on the island’s southern coast just outside the town of Agrigento, and spans approximately 1,300 hectares – considered to be one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.
Discovered in the 18th Century by European travelers, who were immediately awed by their astonishing find, the site consists of 8 temples and various other remains. These encompass the Temples of Hera, Concordia, Heracles, Zeus, Castor and Pollux, Hephaestus and Demeter, which can all be found in the same area, while the Temple of Asclepius is located on the banks of the Akragas river.
In front of the Temple of Concordia lies the statue of Icarus, which was donated by the Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj and represents the Fall of Icarus.
The world-famous archaeological site in Agrigento was enshrined on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997 and is considered one of the finest examples of Greek architecture outside of Greece itself.
The temples are understood to have been built by the Greeks somewhere between 6-4 centuries BC, a culturally significant act in dedication to their gods at a time when the Greeks ruled over several colonies in Southern Italy, collectively known as Magna Grecia, or Greater Greece.
The town of Agrigento – the modern name of Akragas – was first settled in the 6th Century BC and, at its peak, was the largest and most prosperous city in the Mediterranean.
The temples today represent an invaluable source for historians to better understand the culture and traditions of the Greek people who developed the area into one of the world’s most prominent cities of its time. The site remains one of the finest testaments to the ancient Greeks, and one of the best preserved archaeological sites, second only to Athens’ world-famous Acropolis.
The temples and museum are open to visitors every day of the week where visitors can admire the Hellenic architecture, explore eerie tombs and meander the Temples interspersed by almond trees. Longer opening hours operate throughout the summer season where visitors can experience the impressive spectacle of a sunset among the ruins.
An outstanding example of Greek art and architecture, the Valley of the Temples is a truly unmissable and invaluable experience for any visitor to Sicily. If you wish to incorporate a visit to the site into your yacht charter itinerary, please speak with a recommended yacht rental broker.
Alternatively, you can begin planning your next vacation by viewing the entire fleet of superyachts available for Italy yacht charters.
Valley of the Temples Photos
Valley of the Temples
Valley of the Temples
92100 Agrigento
Province of Agrigento
Sicily
Italy
