Agrigento Sicily - attractions, beaches. The beaches of Sicily. Southwest coast beaches agrigento sicily

To the south of the city lies a row of five Greek temples - a sight worthy of comparison with the Acropolis itself in Athens. Typically, the temples are subdivided into two zones: the eastern zone and the western zone, on each side of the main entrance and the road from the city center. Sometimes it gets unbearably hot in summer, and here a small shade, as well as olive trees along the ridge, saves from this. Entrance costs 8 euros, an additional fee is taken for an audio tour or a simple card (data as of November 2012).

The first temple to the east of the entrance is the Temple of Hercules (Italian Tempio di Ercole) - long, thin and only a third preserved. This is the oldest of the temples, built around the end of the 6th century BC. NS. Of particular interest are the tracks left by the ancient carriages.

The path continues behind small hills at the edge of the mountain range - there is the Temple of Juno (Italian Tempio di Giunone). Partially destroyed, it gives an excellent view of the ridge below, leading to other temples.

To the west of the main entrance is the massive Temple of Jupiter (Italian: Tempio di Giove), which was never completed, and now its structure can only be seen with great difficulty. The most notable is one of the huge stone statues that now lie on the ground.

Behind it is the small, ruined Temple of the Dioscuri (Italian Tempio di Dioscure).

Behind the small temple there is a small but interesting Tomb of Theron (Italian: Tomba di Terone).

To understand everything seen in context, it is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum (located halfway to the city center), as well as the nearby Hellenic-Roman quarter with several beautiful mosaics. VisitAgrigento provides daily tours of the Valley of the Temples, however an audio tour is available at the entrance to the temples. If you take the devices, you will be responsible for their safety and will have to return to the main entrance on the way back to return them.

To get to the Valley of the Temples by public transport, purchase a bus ticket

No. 1, 2 or 3 at the counter at the train station and take the bus to the square in front of the station.

Church of Santa Maria dei Greci (Italian Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Greci)

An interesting Norman church, built about a thousand years ago on the site of an ancient Greek temple. The entrance is free.

From the point of view of transport accessibility, the southwestern coast of Sicily (conditionally, from Marsala to Cape Passero) is perhaps the least attractive and is inferior to the other two coasts: the north and east. And the tourist infrastructure in this part of the island is far from ideal. However, the local beaches are often no worse than, say, in San Vito lo Capo and Mondello or in Fontana Bianca and Lido di Noto. Moreover, just because of the relatively undeveloped transport and resort infrastructure, the southwestern coast is much less crowded, and therefore the beaches here, as a rule, are much more spacious. What else do you need for a secluded beach holiday? Maybe a car. Because moving around the south-west of Sicily without personal transport is very, very difficult in places. Fortunately, car rental is not a problem. This can be done immediately upon arrival: at the airports of Catania (see, for example,), Palermo (see) or Trapani (see). It is also worth mentioning the Comiso airport, which is located near Ragusa. Ryanair and some other low-cost airlines fly here. This is the southernmost airport in Sicily, through which it is convenient to get to many seaside resorts, including places such as Marina di Ragusa, Pozzallo, etc. Of course, in Comiso there is also an opportunity to rent a car (see).

However, let's not forget about public transport. Many of the beaches on the southwest coast are easily accessible both by rail (see www.trenitalia.com) and by bus (links below).

For further convenience, we will divide the southwestern coast into two parts: (it is more convenient to get here through Trapani and Palermo) and (it is better to go here through Comiso and Catania).

Usually Marsala(Marsala) considered as a destination for a short sightseeing trip. The city is really interesting. However, few people pay attention to the fact that in addition to historical sights, Marsala also has pretty good beaches. They are located far from the city center, but getting to them will not be difficult. For example, to the beach Lido Signorino from Marsala train station you can get by train in just 5 minutes (you should get off at the Terrenove stop, from where about 10-15 minutes walk to the beach). The Linea 9 city bus will also do (see www.comune.marsala.tp.it for timetables). By car, as you might guess, getting to Lido Signorino is also easy (and no parking problems!).

As a matter of fact, if you need a quiet, non-touristy place, then it is quite possible to settle here. The beach is sandy, the entrance to the water is shallow. There are several equipped beaches with sun loungers, umbrellas, bars, etc. You can stay in one of the small family hotels, such as the Suitebeach B&B (located right on the beach) or B&B Voglia di Mare (slightly away from the beach, but a few steps from the railway station). Another option is to rent a cottage or villa: see, for example, Terrazza dei Sogni or Villa Profumo di Mare.

By the way, about houses, villas and apartments. Having your own kitchen will be of great help if you like fresh seafood and do not mind cooking something yourself (Marsala has a wonderful fish market).

In addition, it is convenient to travel around the area from here: within an hour's drive (both by car and by train), not only the Old Town of Marsala, but also Trapani with the medieval village of Erice next door, and the town of Mazara del -Vallo (Mazara del Vallo), whose history goes back centuries, and Castelvetrano, where it is worth visiting, if only for the sake of the Church of San Domenico, and others interesting places, often escaping the sight of travelers.

In turn, the most convenient way to get to Marsala is via Trapani Airport (Aeroporto Vincenzo Florio Trapani-Birgi), which is connected to Marsala by direct bus service (about half an hour's journey, see autoservizisalemi.it). It is also possible to get from Palermo to Marsala by bus (the journey takes a little more than two hours, see the schedule).

Let's go back to the seaside resorts.

The town mentioned above Mazara del Vallo(Mazara del Vallo) like Marsala, it is not deprived of beaches. The Madzar beaches themselves (they, again, are located at a distance from the historical center), may be not bad, but the adjacent territories (unlike the historical center) make a rather dull impression - spending all the time by the sea will be elementary boring. Therefore, it makes sense to focus on them only if you will be by car, or if a 30-40-minute walk is not a problem for you and the summer heat does not frighten you.

Further, the railway goes away from the sea, and in order to get to those located on the coast settlements the car will come in handy even more. Although, of course, buses run in this area (see autoservizisalemi.it).

As for the beaches, here you should pay attention to the surroundings of the ancient city of Selinunte. Today Selinunte is an archaeological park with the ruins of ancient temples and other antiquities. Nearby places such as Trishina(Triscina), Tre Fontane(Tre Fontane), Cartibubbo(Kartibubbo)- to the west, as well Marinella di Selinunte(Marinella di Selinunte) and Porto Palo(Porto Palo)- to the east. The closest thing to the archaeological park is Marinella di Selinunte - a convenient place to combine sightseeing with ancient sights with a beach holiday, since there are opportunities. In particular, it is worth considering the Eracle Hotel, located near both the entrance to the territory of the archaeological park and the beach. Do you want a hotel with its own beach? Then take a look at the Miramare Hotel, a little outside the center of Marinella, but also close to the archaeological area. There are also apartments nearby (for example, the Case Vacanza Vivaldi complex) and other interesting options both in Marinella and Trishin, and in Tre Fontana, and so on on the list. If you prefer resort hotels with its own territory, beach infrastructure, full board and animation, then there are such: see, for example, Le Dune Resort, not far from Porto Palo. The beaches are sandy everywhere and, as a rule, wide enough, and the entrance to the water is shallow, which is perfect for children.

However, it is worth making a reservation. For the southwestern coast of Sicily, in general, and for the area under consideration - Valle del Belice - in particular, the following feature is characteristic: the sea here is quite unpredictable and at times (even in July and August) is much cooler than desired would be many tourists. On the surface, the sea warms up well, but either because of the winds, or because of currents, warm water mixes with cold water. It turns out a kind of layer cake: layers of warm water are interspersed with layers of cold water. Although the children splashing along the shore do not care.

Apparently, due to the same feature, the southwest coast is well suited for wind, kite and just surfing. From this point of view, it is worth paying close attention to the area of the tourist village of Cartibubbo: see, in particular, Agriglamping WindResort, where you can not only stay, but also undergo the necessary training.

However, we will continue to move towards Agrigento. The next point on which we will stop our eyes is - Shakka(Sciacca)... It is more convenient to get here by car, but there are also buses: in particular, from Palermo (about 1 hour 40 minutes, see www.autolineegallo.it) and from Trapani (about two hours, you can go directly from the airport, see www. autolineelumia.it). This old town is located on a small hill: below is the port, and a little to the side of the port are the beaches. Basically, you can stay right here - somewhere not far from the port (that is, between the sea and the Old Town): see, for example, Hotel Aliai, a small townhouse Casa Corallo or the Tonnara di Sciacca apart-hotel (a little further away). Thus, you can always easily reach the beaches, and for a change, the historical center of Sciacca (15-20 minutes walk) is close at hand, where you can find local attractions (in particular, the Church of St. Margherita, Chiesa di Santa Margherita), and shops , and restaurants. This option is quite suitable for accommodation for several days in the "Shakka + beach" format (plus, possibly, thermal waters and therapeutic mud, which are also available in Sciacca). If you are interested in a longer vacation with an emphasis on the sea, then you should hardly be guided by city beaches. In this case, it makes sense to shift the focus of attention to the surroundings of Shakki.

There are villages to the west of Shakki San Marco(San Marco) and Maragani(Maragani)... Both places are non-touristy, but they are very popular among locals, and therefore you can find here not only beaches (sandy in San Marco and sandy-rocky in Maragani), but also grocery stores, beach bars, pizzerias and even discos (in San Marco ). There is also a place to rent a sun lounger and umbrella, if this is important to you. In addition, next to San Marco is the cape of the same name, the territory of which is a nature reserve (Riserva Naturale di Capo San Marco), which is very conducive to outdoor walks (plus, if you wish, you can dive here with a mask). If we talk about where to live, then pay attention to the San Marco in Riva al Mare apartments, not far from the well-maintained beach, or to the small hotel Maragani Beach with a cozy secluded private beach.

There are also many places to the east of Shakki that are quite suitable for a beach holiday: first of all, Sovareto(Sovareto), Lumiya(Lumia), San jojo(San Giorgio) and Macauda(Makauda)... These places are chosen by large beach hotels, although for the most part the coastline remains "wild", and equipped paid beaches are rare here. But there are many villas and apartments for rent: see, for example, the Case Bongiovi complex or the Makauda Beach apart-hotel (it would also be useful to scour sites like www.interhome.ru). As for beach hotels, they often do not meet the expectations of tourists: many of them are pretty dilapidated and require renovation. But there are also decent places. In particular, in Sovareto there is a huge tourist complex consisting of four club hotels - Alicudi, Lipari, Cala Regina and Torre del Barone (by the way, some Russian tour operators bring tourists here - you can look for tours). Not a bad option. But perhaps even better is the Verdura Resort located in the Macauda area, where there is a private beach, several restaurants, and opportunities for various sports, including golf, and a kids club, and a spacious pool, etc. etc. In a word, a great resort! True, it is by no means cheap. In addition, the hotel's sand and pebble beach will not be to everyone's taste. Therefore, it will be very convenient to have a car on hand - so you can visit many beautiful beaches located in the immediate vicinity, or at any time get out to the same Shakku.

Then a series of large, mostly "wild" beaches begins (for example, Piana Grande beach, Spiaggia di Piana Grande), which stretch right up to the place Eraclea Minoa(Eraclea Minoa)... This place, I must say, although small, but quite interesting. Available: a beautiful sandy beach, separated from the resort village by a coniferous forest, a picturesque cliff and archaeological site... There are also some accommodation options for tourists: see, for example, the Eraclea Minoa Village camping (in fact, this is not just a camping, it offers both apartments and rooms) or the B&B Eraclea Minoa Mare guest house. Plus a decent beach restaurant.

From here to the village Sikuliana Marina(Siculiana Marina) again, there are "wild", only now sandy beaches. The places are not at all touristy and very beautiful (pay attention, in particular, to Torre Salsa beach, Spiaggia di Torre Salsa- here it is on the map). But you can only get here by car, and you can't go everywhere. Sikuliana Marina is an island of civilization. There is a beach, several restaurants, and some accommodation options such as Resort Sole Mediterraneo and Miky Holiday Home. In the summer (especially on weekends, since mostly locals come here) the local beach is quite crowded, but it is not difficult to find a free spot. In addition, if you are by car (otherwise it’s hardly worth going here), you can always go to the surrounding “wild” (like the aforementioned Torre Salsa) or, let's say, “semi-wild” (like Giallonardo, Spiaggia di Giallonardo) beaches.

Finally, we cannot fail to mention two more places that are already very close to Agrigento. It - Lido Rossello(Lido Rossello) and Punta Grande(Punta Grande), two resort villages with good sandy beaches, between which you can find one of the most impressive natural attractions in Sicily. We are talking about the so-called Turkish stairs (aka Scala dei Turchi, Scala dei Turchi). Lido Rossello Beach offers a breathtaking view of this dazzling white ledge cliff. If you wish, you can even walk to the “stairs” from here (many people do this, despite the ban of local authorities). Punta Grande is also within walking distance of the Turkish Stairs (as far as we know, there are no prohibitive signs on this side; walk 15-20 minutes). Accordingly, if you want to combine a visit to this attraction with a beach holiday, then it makes sense to stay in one of these places: see, for example, the Case Vacanze Baia aparthotel in Lido Rossello or the small guest house B&B Mammaliturchi in Punta Grande. The disadvantages of the resorts in question include their popularity. In summer, the local beaches, to put it mildly, are not empty. Nevertheless, you can always find a more or less secluded place.

If we talk about transport, then it is more convenient to go here by car. However, fortunately for "horseless" travelers, there are buses from Agrigento to Realmonte (Realmonte, it takes about 20 minutes, see www.autolineelumia.it), from where it is a stone's throw to Lido Rossello (about 3.5 km away): you can even walk on foot , or arrange a transfer with the hotel / owner of the apartment, or take a taxi. You can get to the village of Punta Grande in approximately the same way: first by bus from Agrigento to Porto Empedocle (drive about 25 minutes, see www.autolineesal.it), and from there to your destination. It is also worth mentioning that Realmonte can be reached by direct bus from Trapani airport (see), and Porto Empedocle from Catania (see www.saistrasporti.it), Palermo (see www.autolineesal.it) and Comiso airports (see ibid.). In all cases, the journey will take about three hours.

By the way, there are beaches in Porto Empedocle(Porto Empedocle), from where, by and large, it is also possible to walk to the Turkish stairs. If you walk along the sea through Punta Grande, the road will take about an hour. Alternatively, you can stop somewhere halfway between Porto Empedocle and Punta Grande. There are, among other things, a couple of good four-star hotels in the area: Hotel Villa Romana and Hotel Riviera Palace. Both are a stone's throw from the Azure Beach (Lido Azzurro) and are suitable for both car travelers and those who travel without a car (it is possible to order a transfer to the hotel, say, from Agrigento, which is both convenient and relatively inexpensive).

In Agrigento itself, there is no sea or beaches. However, the coast is not far away. In addition, Agrigento is the largest transport hub in this part of Sicily (there is a railway station - about two hours' drive from Palermo, with trains running almost every hour). Agrigento is convenient to use as a staging post on the way to nearby resorts (by the way, for more details on where to stay in Agrigento, read the corresponding article). In addition, the Valley of the Temples, the Turkish Stairs and other iconic landmarks are nearby.

In terms of beach resorts, the aforementioned Lido Rossello, Punta Grande and Porto Empedocle, as well as San Leone and Fumenaro, which can also be reached by public transport, are within half an hour's drive from Agrigento (see bus routes Linea 2 and Linea 3 at www.trasportiurbaniagrigento.it).

San leone(San Leone) typical resort town. Here you can find a pretty embankment, a small amusement park, a tourist port, discos, numerous restaurants, and rented villas, apartments, etc. The beaches in San Leone are sandy. There is a small beach in the center of the town (landmark - Hotel L "Approdo). A little further from the center, a series of beaches covered by breakwaters begins (here you can take a closer look, for example, at B&B Villa Adriana). Fumenaro(Fiumenaro) and the adjacent town Lido di Cannatello(Lido di Cannatello), where, like in San Leone, there are villas, apartments, and guest houses. If you prefer traditional hotel service, check out the Baia Di Ulisse Wellness & Spa and Residence Hotel Antica Perla.

Further afield, you can find a number of "wild" beaches, many of which are hidden in secluded coves between the rocks. The places are beautiful, but really wild and completely non-touristy. Here you feel like a real discoverer, but the presence of a car, as well as the spirit of adventurism, is strictly required. Islands of civilization - Marina di Palma, Ciotta and Torre di Gaffe.

Closer to Likat, comfortable beaches begin to meet again. From this point of view, it is worth paying attention to places such as Pisciotto(Pisciotto) and Mollarella(Mollarella)... We will separately mention the picturesque Rocca di San Nicola beach (Spiaggia della Rocca di San Nicola, here it is on the Google map). It is more convenient to get here by car, but in summer there is a seasonal Linea 5 bus from Likata (see comune.licata.ag.it for a schedule). Licata, in turn, can be reached by bus both from Agrigento (about an hour's drive, see www.autolineesal.it), and from Comiso airport (just over an hour and a half, see ibid.), And from Catania (about two and a half hours drive, can be reached directly from the airport, see www.etnatrasporti.it), and from Palermo (about three hours drive, see www.atabusservice.it).

Likata(Licata) is also worthy of consideration for a beach holiday. The city is adjacent to a rather long sandy Marianello beach (Spiaggia di Marianello), where there are also equipped areas, but there are enough free zones for everyone (the further from Likata, the more spacious). It is on this beach that you should be guided if you want to combine a visit to Likata with sun and sea baths. Nearby accommodation options are 10-15 minutes' walk from Marianello Beach, such as the Antica Dimora San Girolamo, Casa Vacanze Porto Marina and the 3-star Al Faro.

On the coast to the east of Likata and almost to Gela itself, there are also good sandy beaches. There are almost no paid sites here, but you can find such pleasant places with their own beach equipment, such as the B&B Valoroso Village and the Serenusa Village beach hotel. By the way, seasonal buses also run in this direction (Linea 4, see comune.licata.ag.it). Another good resort hotel is located in the town Falconara(Falconara)- see Falconara Charming House Resort & Spa. And finally, here we will mention the all-inclusive hotel Sikania Resort & Spa.

Approaching Dzhele, we note that until quite recently the sea here was completely unsuitable for swimming. The situation is gradually changing for the better, and Gela(Gela) begins to gain prominence not only as a center for the petrochemical industry, but also as a beach destination. For example, according to the Italian Ministry of Health (see - in the "Comune" field, indicate "Gela") now even in the city center (for example) it is quite possible to swim. Nevertheless, areas not suitable for swimming are still preserved in Dzhel (they can be found again at the link above). Thus, Gela can hardly be called a full-fledged beach resort. However, this city may well be used as an intermediate point on the way from the same Agrigento to Syracuse and Catania (or vice versa). There are not many accommodation options here, but those that exist (for example, the Aurora Residence apartment complex) are pleasantly pleased with their prices. In addition, Gela is one of the oldest cities in Sicily (in ancient times the city was called Gela), which is also interesting (in particular, it is worth visiting the local archaeological park).

Usually, travelers bypass not only Gelu, but also the surrounding beaches, which does not prevent them from being popular among the local population. Beaches in places such as scenic Manfria(actually Manfria + Lido di Manfria) or worn out among greenhouse farms Marina di Akate(Marina di Acate), are quite crowded, although almost unknown to tourists.

Be that as it may, it is hardly worth going to this area specially if you plan to move around Sicily by public transport (despite the fact that Gelu can be reached by bus and even by rail). But if you are traveling by car, then for a couple of days it is quite possible to drop in here in order to replenish the treasury of Sicilian impressions.

The picture changes markedly as we move further south. For example, Scoglitti(Scoglitti) gives the impression of a typical resort town, where you can find not only good sandy beaches, but also numerous shops, restaurants, a small port, several discos and a pretty historic center. Of course, there are hotels, apartments, and other tourist accommodation facilities: see, for example, the Sul Mare Al Gabbiano and B&B Marejada hotels (both practically in the center of Scoglitti), or the Mediterraneo Apartments complex (on the outskirts of the village).

Of no less interest from the point of view of beach recreation are Punta Bracchetto(Punta Braccetto), Torre di Mezzo(Torre di Mezzo), Punta Secco(Punta Secco) and of course Marina di Ragusa(Marina di Ragusa) Is a place renowned as one of the most prestigious beach resorts in the south of Sicily. True, you will not find fashionable five-star hotels here, but there are several good "fours": see, for example, located in the very center of the village and at the same time a stone's throw from the beach, the hotel with the self-explanatory name Miramare (some of the rooms really open up beautiful sea views). There are other options, including more budgetary ones, like the Appartamenti Sud Est apartment complex (about a five-minute walk from the beach).

By the way, the beaches here are sandy, with a convenient entrance to the water. In summer, the sea is generally calm and warm. The tourist infrastructure is well developed by the standards of southern Sicily. In short, Marina di Ragusa is perfect for a measured beach holiday, which can always be diversified by trips around the surrounding area: to Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, etc.

At the same time, Marina di Ragusa is of interest not only for auto travelers, but also for those who travel by public transport. For example, you can get here directly from Catania (or even from Catania airport) - the journey takes about two and a half hours (see www.etnatrasporti.it). If you go from Ragusa, you can get there in just half an hour (see www.tuminobus.it). Comiso airport within an hour by bus (see schedule). There are other routes - the sites of bus companies have been mentioned above, where you can find detailed information on this matter.

There are several other resort towns nearby, which also deserve attention. This, in particular, Playa Grande(Plaja Grande) and Donnalucata(Donnalucata)... Both are also quite suitable for a beach holiday, but it is better to go here by car. The Zafran Boutique Hotel in Donnalucat deserves a special mention. An excellent hotel (though far from the cheapest). Further south are Sampieri(Sampieri) and Marina di Modica(Marina di Modica)- also good options with more than decent beaches.

Let's dwell in a little more detail on Pozzallo(Pozzallo)... This small town looks almost like a metropolis against the background of the above-mentioned villages. It's no joke to say that it even has its own railway station (just over an hour's drive from Syracuse). By the way, there is a railway station in the aforementioned Sampieri, but it is located quite far from the village. In Pozzallo, everything is much more convenient - from the station to the sea just 10 minutes on foot. It is also worth noting that Pozzallo has a direct ferry connection with Malta, where it is quite possible to go on a one-day excursion (see www.virtuferries.com, in order to save money it is better to buy tickets in advance). Moreover, since modern ferries cover the distance between Pozzallo and Malta in less than two hours, it becomes possible to create a non-trivial travel itinerary and get to Pozzallo in transit via Malta airport, rather than the traditional route via Catania or Comiso.

In summer, Pozzallo is a lively seaside resort - life is in full swing (especially on weekends), the embankments and the center of the town are noisy and fun. Mostly Italians rest here, but tourists are by no means uncommon. The beaches in Pozzallo are very, very decent (fine sand, calm clear sea, smooth entry into the water) and there are many accommodation options. For the most part, these are rented houses and apartments (see, for example, the Attico Fronte Mare penthouse with excellent sea views), as well as small guest houses (in particular, B&B Gioclora), but there are also hotels (for example, Hotel Villa Ada and Mare Nostrum Petit Hotel).

Pozzallo is perfect for the rest of a wide variety of categories of travelers - for families with children, and for young people, etc. If you do not like to sit in one place, but do not plan to rent a car, then in this case Pozzallo will be an excellent choice: you can really get to Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, Noto, Syracuse and some other interesting places by rail or bus.

If you are looking for a more secluded place, it is better to rent a car. It is worth driving a few kilometers from Pozzallo, as the spacious and uncrowded beaches begin. From this point of view, the beach in the town deserves the closest attention. Santa Maria del Focallo(Santa Maria del Focallo)- long-long, sandy-sandy and in places completely deserted even in the height of the summer season. Take a closer look at Le Dune Residence, for example. Despite being adjacent to the large beachfront Hotel Club Marispica, it is very quiet and peaceful. There are, of course, other options nearby, including villas, apartments and guest houses.

Alternatively, consider Granelli(Granelli)... This is perhaps an even more secluded place than Santa Maria del Focallo.

It is impossible not to mention the picturesque beach located even further south. Carratois(Playa Carratois), where you can find several beach bars and restaurants, as well as, if you wish, rent a sun lounger and umbrella. If you live somewhere in the vicinity, then it is worth coming here for at least a few hours. There are also some accommodation options in the immediate vicinity of the beach: see, for example, Casa Vacanze Carratois.

Finally, concluding our review of the beaches of the southwest coast of Sicily, let's say a few words about the beach located on the edge of Capo Passero Isola delle Correnti(Isola delle Correnti)... This is the southernmost point of Sicily. In fact, this is why many tourists come here. The beach itself is not bad, but it is more of a place for a short half-day sightseeing trip. It is hardly worth staying here for long, unless you are interested in kitesurfing or windsurfing. From this point of view, Isola delle Correnti (as, by the way, and Carratois) looks very attractive. Be that as it may, many of the places discussed above (the same Santa Maria del Focallo or Pozzallo) are located much more conveniently, and the beaches there are at least no worse.

In the Italian region of Sicily is the city of Agrigento. The current modern city originated 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. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in 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 the international airport is located, 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. From Catania, a ticket costs 15 ... 23 euros. The duration of the trip is 6 hours.

The bus in Silicia is considered the main transport. You can get to Agrigento by bus from Palermo, Catania and Trapani.

Ticket prices: from Palermo - 11 euros, trip duration - 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: the SS 189 highway leads from Palermo to the city.

Important! Agrigento is almost all pedestrianized and it is almost impossible to enter the city by car. You can find a place to park your car near the station where the car park is located.

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 an area where the remains of ancient temple buildings are located. The buildings were erected by the ancient Greeks living in this area (ancient Akragas) in the 5-6th centuries BC. NS. The archaeological park is divided into two parts by the road.

Temple of Concordia

This temple is the best preserved of 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. NS. The temple has a rectangular 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 building looks much more massive and majestic than it really is). In the 7th century BC. NS. 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 in comparison with other buildings. It was erected in 450 BC. NS. 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 painting 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. NS.

Temple of Jupiter

It was erected in the second half of the 4th century BC. NS. Was the most magnificent of all the temples. It was surrounded by 38 semi-columns of 6.5 meters in circumference. The temple was supported by telamons (sculptural images of men, they were also called Atlanteans) 7.5 meters high. Only the remnants of the former greatness have survived to this day. The original of one of the telamons is kept in the National Archaeological Museum.

In addition to the above structures, in the Valley of the Temples you can see the remains of temples:

Dioscuri;
Aesculapius;
Ephesus or Vulcan;
Also on the territory are the 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 am to 7:00 pm.

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 beautiful paintings. It was built in the middle of the 15th century.
Episcopal Palace and Seminary (14th century), as well as the building of the Luquesian Library. All these buildings are located opposite the Cathedral.
Church of Santa Maria dei Greci. Its building was erected on the ruins of the ancient temple of Athena.
Teatro Luigi Pirangelo (18th century).
Municipal Museum, located in Piazza Pirandello. The city mayor's office is also located there. Address: Cortile St Spirito, I-92100 Agrigento.
Diocesan Museum.
Churches of St. Lawrence, Holy Spirit, San Biagio.
Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone.
Archaeological Museum (considered the largest and most visited museum).

Temple of Jupiter

Excursions

To get a better knowledge of the history of all the sights of Agrigento, it is worth ordering 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 see local attractions.

Leisure activities

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 suburban ones will take no more than 15 ... 20 minutes.

San Leone beach. It is located not far from the main attraction of the city - the Valley of the Temples. In high season, the beach is crowded with holidaymakers.
Skala dei Turchi. There is beautiful nature, sandy coast and very warm sea water, which is suitable for a holiday with a child.
You can also note such beaches as Khaos, Marinella, Lido Azzuro.

In addition to relaxing on the beaches, you can stroll 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 excellent photographs that convey the mood of Agrigento.

A few kilometers from Agrigento is San Leone - a tourist destination by the sea. You can go here after all the interesting places have been explored in Agrigento. 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 trip around Agrigento. The city is famous for its cuisine, however, like any other city in Italy. You should definitely try:

pasta with sardines;
various types of mussels, fried fish;
local delicacy - pickled shrimps;
Cubaita's signature dessert is a confectionery with sweet honey and toasted almond grains.

Information for tourists

Going on an excursion to the Valley of the Temples in summer, you should definitely take with you a minimum supply of drinking water and a hat.

There are not many 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 rightfully 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 valid at the time of publication of the material.

Architectural monuments of Agrigento from the archaeological site ( "Valley of the Temples") Are included in the list. Many temples in Agrigento are unmatched in terms of preservation. Numerous antique buildings are combined with Baroque architecture.

Ancient Akragas was founded as a colony of immigrants from the island of Rhodes from about 581 BC. Over time, thanks to active trade, the city of Akragas, becoming one of the largest cities in the Ancient World with a population of at least 20 thousand people. Akragas was an independent city, but in 406 BC. it was besieged by the Carthaginians. The siege lasted 8 months and ended with the defeat of Akragas. The Carthaginians captured and destroyed the city. Later it was restored, but it could not regain its former shine. In 262 BC. Akragas was annexed to Rome as an ally, retaining its constitution.

Weather in Agrigento:

Attractions Agrigento

Among the main attractions of Agrigento are Valley of the Temples(listed) and Agrigento old town.

Valley of the Temples - Agrigento, Sicily - Temple of Concord

Impressions of Agrigento

If we talk about personal impressions of Agrigento, then the city itself looks very slum and poor - strange, sometimes terribly, houses, very worn out, at least from the outside. Simple restaurants, poor people, in general, one of the most "shabby" cities in our trip to Sicily.

On the other side. the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is certainly impressive. To some extent, even more than the Acropolis in Athens - as you can come close to the monuments ... In general, it is very worth to come here, touch the history ... But you should not expect much from the city itself. And the car here, by the way, will not be superfluous - the Valley of the Temples is located a few kilometers from the city center, you can walk on foot, but it's tiring (even stomping along the Valley of the Temples - we, personally, walked over 15 km in Agrigento in a day! car!)

Valley of the Temples in Agrigento (Valle dei Templi)

The territory of ancient Akragas covers a huge area, most of which has not yet been excavated. The Valley of the Temples proper is an archaeological area to the south of the ancient city, where several monumental ancient Greek temples in the Doric style, built during the 5th - 6th centuries BC, have survived. In the evenings, the temples are illuminated, creating a unique atmosphere. Some of the temples from the valley are surprisingly well preserved, which is unparalleled outside of Greece. The very name "Valley of the Temples" is not entirely correct: there is no valley here, and the complex of temples is located on a steep hill.

Opening hours: daily, including Sundays and holidays, from 8:30 to 19:00.
Entrance:
East side with the Temple of Zeus and the Greco-Roman quarter, except for the cave Fragapane and Antiquarium Paleocristiano) - 10 € , concessional 5 €
The entire park-museum: 10 € , concessional 5 €
Antiquarium Paleocristiano: 3 €, reduced 1.5 €
Cave Fragapane: € 3, concession € 1.5
Night visit (from July 1 to September 5, Fri 19:30 - 21:30, on weekends and holidays 19:30 - 23:30) - 10 €
In summer, the park can be very hot and there is almost no shade: take water and a hat.

History of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento

The first to discover this historical monument, and also began to clear and carry out the first excavations of the temple complex, the Italian archaeologist Domenico Antonio Lofazo Pietrasanta (1783 - 1863). This happened at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1809, he inherited the title of Duke of Serradifalco, and it so happened that the temple complex was on the territory of his possessions. True, after three years he had to part with his possession rights in connection with the abolition of feudalism. However, this time was enough for an enthusiastic archaeologist to present his findings to the public.

The philosopher Empedocles (5th century BC), originally from ancient Akragas, said:

"The power and splendor of this city is such that its inhabitants build temples as if they were destined to live forever, and they eat and drink as if they were destined to die the next day."

The poet Pindar called Akragas “ the most beautiful city among mortals. " However, in 406 BC, the city was besieged and destroyed by the Carthaginians. Traces of their invasion are still visible on the temple of Juno.

During the era of the Roman Empire, the "Tomb of Theron" was built on this territory, which is believed to have been the necropolis of those killed during the Second Punic War (218 - 202 BC). After Byzantium recaptured the territory of Sicily from the tribes of the Goths, some of the temples were turned into Christian churches, such as the Temple of Concord. Catacombs and tombs have survived from the Byzantines.

Architecture in the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento:

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento contains 7 ancient temples, all in Doric style:

Temple of Juno, built in the 5th century BC and burned in 406 BC Carthaginians. Weddings were usually celebrated in this temple.
Temple of Concord (Concordia), whose name comes from a Latin peace inscription found nearby. The temple was built in the 5th century BC. Converted into a Christian church in the 6th century AD, it is one of the best preserved in the valley.
Temple of Hercules who was one of the most revered deities in the ancient city of Akragas. This is the oldest temple in the valley: destroyed by an earthquake, today it consists of eight columns.
Temple of Olympian Zeus, built in 480 BC to commemorate the victory of the city-state over Carthage. It differs from others in its huge Atlanteans.
Temple of Castor and Pollux... Despite the fact that only four columns remain from it, the temple has become a symbol of modern Agrigento.
Volcano Temple, also built in the 5th century BC. It is believed to have been one of the most imposing structures in the valley; now, however, it is one of the most destroyed.
Temple of Asclepius, located near the walls of the ancient city; pilgrims came here seeking to be cured of the disease.

The best preserved are two similar temples dedicated to the goddess Juno and the Temple of Concord. The last of the two temples is in uniquely good condition, thanks to the fact that it was converted into a Christian church in 597. And the area around it was used by Christians as catacombs.

Temple of Concord

Temple of Concord (Tempio della Concordia)- was divided into three halls: the central one, the portico in front of it and the opistode next to it (a closed room in the western part of the temple). On the sides of the entrance to the central hall, stairs were made leading to the roof. The temple was decorated with white stucco and colored details. Twelve arches made in the walls of the hall, as well as graves dug in the floor, date back to the Middle Ages, when the deputy was converted into a kind of Christian basilica with three naves. Despite the fact that the original appearance of the ancient Greek temple was thus distorted, the temple owes its exceptional preservation to this restructuring. In 1788, during the restoration process, all elements of Christian decoration were removed, and the temple regained the appearance of a classic antique structure.

Other temples have survived in a much more fragmented state, destroyed by earthquakes and used as quarries.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

The huge Temple of Olympian Zeus... Its construction began by order of Tipan Heron in honor of his victory over the Phoenician troops at the Battle of Gimer (480 BC). The temple, which had already begun to be used, was never completed due to the invasion of the Carthaginians. It is the largest Doric temple (56 m wide and 111 m long) known in the world. The stones from the ruined temple were used to build a pier in the city of Porto Empedocle.

Temples dedicated to Hephaestus, Hercules and Asclepius were also built on the sacred territory, which also includes the sanctuaries of Demeter and Persephone. On the stones of the sanctuary, you can still see traces of fire from the arson by the Carthaginians in 406 BC.

Tomb of Theron (Tomba di Terone)

Location of monuments in the Valley of the Temples:

Agrigento old town

Museo Civico

Walking west along Via Empédocle you will arrive at Piazza Pirandello. Here is the city hall of Agrigento and the City Museum - Museo Civico. The museum contains paintings from the 14th - 18th centuries, sculptures from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. You can also see the memorial room of Luigi Pirandello.

Address: Cortile St Spirito, I-92100 Agrigento

Santa maria dei greci

Climbing up from the Museo Civico, along the narrow streets you can walk to the church of Santa Maria dei Greci. It is a three-aisled building dating from the Norman period, built on the site of a Doric temple of Athens dating from 488 BC. A staircase leads down to the space under the church, where the terraces and columns of the original temple have been preserved.

Agrigento Cathedral (Duomo; Cattedrale di San Gerlando)

Agrigento Cathedral was built in the 11th century by the Normans on the highest point of the ancient Acropolis, as a replacement for the temple of Zeus Atabirios. The name comes from the word Atabyros, the highest mountain on the island of Rhodes, reflecting the Rhodes origin of the first settlers of ancient Akragas.

Unfortunately, already in 1244, as a result of a landslide, the temple was seriously damaged, which required its reconstruction. In the 13th and 14th centuries Cathedral was expanded, and in the 17th century it was rebuilt in the Baroque style. On the south side, you can see the double Norman windows. Near the massive bell tower (1470), several steps lead to the main gate of the church.

The interior of the cathedral in Agrigento

The interior of the church is a three-aisled basilica, which was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1966. During the restoration process, they tried to restore the medieval appearance of the nave. From later periods, only the magnificent 15th-century wooden ceiling has survived, although the choir stalls still retain explicit baroque décor. The Gothic appearance has been preserved in the front of the tsekrvi - columns with octagonal bases and characteristic pointed arches. The elements of the façade and the bell tower date from the Renaissance. Its southern façade with lancet windows shows signs of Spanish plateresque influence.

In the Gothic chapel to the right of the apse, there is a silver coffin with the remains of the canonized Bishop Gerlando (1639). In the church, along the left nave, are the crypts of archbishops and noble citizens who lived in the 15-17 centuries. Near the southern entrance is a glass urn containing the embalmed body of the holy Martyr Felix, who died in the 3rd century.

To the west of the cathedral is the Episcopal Seminary, a 14th-century palace rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Diocesan Museum

The museum displays ecclesiastical treasures, including frescoes from the 15th and 15th centuries and sacred relics from the Byzantine era.

Address: Piazza Don Minzoni, I-92100 Agrigento, Italy

Going down from the Diocesan Museum in the direction of the train station, you will come to the square Piazza Purgatorio, named after the church del Purgatorio located here (the church of purgatory, as it is dedicated to the souls in purgatory) or St. Lawrence. The church is located on the site of an ancient crypt.

The interior of the temple is richly decorated with stucco, including eight plaster statues of Giacomo Serpotta (17th century), depicting allegories of virtues: Love, Simplicity, Mercy, Prudence, Justice, Religion, Courage and Meekness. On the vault are plaster images of the souls of purgatory. There is a decorative dome on the ceiling, decorated with a large fresco in the form of a rising vortex. One of the chapels of the church - the crucifixion chapel - was decorated in the 18th century; it is decorated with a 17th century gold and wooden crucifix. The temple has preserved two 17th century confessionals - the oldest in Agrigento.

Church of the Holy Spirit

Walking down the street Via Fodera you will come to the former Cistercian monastery of the Holy Spirit (Santo Spirito). The façade of the church (dating from about 1260) retains the original Gothic pointed gate and rose window, the top of which rests on the baroque pediment. For its grandiose architectural massifs dominating the eastern part of the city, it received the name Bataranni, which means “great abbey” in the local dialect.

The walls of the church are decorated on the sides with plaster reliefs by the famous master Giacomo Serpotta (1695), which depict scenes from the childhood of Jesus. In a niche made in the left wall of the nave, there is a marble statue of Our Lady and Child (15th century). Pay attention to the bowl of holy water - it dates from the 5th century.

To the right of the church there is a cloister, a chapter house and a refectory, which now houses the municipal library.

Church of San Biagio

If you go from Piazza Marconi (opposite the Agrigento train station) on Viale della Vittoria to the southeast, you will reach the eastern edge of the Rupe Atenea cliff (351 m above sea level, with beautiful panoramic views) and the Chiesa di San Biadgio church. It is a small church built in the 12th century during the Norman period from stones left over from ancient buildings. The church is located on the site of the Temple of Demeter, which was built around 480-460 BC. The foundation and part of the north wall can be seen behind the church apse. It is also worth noting the two round altars in the north of the building, which supposedly served as sacral tombs. Ritual accessories have been preserved inside them, which made it possible to identify the sanctuary:

Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone

The stairs lead down to the stone sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone (Santuario Rupestre di Demetra), carved into the steep slope of the mountain Rupe Atenea. it oldest place the worship of Agrigento, dating from the 7th century BC, even before the Greek period. The sanctuary is a narrow room in the rock, behind which there are two caves. There are springs in the caves, water from which fills several reservoirs in the courtyard. The discovery of ritual sacrificial accessories made it possible to confidently attribute the sanctuary to the cult of the goddess Demeter and her daughter.

Almond flower festival

The Almond Blossom Festival is held annually in the first half of February. These are folk festivities, with songs, dances, costumes and fireworks.

Agrigento city map

Near Agrigento

Realmonte - Eraclea Minoa - Sciacca - Caltabellotta - Sambuca

The route follows the western coast of Sicily, along the main road 115 Agrigento-Trapani. The high road offers excellent views of the beaches and cliffs. The snow-white cliffs in the area are especially popular with tourists. Realmonte and Eraclea minoa.

Eraclea minoa

For history lovers, the most interesting point will be the town Eraclea minoa, founded at the beginning of the 6th century BC. The ancient residential area is located on a small plateau that breaks away from the sea. Among the ancient ruins, you can see the remains of a theater, a residential building and part of an ancient road. The small museum next to the archaeological site contains the most important finds from the Greco-Roman period. There is a large beach nearby with fine sand and lush cedar forest. Continue on road 115 to reach Sciacca.

Sciacca

Sciacca notable for its monuments of the Middle Ages and the Baroque era, among which the 17th century cathedral stands out. Also worth seeing is the Church of St. Margaret (14th century), the remains of a count's castle (14th century). The town is home to an ancient spa resort famous for its curative waters. At the top of Mount Monte Kronio is the sanctuary of St. Calogero (santuario di S. Calogero).

From here the road goes into the interior of Sicily, in the direction of Caltabellotta and Sambuca di Sicilia.

Caltabellotta

Caltabellotta located almost on the top of the mountain at an altitude of almost 700 meters. A number of artistic and monumental historical monuments are worth seeing here: the remains of a Norman castle, burials (tombe sicane), the Chiesa Madre church (erected by Count Ruggiero). From here one of the best views of Sicily opens up.

Sambuca di Sicilia

Sambuca di Sicilia was founded by the Arabs. The ruins of the castle of Emir Zabut have been preserved here. An interesting complex of Saracen alleys has been preserved in the city. On the adjacent grief monte Adranone (approx. 900 m above sea level) preserved ruins of a fortress from the 4th century BC. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the area are Porto Palo and Lido Fiore.

On the territory of Realmonte preserved Ancient roman villa dating from the 1st century BC

Acque calde- a popular resort with thermal springs.

Pelagie Islands - Lampedusa and Linosa

This route leads from Agrigento to the Pelagic Islands Lampedusa, Linosa and Lampione, located in the African Sea southwest of Sicily. On the islands you can admire picturesque views of nature, rocky islands, idyllic beaches, contrasting with the azure sea. You can get to the islands from April to November. Pelagie Islands are connected to the port Empedocle by Siremar ferries (travel time - 7 hours), and in July and August there are additional boats (3.5 hours on the way).

Lampedusa- the largest of the Pelagian Islands, it even has its own airport, where there are regular flights from Punta Raisi (Palermo) airport. There are many hotels on the island, it is especially suitable for diving enthusiasts.
Linosa is a small volcanic island with a rich marine life, where many diving enthusiasts come throughout the year.
Lampione- a small uninhabited rock with picturesque nature.

Raffadali - S. Angelo Muxaro

This route will take you from Agrigento deep into Sicily to two historic centers that are different from other towns on the island.

Raffadali, from Arabic Rahl Faddal, which means "Lovely home". Raffadali was founded by the Arabs, but in a place inhabited since prehistoric times. This town is located a few kilometers north of Agrigento, at the foot of Monte Guastella, where prehistoric burials in caves and the ruins of an ancient 11th century castle have been preserved. Here you can see the ancient Roman sarcophagi (3rd century). In the Chiesa Madre church, there is an exquisite bas-relief depicting the abduction of Proserfina. The church library contains some archaeological finds from different eras.

The total area of the monument is about 1300 hectares. In the VI century. BC. Greek settlers founded the Akragas colony here, which was conquered by the Carthaginians two centuries later. Doric temples, squares, pagan and Christian burials, as well as a dense water supply network are witnesses of the city's rich history.

Valley from a bird's eye view

Scientists have uncovered in the valley the ruins of as many as ten Doric temples and three sanctuaries, as well as many burials, fragments of a fortification system and part of an ancient Roman quarter built on the site of an ancient Greek one. 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

The temple of the mythical twins Dioscuri Castor and Pollux, the sons of Jupiter (Zeus) and the wife of the Spartan king Leda, became the symbol of Agrigento.

Temple of Concordia. Photo / Shutterstock.com

The temple of the goddess of consent Concordia stands on a sacred road; it was built around the 5th century. BC. and is distinguished by the best preservation among the whole complex. In the VI century. AD a Christian church was built in it. The original purpose of the temple was determined by an inscription found near the building.

The Temple of Jupiter (Zeus) was built in gratitude for the victory of the inhabitants of Akragas over the Carthaginians in 480 BC. A giant figure of the Atlantean, consisting of massive stone blocks, has been preserved here.

Temple of Hercules (Hercules)

Temple of Hercules (Hercules) - the oldest in the valley; the cult of the legendary hero was one of the central ones in Akragas. The building housed a bronze statue of Hercules; the temple was destroyed by an earthquake, and today only eight columns remain.

Temple of Juno Lacinia

The Temple of Juno Lacinia (scientists find it difficult to establish with accuracy to whom the temple is dedicated, therefore the name is conditional) stands on a spectacular cliff, on the eastern part of the hill. On the walls of the cella (interior, boundary), traces of a fire are still clearly visible: in 406 BC. this temple, almost indistinguishable from the temple 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 marks from the wheels of carts passing along it.

The temple of the god of healing Aesculapius was built quite far from the walls of the ancient city: the sick flocked here, praying for recovery. The walls of the temple were dotted with gratitude inscriptions from those who were fortunate 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 remains of it 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 Akragant Theron: in fact, this pyramidal building made of tuff is a monument to those who died in the Second Punic War (Rome v. Carthage, 218-201 BC).

Acropolis and Burials

The agora also makes a great impression - the market square, which served as the main center of social life in the Greek city-states. Also worth seeing is the Council Room to the north of San Nicola Hill and the gymnasiums, a place where the townspeople played sports, studied and spent their leisure time.

The valley contains many Greek, Roman and early Christian necropolises located just outside the ancient city. Also noteworthy are the plumbing, floor mosaics from Greek and Roman residential areas, and early Christian basilicas from the subsequent era, such as near the Temple of Concordia.