Agrigento's Essential Treasures

Agrigento was the Greek city of Akragas, and its temples still stand on a ridge between the modern town and the sea. This list brings together the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples, the archaeological museum that holds its finds, and the most rewarding churches of the old town on the hill above.

Agrigento's Essential Treasures — Kort

Mboesch / cc-by-sa-4.0

A

Valley of the Temples

UNESCO-listed archaeological park with the Doric temples and ruins of ancient Akragas, spread along a ridge facing the sea.

Josep Renalias / cc-by-sa-3.0

B

Temple of Concordia

One of the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere, built in the 5th century BC. It survived because it was turned into a church in late antiquity.

Berthold Werner / cc-by-sa-3.0

C

Temple of Juno

Doric temple at the eastern end of the ridge, with many columns still standing. A popular spot at sunset.

poudou99 / cc-by-sa-3.0

D

Temple of Heracles

The oldest temple in the valley, from the late 6th century BC. Eight columns were raised again in the 1920s.

Clemensfranz / cc-by-2.5

E

Temple of Castor and Pollux

Four columns and a corner of the roof, put back together in the 19th century from ancient pieces. They have become a symbol of Agrigento.

José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro / cc-by-sa-4.0

F

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Field of huge fallen blocks from the largest Doric temple ever planned. A copy of one of its giant stone figures, the telamons, lies among the ruins.

Pitichinaccio / cc-by-sa-3.0

G

Pietro Griffo Archaeological Museum

Regional museum near the temples with vases, sculpture and the original telamon from the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Mboesch / cc-by-sa-4.0

H

San Gerlando Cathedral

Cathedral at the top of the old town, founded in the Norman period and rebuilt many times, with a painted wooden ceiling.

Toni Pecoraro / pd

I

Santo Spirito

Church of a medieval Cistercian convent with white stucco decoration by Giacomo Serpotta's workshop. The nuns still make almond and pistachio sweets.

Zde / cc-by-sa-4.0

J

Kolymbetra Garden

Garden of citrus, almond and olive trees in a small valley between the temples, cared for by the FAI heritage trust.

Zde / cc-by-sa-4.0

K

Santa Maria dei Greci

Small medieval church built over a Greek temple. Parts of the temple base and columns are visible inside and beneath the church.

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