Valley of Temples: A Journey Through Ancient Sicily
UNESCO Sites in Italy: Archaeological Area of Agrigento (visited February 2023)
If you thought that China or France tops the list, guess again - with 60 selected areas, Italy is the country with the most UNESCO heritage sites in the world.
Since I live in fair Croatia, Italy is a country I’ve visited often, from a young age, and there are still so many Italian towns and regions on my wish list. This time, I chose to write about Sicily.
Italy has always represented the heart of ancient civilizations, with layers of history in every corner. Visiting Sicily had been a long-held dream of mine, but I kept postponing the idea for so long. Then, in February 2023, a work trip gave me the perfect opportunity, and I was over the moon!
One of the sites I visited was the Valley of the Temples or Valle dei Templi, with its incredible collection of ancient Greek temples from the Magna Graecia era. Unfortunately, this time I visited just a part of the Valley, so this site is still not off my wish list 😊
Sicily is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural crossroads. Among the many treasures the island offers, the Valle dei Templi stands out as a symbol of its ancient heritage. This archaeological site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, recognized for its historical, architectural, and cultural significance.
Key terms explained
Magna Graecia: a group of ancient Greek colonies in southern Italy that around 750 BCE thrived as important centers of trade, culture, and philosophy.
About the site
The official name of the site is Archaeological Area of Agrigento due to its location near the town of Agrigento on the southern coast of Sicily. This vast archaeological site is one of the most remarkable examples of ancient Greek architecture outside Greece itself and is home to some of the best-preserved temples of the classical period, dating back to the 5th century BCE. It covers 934 ha of the ancient polis, from the Rupe Atenea to the acropolis of the original ancient city, as well as to the sacred hill on which stand the main Doric temples and up to the extramural necropolis.
For locals, the site is a connection to Sicily’s ancient past, a reminder of the island’s role as a cultural crossroads throughout history.
Historical Significance
Valle dei Templi was once part of the ancient city of Akragas, one of the leading cities in the Mediterranean during the classical period. The most famous temples include the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Juno, and the Temple of Heracles, all of which were constructed during the 5th century BCE. These temples were dedicated to various gods of the Greek pantheon and served as centers of religious life in the city, while the valley is a great example of urban planning that influenced Western architecture.
The Temple of Concordia, in particular, is one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world and is often compared to the Parthenon in Athens. I don’t know if there is a connection, but the UNESCO logo is reminiscent of this 6-column temple.
Architectural treasure
The architecture of Valle dei Templi is an extraordinary example of classical Greek design.
The temples were built using local limestone and are arranged along a ridge, as one of the best examples of the skill of ancient architects.
The site features 7 monumental Doric temples, with the Temple of Concordia being one of the best-preserved examples of classical architecture.
One of the highlights of the site is the Temple of Zeus, which, although now in ruins, was once the largest Doric temple ever built.
For more details on the park’s history and visit possibilities, you can visit the official Valle dei Templi website.
The Experience of Visiting Valle dei Templi
Visiting Valle dei Templi in February was ideal—the weather was cooler, and there were no crowds. Walking through the ancient ruins, you can feel the history that surrounds you.
There is a possibility of an evening visit, which is great if you want to see a magical atmosphere created by the interaction of the setting sun and long shadows of the temples.
While there, don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby Regional Archaeological Museum Pietro Griffo in Agrigento, which houses many of the artifacts uncovered from the site, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions.
The site is split into two zones, Eastern and Western. Although this time I visited only the Eastern Zone (more intact temples), I definitely recommend a whole day visit to both zones.
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Practical Information for Travelers
Valle dei Templi is easily accessible from Agrigento, about a 10-minute drive from the city center. It’s also well-connected by public transport for those traveling from other parts of Sicily. If you prefer organized day trips from Palermo, GetYourGuide platform offers great tours.
If you’re arriving by car, check parking lot prices in advance and carry some cash for that purpose, just in case of a cash-only policy.
There are also local daily direct buses from Palermo, and if you are taking a bus in Catania, you will have to switch buses. Train lines are available from both Palermo and Catania.
If e-scooters are your cup of tea, there are some available for rent within guided tours.
The site is open year-round, with extended hours during the summer months for the evening visits.
Entrance fees are affordable, and there are guided tours available in multiple languages, just be sure to buy online if you want to skip long lines at the ticket office.
If you’re visiting in the summer, aim at visiting early in the morning or late in the evening. If you insist on visiting during a hot summer day, be sure to dress in light, breathable clothing and bring plenty of water and a hat, as the sun can be intense. In springtime, however, the weather is much milder, making it the perfect time to explore the site. Sunscreen is a must whenever you arrive.
If you plan to take a tripod, check beforehand with the ticket office, but it might get confiscated.
And one last thing - this publication will stay free forever, but if you feel I deserve a cup of matcha 🍵 here and there, then please buy me some - the next drink’s on me! ☕
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Wow, Gabi! Thank you for sharing your enriching journey through the Valley of Temples in Sicily. Your detailed account and insightful reflections on this ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site truly capture its historical and cultural magnificence. It’s wonderful to hear that despite only visiting the Eastern Zone, you were able to deeply connect with the essence of these monumental structures. ❤️