Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Travelationship
Valle dei Templi (aka Valley of the Temples) is a UNESCO-rated archaeological park on a ridge overlooking Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. The park consists of the relics of the ancient Greek city of Akragas. The remains of several Greek Temples dedicated to the Gods of Greek religion have been restored and are on glorious display for all visitors.
Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples was built within the ancient Greek city of Akragas (now known as Agrigento). The construction of the temples is said to have been between 510 BC and -430 BC. Akragas was founded in 582 BC and quickly became a prosperous and advanced colony outside Greece.
The Akragas settlers’ successes and fertile lands bred conflict with other Greek colonies. In 406 BC, Hannibal, the Carthaginians, and Dionysius fought the people of Akragas for eight months. The citizens of Akragas lost and were forced to move away. Eventually, most of the residents returned to Akragas, but the town was under the rule of Carthage. The area lay quiet until the mid to early 200’s BC. Forced into the First & Second Punic Wars, Akragas was eventually captured & taken over by the Romans in 210BC.
Since the first change of hands, Akragas has had a few name changes and rulers. The temples erected so long ago suffered considerable damage not only from the wars but also from earthquakes. An archaeologist, Domenico Antonio Lo Faso Pietrasanta, took note of the site in the early 1800s and dedicated his time, effort, and money to excavate and renovate the temples.
In 1966, the temples were designated as a Zone of National Interest. In 1997, UNESCO declared the Valle dei Templi a World Heritage Site. The ruins are considered the best example of an ancient Greek city outside of Greece.
Why It’s Worth the Visit
The temples and remains of Valle dei Templi are spectacular. We have not visited Greece, so we admit we may have an additional fascination with the temples. The unbelievable amount of time and effort to restore the ruins and recapture a bit of history is astounding.
Seven of the eight main temples are in the park on top of a ridge overlooking Agrigento and the Mediterranean Sea. The views of the surrounding area are beautiful and well worth the drive up the hill if you have no plans to visit the temples.
Some temples are in better shape than others, but part of the interest is to see the “ruins” in their various levels of presence. Each location provides a history plaque detailing relevant information. The site is packed with history, which can be a bit overwhelming. I recommend reading up on the ancient city of Akragas before arriving to help better take in the experience. Valle dei Templi was easily our favorite historical site in Sicily.
Things to Know Before Arriving
How to Get There
Car: The best option is renting a car in Palermo or Catania. This will give you the most freedom to explore the area.
Bus: Several buses from Palermo and Catania go daily. Palermo will give you the best options as it has direct buses, but if you are leaving from Catania, you will have to switch. Companies include SAIS Autolinee from Catania and Cuffaro or Camilleri Argento & Lattuca from Palermo.
Train: Trenitalia services Agrigento from both Palermo and Catania. Although similar to the bus, there are more direct options from Palermo.
How to Get Around
The ticket office and parking spaces are located on the Southwest and Northeast corners of the park. The property is split into two zones, Eastern and Western. I recommend visiting both zones. If you only have time for one, choose the Eastern Zone because it has more intact temples.
The ancient city sits on both sides of one main path. I recommend picking the end you want to park/enter at, walking all the way to the opposite far end, and returning to where you entered. You can then work yourself back & forth off the main path to see the points that interest you. This also puts you in the position for a shorter walk at the end of the day when you are most hot and tired.
Eastern Zone
The Eastern Zone contains three fairly well-intact temples, tombs, an 800-year-old olive tree, and magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. The highlights are the Tempio de Giunione Lucina (Temple of Juno Lacinia) and the Tempio della Concordia (Temple of Concordia). The latter, built in 430BC this structure has withstood wars and earthquakes, unlike the others. Restored to its current glory in 1748, the Tempio della Concordia serves as the logo for the UNESCO organization.
Western Zone
I found the Western Zone fascinating because of the Olympieion Field (section containing a large area where the Temple of the Olympian Zeus would have been), Tempi de Eracle (Temple of Heracles), and the replica statue of an atlas. Unfortunately, this section is more in disrepair due to the wars and earthquakes.
Tips for Your Visit
- Plan for 2 hours at the very minimum. To get the most out of the Valley of the Temples, set aside at least 4 hours or more.
- Arrive early for the best photography light to help avoid the heat and beat the tour buses.
- Take your time. Read the history plaques. The information is quite interesting.
- Take breaks under the shade trees to help keep your stamina up.
- Stop and take in the views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city below.
- DO NOT bring a tripod for photography; it will be confiscated at the gate.
What to Bring
- Water – Water is available for purchase at both entrances/exits but not within the park.
- Hat or Umbrella for shade – the sun is hot
- Camera
- Extra Batteries
- Good walking shoes – the property spans over 1300 hectares
- Sunscreen
- Snacks – Snacks are available for purchase at both entrances/exits, but none are available within the park.
Travel Basics
Website: Parco Valle dei Templi Agrigento / Hours and Admission
Hours: 8:30 am-7 pm year-round
Prices: adult/reduced €12/6, incl. Museo Archeologico €16.80/8.40
*Free Admission: the first Sunday of the month until 7 pm
Travelationship Rating
4 out of 5 Travelationship High Fives. For the traveler who likes – adventure, UNESCO, historical, bucket lister, culture, architecture
If you liked it, Pin it!
See more photos on Flickr. Please look for us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
