The Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) is an ancient archaeological site situated in close proximity to Agrigento on the south coast of Sicily. Set on a plateau overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it is the site of the ancient Greek city of Akragas.
Agrigento: Valley of the Temples
A road separates Valle dei Templi, with the best preserved temples overlooking the sea on one side, and more crumbling remnants of the past overlooking the town. You can catch a glimpse of the site from the road which gives a clue to its sheer size.
Main road that links the temples
Distant view of Temple of Hercules
Tempio di Ercole (Temple of Hercules)
The Eight pillars of Tempio di Ercole (Temple of Hercules) make up Agrigento’s oldest temple complex, dating from the 6th century BC. Here, you can get close, touch the ruins and let your imagination stray as to what life would have been like in that era.
Temple of Hera or Juno Lacinia
The Temple of Hera or Juno Lacinia, Tempio de Giunone dates back to 450 BC and has two connecting arcs.
Temple of Concordia
The Temple of Concordia, Tempio della Concordia, is situated up the hill from the Temple of Hercules. It dates back to 430 BC and is the most preserved structure on the site.
Front view of Temple of Concordia
The temple is cordoned off and cannot be accessed up close.
Side view of Temple of Concordia
If you’re into ancient history or archaeology, you can hire an audio commentary that details the history or read the various historical plaques beside the temples.
Or you can simply stroll through the Valley of the Temples, as you do in a passeggiata, and admire the its majestic beauty.
Getting to Agrigento
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is located 130 km from Palermo, 175 km from Trapani/Erice and 99 km from Selinunte.
As with most of Sicily, the easiest way to reach Valley of the Temples is by car. The centre of Agrigento is 6.5 km away from the Temples. Take Via Crispi then Via Panoramica dei templi to get to the ticket office near the temple of Giunone. There is a paid car park on the premises.
The site can also be reached by bus from the centre of Agrigento which leaves from Piazzale Rosselli.
Tips for Visitors to Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples is a large area that you will be exploring on foot. There is a section with an uphill hike so make sure you wear good walking shoes.
The area has very limited shade and is open to the elements. During the warmer months, bring a hat and sun screen protection.
Plan to spend a good part of your day there and not rush the sights. The place has an Area Ristoro Arcosoli with a caffetteria serving food, snacks and drinks. If you are very rushed for time, allow a minimum of two hours.
Admission to the site is €10, €13.50 includes museum entry. The Valley of the Temples is open daily from 8:30 am to 7pm with the last admission half an hour before closing time. And if you spot a Sicilian Cart near the entrance, you can have your photo taken with the horse Marco.
[…] traditional Sicilian Cart was spotted near the entrance to the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento. The sign says, “Dare l’offerta per la foto al cavallo Marco Grazie” which is translated […]