City of Agrigento: Also known as Akragas, Agrigento is an Italian municipality located in Sicily. Its history is steeped in charm and adventures dating back to ancient times. Let’s take a journey through the centuries of this fascinating city:
- Origins and Foundation: Agrigento has deep roots that trace back to ancient Greece. Founded by Greek colonists around 581 BCE, the city stands on a land that has witnessed the settlement of various peoples over the centuries. It was once home to indigenous populations who engaged in trade with the Aegean and Mycenaean civilizations. The territory of Agrigento saw the rise of the polis of Akragas (Ἀκράγας), founded by the Geloi of Rhodian-Cretan origin.
- Splendor in the 5th Century BCE: During the 5th century BCE, Agrigento reached its peak splendor. Its Doric temples, located in the renowned Valley of the Temples, stand as impressive witnesses to this glorious era. Among them, the celebrated Temple of Concordia is one of the best-preserved in the world. In 1997, the Valley of the Temples was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
- Roman Domination: During the Punic Wars, Agrigento was conquered by the Romans, who Latinized its name to Agrigentum. This period marked a decline for the city, but its history continued to evolve.
- Medieval Era and Renaissance: In the Middle Ages, Agrigento was a Greek-Byzantine city but suffered devastation due to Arab incursions. In 1089, the Normans conquered it and renamed it Girgenti, a name it retained until 1927 when it was renamed with its current toponym.
- City of Temples: Agrigento is renowned as the City of Temples due to its expanse of Doric temples from the ancient Greek city, situated in the Valley of the Temples. This site was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1997. Today, Agrigento remains an important cultural and tourist center, and in 2025, it was designated as the Italian Capital of Culture.
Agrigento’s rich history and architectural wonders make it a captivating destination for travelers and history enthusiasts.
Monuments to visit in Agrigento
Monuments and Places to Visit in Agrigento:
- Valley of the Temples: This archaeological site is an absolute must-see if you find yourself in Agrigento. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of the Temples is located to the south of the city. Here, you can admire eight temples, built between 510 BCE and 430 BCE. The two most famous ones are the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Hera (also known as the Temple of Juno). Their grandeur will leave you breathless! To visit the Valley of the Temples, you can park at one of the two parking lots situated at either end of the valley.
- Regional Archaeological Museum of Agrigento: This museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from the Valley of the Temples and other areas of Sicily. It’s an ideal place to deepen your knowledge of the history and art of ancient Agrigento.
- The Market of Agrigento: Take a stroll through the historic center of Agrigento and discover the lively local market. Here, you’ll find fresh products, vibrant colors, and the authentic atmosphere of daily life.
- Pirandello Museum: This museum is dedicated to the great Sicilian playwright, Luigi Pirandello. It offers a genuine experience connected to Pirandello’s life.
Places to visit in the Province of Agrigento
- Scala dei Turchi: This white and chalky rock formation juts dramatically over the sea along the coast of Realmonte, in the Agrigento region. It has become a tourist attraction due to its unique white cliffs with peculiar shapes. The popularity of the novels featuring Commissioner Montalbano, written by the author Andrea Camilleri, has also contributed to its fame. The fictional town of Vigata, associated with Porto Empedocle, adds to its allure.
- Capo Rossello in Realmonte: Enjoy the beach and crystal-clear waters of this coastal location.
- Torre Salsa Nature Reserve: This protected area offers panoramic trails and pristine beaches.
- Eraclea Minoa: Explore the archaeological site of Eraclea Minoa, which includes an ancient theater, temples, and remnants of a Greek city.
These are just a few of the experiences you can have in the Province of Agrigento. Happy travels!