Valley of the Temples: a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997

The Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world

The Valley of the Temples is located in Sicily in the municipality of Agrigento and is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Italy. As of 1997, the Valley of the Temples is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

What makes this place so unique is the presence of Doric temples of Hellenic origin that have come down to us in an exceptional state of preservation. Then in 2000, the Valley became an Archaeological Park of the Sicilian Region.

The area that corresponds to the present Valley of the Temples is developed in correspondence with ancient Akragas, the fulcrum from which Agrigento itself was born.

Some of the most important of the eleven temples within the archaeological area are those of Juno, Jupiter, Hercules and Concordia.

The temple of Juno was built in the fifth century B.C. and recent studies have revealed that it was probably actually dedicated to the goddess Athena. Rebuilt after a fire by the Carthaginians, it has come down to us.

The Temple of Jupiter is also nicknamed Olympeion and as the name suggests was built to thank Zeus after a major victory over the Carthaginians in 480-479 BC. The remains of this building, characterized by the presence of giant sculptures (copies of which can be seen today) were discovered by Tommaso Fazello, a Sicilian historian in the 1500s.

The temple of Hercules was perhaps one of the most important, because the cult of the god was particularly felt in the time of Akragas. Of its former magnificence, eight columns remain today, rebuilt at the behest of Sir Alex Hardcastle in 1928.

We close this small list with the temple of Concordia, which has the pride of being one of the best preserved in the world. It was again Tommaso Fazello who “baptized” it, thanks to a Latin inscription found nearby. During its long life it was also a Christian basilica, at the behest of Bishop Gregory of Agrigento in the 6th century A.D. It is here that you can admire the statue of fallen Icarus, created in 2011 by Igor Mitoraj.

In addition to the incredible evidence of temples dedicated to the gods, the archaeological area is also home to a veritable museum, the Pietro Griffo, which houses a truly impressive number of artifacts. In fact, we are talking about almost six thousand objects, thanks to which it has been possible to reconstruct history through the centuries, starting from prehistory.

In the Valley of the Temples, to enrich an already incredible “repertoire,” you will also find necropolis, sanctuaries, tombs, hydraulic works and ancient fortifications.

Frequently asked questions about the Valley of the Temples

Who is entitled to free access?
For some visitors, upon presentation of an ID, access to the Valley of the Temples is completely free: those who have not yet turned eighteen. Minors then who have not yet reached the age of twelve, must be compulsorily accompanied by an adult.

How long does an average guided tour of the Valley of the Temples last?On average, a guided tour lasts about 2 hours.

What is the most important temple in the Valley of the Temples?
The Temple of Jupiter, built after Himera's victory over the Carthaginians (480-479 B.C.) as a sign of thanks to Zeus. The temple remained unfinished, but it was the largest in the entire ancient West.

How old is the Valley of the Temples?
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento can boast a very ancient history, we are talking about more than two thousand years.

What is the recommended time for the best visit?
One idea for a special and magical visit could be to go to the Valley of the Temples at twilight time. The spectacle of the temples illuminated by the lights of dusk is absolutely not to be missed!

Is there any suggested attire for the visit?
To visit the Valley of the Temples, one piece of advice that applies year-round is to use comfortable footwear. In summer, on the other hand, it would be better to prefer light-colored, lightweight clothing. No to black, because it attracts too much sun!