Agrigento is a city known primarily as the largest, apart from Greece, concentration of ancient Greek temples. They come from the so-called Great Greece and are among the most important historical attractions of Sicily.
Although Agrigento is a large city with a preserved medieval old town, it is not very attractive for tourists in itself. It still lacks brilliance and proper visibility of its values, including historic buildings.
It is completely different with the biggest attraction of Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples . It is a complex of dozens of archaeological sites from the heyday of Greece, consisting of spectacular Doric temples, remains of public buildings, squares and streets.
The first Greek settlers came to this area already in the 14th century BC, during the Mycenaean civilization. The colony was founded in the 6th century BC, and in the period of its greatest prosperity at the turn of the 6th and 5th centuries BC, it controlled 1/3 of Sicily.
The city developed as an important center for trading in oil, wine, grain and leather goods. In the 3rd century, Agrigento was occupied by the Romans who ruled here until the fall of the Empire. In medieval times, Arabs ruled here, and then the Normans.
The main tourist movement in Agrigento is concentrated in the Valley of the Temples. There are perfectly preserved Greek temples, including the Temple of Concordia . Other important sites in this area are the Temple of Juno , the Temple of Hercules , the Temple of Olympian Zeus , the Temple of Castor and Pollux , the Temple of Hephaestus, and the Temple of Aesculapius . The excavation site also includes the Hellenic-Roman quarter and the Kolymbethr Garden . The Pietro Griffo Regional Archaeological Museum is located nearby .
Tourists who venture into the streets of modern Agrigento will find the atmosphere of a quiet, slightly neglected Italian province. You can see here, among others The 12th century and repeatedly rebuilt Cathedral of San Gerlando , the gothic Church of San Nicola and the Diocesan Museum . The Botanical Garden is perfect for peaceful walks.
