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Agrigento UNESCO sites

Our most recommended Agrigento UNESCO sites

Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Skip The Line & Guided Tour

1. Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Skip The Line & Guided Tour

Come to Agrigento and discover one of Sicily's most famous historical attractions, for its well-preserved Doric temples dedicated to Greek divinities, the famous Valley of the Temples. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Archaeological Park is located on a plateau close to the Strait of Sicily.  Follow your guide to explore this site where time seems to stand still, preserving an unprecedented historical charm. Start the tour from the temple of Hera, continuing on the sacred way to the remains of the surrounding wall. Inside the Valley, see 12 temples as well as some fortifications, the Lower and Upper Agora, an Olympian, and a Bouleuterion. Source of inspiration for poets, philosophers, and painters, it is one of the most emblematic parks in Sicily. Admire Doric temples from the Hellenic period, that correspond to the ancient Akragas, the original monumental nucleus of the city of Agrigento. Move onward to the Temple of Concord, the remains of the early Christian Necropolis, the Temple of Heracles, and the remains of the Temple of Zeus.

Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Entrance Ticket & Pemcards

2. Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Entrance Ticket & Pemcards

Take a stirring journey through the archaeological ruins at Agrigento with a skip-the-line entry to the Valley of the Temples. Immortalize your visit with Pemcards -- a digital photo that you can send as a real postcard to anywhere in the world.Discover the immense artistic and archaeological heritage of Sicily as you explore the site which extends over approximately 1,300 hectares. Learn about a millenary history that began in the 6th-century BC with the foundation of the ancient Greek colony of Akragas.See the terraced levels of the site that used to be a center of the public life of the ancient Greco-Romans and marvel at the aqueducts. Walkthrough the core of the archaeological site of Agrigento, passing magnificent temples such as the Temple to Zeus, Tempio della Concordia, and Tempio di Eracle.Lastly, admire the gymnasium, an ancient location for athletic, educational, and recreational activities.

Agrigento: Valley of the Temples & Gardens Private Tour

3. Agrigento: Valley of the Temples & Gardens Private Tour

The guided tour of the oldest and most characteristic area of Agrigento, known as the Valley of the Temples, will take you to travel back in time among the Doric temples of the Hellenic period, visiting one of the largest and most spectacular archaeological areas in the world. We start immediately by visiting the Temple of Hera Lacinia or Juno erected 120 meters high in 450 BC. on the hill of the Rupe Atenea with Doric columns; the temple in which he used to celebrate the wedding is dedicated to Juno because inside it was kept a painting that probably depicted the goddess protector of women and fertility. A few steps away we find one of the symbols of Agrigento, the majestic Temple of Concordia, the second best preserved temple in the world after the Parthenon in Athens. Dating back to 430 BC. today it is in an excellent state of conservation thanks to the transformation of the temple into a Christian church. In the front part of the temple we can admire the suggestive bronze statue of Icarus, donated by the famous Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj, representing the fall of Icarus who disobeying his father and flying too close to the sun, burned his wax wings and fell into the Mediterranean. We continue the guided tour exploring the oldest of the Doric temples of Agrigento, the Temple of Hercules or Heracles for the Greeks, which owes its name to a bronze statue of Hercules, the strongest and most valiant of the Gods, inside the temple . During the visit you will see prickly pear trees and breathtaking panoramic views over the valley. We then arrive at the Temple of Jupiter or Zeus, originally one of the largest temples of classical antiquity which over time was damaged due to earthquakes and therefore used as a quarry for the construction of the Porto Empedocle pier. Among the ruins of the temple we will see the reconstruction of one of the Telamons over 7 meters high, stone sculptures of giants placed outside the temple to protect the divinity, which with its majesty gives us an idea of the beauty of the temples originally. After a few steps the guided tour continues to the Temple of the Dioscuri, of which only a corner with four columns remains but which despite the few remains that have come down to the present day has become one of the most representative monuments of Agrigento. The guided tour ends by admiring the Kolymbetra Garden from the outside, an extensive citrus grove of orange and lemon trees where nature and silence make it a heavenly place in total harmony with the temples that surround it.

From Catania: Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Audioguide Tour

4. From Catania: Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Audioguide Tour

Enjoy two of the most iconic spots in Sicily on a full-day tour. Accompanied by an audio guide, explore the Valley of the Temples housing the ruins of sacred Greek temples. Visit the Villa Romana del Casale to see extensive examples of vivid Roman mosaics. Start from the center of Catania, where your driver will welcome you in a comfortable air-conditioned van. Head to your first stop, the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park in Agrigento. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its well-preserved Doric temples dedicated to Greek divinities. Wander back into ancient times as you walk through Greek ruins during your 3 hours at this site. Next, head to Piazza Armerina, yet another UNESCO-listed site. Visit the Villa Romana del Casale, an imperial villa with the world's best-preserved Roman mosaics. Marvel at its mosaic floors, walls, columns, and coins. Over the course of 1.5 hours, explore this historic masterpiece.

From Palermo: Villa Romana and Valley of the Temples Trip

5. From Palermo: Villa Romana and Valley of the Temples Trip

Follow in the footsteps of the Greeks and Romans on a day trip where your transport is taken care of for you. Discover some of the finest Roman mosaics in the world at the Villa Romana del Casale. Learn all about the Valley of the Temples archaeological site with a licensed local guide. Meet your driver in central Palermo and be taken straight to Piazza Armerina, where you will explore the Villa Romana del Casale independently. Marvel at the luxurious 4th-century villa, home to an influential Roman family. Take your time to examine its exquisite mosaic flooring. Continue to Agrigento for a guided tour of the magnificent Valley of Temples, built by the Greeks in the 5th century BC. See the ruins of temples, necropolises, houses, streets, and everything else you'd expect to find in an ancient city. Finally, return to the meeting point in Palermo.

Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Tour Skip-the-Line Entry

6. Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Tour Skip-the-Line Entry

Skip the line with your guide and begin your tour of the Valley of The Temples. Walk to the Temple of Hera (Juno), built at the very top of the hill. From there, enjoy magnificent views of the landscape, coastline, and the Mediterranean Sea. Continue a mile downhill and stop along the main path to admire the city's fortifications and Byzantine arcosolia. Admire some of the most stunning temples ever built: the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Herakles, and the Temple of Zeus. As you explore your guide discover the secrets behind the construction of the temples, gain insight into the civilization that produced them, and get to know the personages that made ancient Akragas “the most beautiful of mortal cities."

Catania: Valley of the Temples & Piazza Armerina with Brunch

7. Catania: Valley of the Temples & Piazza Armerina with Brunch

Drive to the southern coast of Sicily in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle to explore and learn about the history, culture, and art found in Sicily in the Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale.  Begin with a visit to the majestic archaeological area of the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pindar, the Greek poet, and writer described it as “one of the most beautiful cities of those inhabited by mortals”. Famous for its seven well-preserved temples, the Valley of the Temples is dedicated to various divinities including Juno, Hercules, Hephaestus, and Athena. The visit to the Valley of the Temples is a wonderfully memorable experience that allows you to delve into the Greek culture and history that has been woven into Sicily.  After strolling through the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, you will stop to enjoy a delicious brunch, made of Sicilian street food, water, and wine before traveling to Piazza Armerina. Found in the heart of Sicily, Piazza Armerina is home to the splendid Villa Romana del Casale a majestic imperial villa originally the property of a powerful Roman family. At the villa, you will find the best conserved in-situ Roman mosaics in the world.

From Catania: Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Full-Day Trip

8. From Catania: Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Full-Day Trip

Depart Catania and travel to the hilltop city of Agrigento, known for the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas. Discover the well-preserved ruins of the Valley of the Temples, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Temple of Juno and Temple of Concordia. See the former theater used for the assembly of free citizens at the Ekklesiasterion, along with 3 sanctuaries and the necropolises of Montelusa, Moses and Pezzino. Continue to Piazza Armerina in the Erean Mountains and marvel at the stunning mosaics in the ruins of a Roman nobleman's residence at the Villa del Casale.

From Taormina: Valley of The Temples & Piazza Armerina Tour

9. From Taormina: Valley of The Temples & Piazza Armerina Tour

Join this tour of Agrigento and Piazza Armerina so you can see two of Sicily’s most famous historical features: the Valley of the Temples and the Villa Romana del Casale. Situated just outside Agrigento, the splendid Valley of the Temples archaeological park consists of 8 separate temples and various other ruins built between about 510 BC and 430 BC including: the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Heracles, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of Hephaestos, the Temple of Demeter, and the Temple of Asclepius. Aside from the latter, found on the banks of the Akragas River, all are situated in the same area on the rocky crests south of modern-day Agrigento - not really in a valley at all. Your second stop is Piazza Armerina, situated deep in the Sicilian hinterland, at 721 meters above sea level, this is one of Sicily’s most frequented tourist spots. This area is known for the famous Villa Romana del Casale, which was originally intended for use as a hunting lodge in the middle of the 4th Century AD by a Roman patrician but is now home to some of the best-preserved examples of Roman mosaics. These extraordinarily vivid and intricate mosaics, probably produced mostly by North African artisans, deal with a range of subjects, ranging from Homeric escapades and mythological scenes to portrayals of daily life, including the famous tableau of girls exercising in their ancient bikinis. It's a must do stop on your trip to Italy.

Palermo to Syracuse: Transfer & Agrigento Tour & lunch

10. Palermo to Syracuse: Transfer & Agrigento Tour & lunch

Today we drive through the interior of Sicily to reach Agrigento to see the Valley of the Temples: two hours guided walking tour on the Valley of the Temples (skip the line ticket included), an important Unesco World Heritage site. Covers the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Hercules and the Temple of Zeus. Agrigento, according to legend, was founded by Daedalus and his son Icarus after they had fled from Crete “by air”. Historically, however, its origins date back to 582 B.C. when it was founded by Rhodian-cretan colonist from the neighbouring Gela who named their city Akragas after the nearby river. It rapidly increased in size, importance and military strength under Phalarides, the first tyrant, and later under Theron, who extended his way over northern Sicily as far as Himera. In conclusion, Agrigento was a city of artists and illustrious personages, amongst whom the philosopher Empedocles. Pindar defines it as “the most beautiful of mortal cities” and, in fact, in the Vth century B.C., those famous temples, whose beauty we still admire today, were built. Enjoy a rustc lunch to taste delicious local dishes. This afternoon we then continue to Syracusa

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What people are saying about Agrigento

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 85 reviews

An excellent way to see more of Sicily when on a tight time schedule. There were six people in our mini van thus it was manageable and our guide Marco was able to speak to all of us individually. He is multi-lingual and very knowledgeable. There was plenty of time to see the monuments and there were timely food and comfort stops.

Alessio was an excellent guide and had great insight into the historical importance of the places visited. Would highly recommend this tour.

Excelent guide!The narrative allowed us to imagine what happened there long ago. Liz was one of the best guides I have ever had on a tour.

Gotta do it at least once! First time to Sicily and didn’t disappoint. Big time, well preserved. Doric style. Circa 500 BC.

Bus was clean, comfortable, and on time. Marco, the guide, was friendly and very knowledgeable.