Archaeological Area of Agrigento in Italy

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
www.comhera.org
Agrigento e Provincia On Line (only in Italian)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1997
Size of heritage: 934 ha
- Buffer zone: 1,869 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 13,593°
Latitude: 37,290°

Summary

Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., Agrigento became one of the leading cities in the Mediterranean world. Its supremacy and pride are demonstrated by the remains of the magnificent Doric temples that dominate the ancient town, much of which still lies intact under today's fields and orchards. Selected excavated areas throw light on the later Hellenistic and Roman town and the burial practices of its early Christian inhabitants.

Location on Map

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Archaeological Area of Agrigento

The Archaeological Area of Agrigento, located in the Province of Agrigento in Sicily, Italy, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the remains of the ancient Greek city of Akragas. This archaeological site is renowned for its exceptional state of preservation and its outstanding examples of Doric architecture.

History

The history of the Archaeological Area of Agrigento dates back to the 6th century BC when it was founded as a Greek colony by settlers from Gela. The city, known as Akragas, flourished during the 5th century BC and became one of the most important Greek colonies in Sicily. It was a prosperous city with a strong economy based on agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship.

Akragas was known for its magnificent temples, which were built to honor the gods and demonstrate the city's wealth and power. The most famous of these temples is the Temple of Concordia, which is remarkably well-preserved and considered one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world. Other notable temples include the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Heracles, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

During the Roman period, Akragas declined in importance and was eventually abandoned. Over the centuries, the city was buried under layers of sediment and forgotten. It was not until the 18th century that the archaeological site was rediscovered and excavations began.

Current State

The Archaeological Area of Agrigento is now a vast open-air museum that covers approximately 1,300 hectares. It is divided into three main areas: the Valley of the Temples, the Kolymbetra Garden, and the Archaeological Museum.

The Valley of the Temples is the most famous and impressive part of the site. It is home to the well-preserved temples, including the Temple of Concordia, which is the highlight of the area. Visitors can explore the ruins of the temples and admire the intricate Doric architecture. The site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.

The Kolymbetra Garden, located in the eastern part of the site, is a beautiful garden that was once an ancient water reservoir. It has been restored and transformed into a lush oasis with citrus and olive trees, aromatic plants, and colorful flowers. Visitors can stroll through the garden and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.

Address
Distance: 1,4 mi
Salita Filino 3
92100 Agrigento
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 10:30 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:30 - 19:30 (lunchbreak: 11:00 - 15:30)
Weekend: 8:30 - 19:30 (lunchbreak: 11:00 - 15:30)

Videos from the area

Valle dei Templi Agrigento

Published: July 31, 2014
Length: 48:41 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Stefano D'Alessandro

Suggestive immagini video dall'alto con Drone della valle dei Templi di Agrigento in occasione del Congresso di Archeoastonomia del 26 Luglio 2014 dell'Istituto di Archeoastronomia Siciliana...

Miss Agrigento 2009 - Krizia

Published: September 14, 2008
Length: 07:02 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Mario Pardo

AMMESSA ALLA FASE FINALE DI MISS AGRIGENTO Provino di Krizia per le selezioni al concorso Miss Agrigento 2009.

Alfio Antico e i suoi tamburi al Giardino della Kolymbetra di Agrigento

Published: September 18, 2014
Length: 10:07 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: MCMusica

Ed i presepi artistici di Antonio Vanadia. http://www.CMiraMusica.blogspot.com/2014/09/alfio-antico-i-suoi-tamburi-e.html http://www.CMViaggi.blogspot.com http://www.twitter.com/CMiraMusica...

Il gran maestro di scacchi Igor Naumkin ad Agrigento

Published: August 23, 2014
Length: 00:00 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: CMGiochi

Un professionista che sembra geniale ed un po' introverso, molto dedito alle pedine, ai cavalli, alle torri, a re e regine. Qui al torneo del Dioscuri Chess di Favara ed Agrigento, diretto...