Sighseeing
The Temple of Concord
The Valley is full of interesting temples risen in gratitude for victories in battles. Over time only a few pieces have remain nowadays. One of the best-preserved Doric temples is the Temple of Concord, built between 450 and 440 BC. Its perfectly balanced features and total harmony of golden stones that form the 34 columns strike the most. Like the rest of the temples, it faces the east according to the Greek and Roman religious belief that it had to face the sunrise.
The Temple of Juno
The Temple of Juno has similar structure and stands high up at the end of the Hill of Temples. The sacrificial altar of the temple is outside, as was customary in ancient Greek religious cults.
The Temple of Hercules
This is the oldest of the Agrigentine temples and therefore it is not so well preserved. Only eight columns of the original 15 has remained after being re-erected in 1928. Probably an earthquake has been the cause of its major destruction. But nevertheless, this place still keeps the spirit of ancient battles and old time heroism which could be clearly felt when looking at it.
The Provincial Archeological Museum
The museum's collection focuses on Greek items recovered from the Valley of the Temples. It is actually built upon the Greek ekklesiasterion and the medieval church of Saint Nicholas.
Parks and Nature Reserves
Outside Aragona, a few miles south of Agrigento you can admire the Maccalube reserve. This is actually a field of small gray mud geysers which is one of a kind in Italy.
Art and culture
Ceramic art
Terra cotta is the most important and the oldest one among Sicily's artistic traditions. It traditionally features the intricate motifs brought by the Moors, embellished by the Renaissance spirit of the Baroque. If you want to find out more about the history of Sicilian ceramic sculpture Agrigento is the best place to do this.
Folk art
Sicily's medieval past has kept the tradition and the spirit of the folk art. Legends of Saracen soldiers, Norman knights and German damsels depict the history and adventure of the Kingdom of Sicily. Lively puppet shows, ornately decorated horse carts and medieval style tournaments and religious pageants take place in Agrigento through the year which take you into another world.
Culinary Arts
It is said that food and wine are a true expression of a people's personality. Sicilian cuisine is world-famous as are its wines which can be tasted and enjoyed at here, in Agrigento.
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