<Discovering the Ancient Marvels of Agrigento, Sicily>
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The legacy of the Ancient Greeks includes a wealth of stunning monuments, many of which can be found in Agrigento, historically referred to as Akragas. Here, visitors can explore exquisite examples of Doric-style temples among other remarkable structures. What attractions can be found in the renowned Valley of the Temples, or Valle dei Templi? Below is a list of the most notable sites.
Valle dei Templi is an archaeological park situated in Agrigento, a city located in southern Sicily. It showcases remarkable architectural remnants from Greater Hellas and spans around 1800 hectares. Recognized for its cultural and historical significance, the "Archaeological Area of Agrigento" was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
History of the Valley of the Temples
The earliest signs of Greek settlement in southern Sicily trace back to the 14th century BCE. Archaeological discoveries, including pottery and tholos tombs, indicate that Mycenaeans inhabited these regions.
The ancient city of Akragas began its history in 582 BCE, founded by settlers from Gela along with colonists from Rhodes and Corinth. Its name originated from the river bordering the city.
Within a century, Akragas emerged as a formidable Greek colony, reaching its peak under the rule of tyrants Phalaris and Theron. The latter led a significant victory against the Carthaginians at the Battle of Himera in 480 BCE and initiated the city’s expansion and infrastructure enhancements.
At its zenith, the city stretched from Mount Etna to Himera, encompassing areas up to Selinunte and Gela. Its economy thrived mainly through the export of leather goods, olive oil, and wine. It was fortified by approximately 12 km of defensive walls featuring nine gates, within which stood impressive temples, administrative buildings, and homes.
After Theron’s death in 473 BCE, his son Thrasydaeus took over, but his tyrannical reign was brief. In 471 BCE, the citizens revolted, establishing democracy under the leadership of philosopher Empedocles, and formed a council elected by the populace.
In 406 BCE, the Carthaginians captured and destroyed the city. It was rebuilt in 350 BCE under Timoleon, yet it was ravaged again during the Punic Wars. The Carthaginians governed until 210 BCE.
During the Second Punic War, the Romans seized control, renaming it Agrigentum, and rededicating the reconstructed temples to their pantheon of gods.
As the Roman Empire declined, the city endured barbarian invasions and later Byzantine rule. In 828 CE, Arabs occupied it, renaming it Kerkent. The Normans conquered Sicily in 1087 CE, and the city became known as Girgenti, a name it kept until 1927 when Mussolini reinstated the ancient name Agrigento.
Monuments in the Valley of the Temples
Many monuments within the Valley of the Temples have not survived in good condition, not only due to the city’s tumultuous past but also because of natural disasters like earthquakes.
A notable monument is the Bouleuterion, built around the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BCE, which served as the assembly hall for the democratic city council. The rectangular structure had an amphitheater design and was topped with a gabled roof.
Another fascinating site is the Gymnasium’s ruins, constructed during Roman times. The archaic necropolises carved into the ancient city walls from Byzantine times also pique interest, as do the early Christian catacombs (Grotta Fragapane), which were repurposed from earlier water reservoirs.
One of the park's most enigmatic attractions is the Mausoleum of Theron. Although intended as the tyrant’s burial site, some scholars argue it dates back to Roman times and was built to honor those who perished in the First Punic War.
Key Attractions in the Valley of the Temples
Among the most significant relics in the Valley of the Temples, built during Hellenistic times and later reconstructed in the Roman era, are the temple remains. They exemplify Doric architecture and showcase the skill of ancient builders.
Temple of Jupiter (Zeus Olympios)
This temple was one of the largest religious edifices of the ancient world. Constructed to celebrate the victory over the Carthaginians in 480 BCE, it measured 56 meters wide and 113 meters long. Only remnants, including the foundations and telamons, remain today. Interestingly, it is believed that the temple was not completed before the Carthaginian invasion that led to the city's destruction in 406 BCE.
Temple of the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux)
From this once-grand temple, only a circular altar and a section with four columns, restored in 1836, remain.
Temple of Concordia
This temple, constructed in 430 BCE, is the best-preserved of all Greek temples, measuring about 42 meters long and 20 meters wide. Its clay foundation helped absorb shocks during earthquakes, contributing to its preservation. It was converted into a Christian basilica in 597 CE, which further protected it from deterioration.
Temple of Hephaestus
Built in the latter half of the 5th century BCE, only two columns of this structure remain today.
Temple of Hercules
This temple, the oldest in the Valley of the Temples, was erected in the 6th century BCE. Surviving elements include the pronaos and opisthodomos with an enclosed rear section, originally featuring 38 Doric columns.
Temple of Juno (Hera)
Constructed between 450 and 440 BCE, this temple is the second-best preserved in the valley, with thirty columns still standing.
Trivia about the Valley of the Temples
Here are some intriguing facts about the Valley of the Temples:
- In ancient times, the east symbolized life and light; hence, the temples in the Valley face east.
- An adjacent museum showcases valuable artifacts and was once a Cistercian monastery.
- Cities in Magna Graecia were independent of the Greek polis.
- Phalaris, Akragas's first tyrant, is infamous for devising the bronze bull torture device.
- Almond trees bloom in the Valley, their pink flowers providing a beautiful contrast to the ancient ruins.