Five remarkably preserved Doric Greek temples perch on a ridge above Agrigento, built by Sicilian Greeks in the 5th century BC when this was one of the ancient world's largest cities. The Temple of Concordia is among the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere outside Greece.
The Valle dei Templi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1997) located on a ridge south of Agrigento in Sicily, preserving the remains of five major Doric temples from the 5th century BC alongside extensive necropoli, sanctuaries, and urban infrastructure from the ancient city of Akragas. Founded as a Dorian Greek colony around 582 BC by settlers from Gela and Rhodes, Akragas grew into one of the wealthiest and most powerful cities of the ancient Mediterranean under the tyrants Theron (488-472 BC) and his successors, reaching an estimated population of 200,000 at its height. The temples were built primarily between 480 and 430 BC, financed in part by the labor of Carthaginian prisoners captured at the Battle of Himera in 480 BC. The Temple of Concordia (c. 430 BC) is the centerpiece: a 34-column Doric temple in a state of preservation rivaled among Greek temples only by the Hephaisteion in Athens. Its exceptional survival is owed to its conversion into a Christian church in 597 AD, which filled the intercolumnar spaces with masonry. The Temple of Hera (Juno) Lacinia at the eastern end of the ridge retains 25 of its original 34 columns, still carrying traces of the ancient red stucco with which they were painted. The Temple of Heracles (c. 510 BC) is the oldest at Akragas; eight columns were re-erected in 1924 from fragments found in situ. The vast Temple of Zeus Olympios (begun 480 BC) was the largest Doric temple ever attempted — had it been completed, it would have exceeded the Parthenon in height by 20 meters and was supported by colossal Atlante figures (telamons) 7.5 meters tall. A reconstructed telamon is displayed horizontally in the on-site Regional Archaeological Museum (Museo Regionale Archeologico Pietro Griffo), which also holds fine pottery, sculpture, and finds from the necropoleis. The park covers over 1,300 hectares and is managed by the Parco Archeologico della Valle dei Templi. The site is dramatically lit at night seasonally, and afternoon visits as the temples turn golden in the low sun are considered among the finest ancient-world experiences in southern Italy.
Why it matters
The Valle dei Templi at ancient Akragas (modern Agrigento) represents the most extensive and best-preserved concentration of ancient Greek colonial architecture outside mainland Greece, built during the 5th century BC when Akragas was among the largest and wealthiest cities in the entire Greek world.
Highlights
- Temple of Concordia (c. 430 BC) — among the best-preserved Doric Greek temples anywhere in existence
- Temple of Hera Lacinia at the ridge's eastern tip, glowing gold at sunset above the Agrigento plain
- Reconstructed Atlante telamon in the on-site museum — the 7.5-meter figure that supported the Temple of Zeus
- Temple of Heracles (c. 510 BC) — the oldest at Akragas, with eight columns re-erected from original fragments
- Night illumination tour when the ridge temples are lit dramatically against the dark Sicilian sky
Tips for visiting
- Visit at sunset (April-October) when the Temple of Concordia and Temple of Hera glow gold — the same ticket covers full-day entry with re-entry.
- The site covers over 1,300 hectares; comfortable walking shoes are essential and the ridge path is fully exposed in summer heat.
- Night illumination tours run seasonally — check the Parco Archeologico della Valle dei Templi website for the current schedule.
- The Regional Archaeological Museum (Museo Griffo) is included in most tickets; allow 60-90 minutes for it — the reconstructed telamon alone is extraordinary.
- Agrigento town (15 minutes uphill from the site) has good Sicilian restaurants; the Valle dei Templi area has limited food options beyond the visitor center.
Accessibility
The eastern section of the park around the Temple of Concordia is partially wheelchair accessible via paved paths. The western temples and necropoli involve rough terrain unsuitable for wheelchair users. A marked accessible route is indicated at the main entrance; the on-site Regional Archaeological Museum is fully accessible on a single level.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Valle dei Templi English-language friendly?
Information panels throughout the park are bilingual in Italian and English. The Regional Archaeological Museum has English labels. Licensed English-speaking guides can be hired at the main entrance on Via Passeggiata Archeologica.
How long does a full visit take?
The ridge walk from east to west visiting all five main temples takes 2-3 hours. Including the Regional Archaeological Museum adds another 60-90 minutes. A thorough visit including the western necropoli warrants a half-day minimum.
Is the site accessible for visitors with mobility impairments?
The eastern section around the Temple of Concordia has paved paths and is partially accessible for wheelchair users. The western temples and necropoli areas involve rougher terrain and are less accessible. A dedicated accessible route is marked at the main entrance on Via Passeggiata Archeologica.