It’s always the right time to plan a trip to the Valley of the Temples Sicily of Agrigento, where history and nature intertwine and mutually reinforce each-other.

Visit the valley and savour the stunning landscapes of inland Sicily with its awakening nature; breathe in the wonders of history, lose yourself in the Greek columns and be spellbound by some of the finest archaeological sites and monuments in the world.

The Valley of the temples Sicily was declared a UNESCO Site of World Heritage in 1997 and it is one of the most complex archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The 1,300 hectares of the park, stretching out until it meets the sea, contain an extraordinary range of monuments including the ruins of the city of Akragas.

In this huge area stand ten great temples, the best preserved in Sicily and dedicated to the divinity of Magna Grecia: there are the temples of Hera (burnt down in 406AC by the Carthaginians), the temple of Concordia, Dionisio, Eracle, Zeus, Efesto, Atena, Asclepio, Demetra and Iside. These temples represent the most important examples of Doric-style architecture in Sicily.

In the valley maps and some clear signposts should also direct you to some other ruins of notable importance:the tomb of Terone, three sanctuaries, a number of Necropoli (Montelusa, Mosè, Pezzino, the Roman necropoli and the tomb of Terone, the Paleochristian necropoli and Acrosoli), the garden of Kolymbetra and its underground, fortifications, part of a Roman Hellenistic quarter, the upper and lower Agorà, an Olympion and a Bouleuterion.

The confines of the archaeological complex are to the Western side the remains of the Gates VI and VII, and to the North Gates VIII and IX.

Some useful advice

First of all, you don’t need any particular equipment: you just need the map of the archaeological park, a camera, and some comfortable footwear.

The area is easily reached from Agrigento, with reasonable prices if you choose to go by car or by public transport. From Porto Empedocle you’re only 8 minutes away in car.

Prices

The prices depend on the area you want to visit:

Entrance to the famousArchaeological Park of the Valley of the temples Sicily is 10 euros (5 euros reduced rate) whilst visiting the Valley of the Temples and the Archaeological Museum costs 13,50 euros (7 euros reduced rate). Free entrance to all children under 18 years old. The first Sunday of each month is free for all.

Hours

The archaeological site is open every day from 8.30 to 19.00 whilst the Regional Archaeological Museum “P.Griffo”, on Contrada San Nicola is open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 19.00, and open 9.00 to 13.00 on Sundays and Bank Holidays. During July and September it is open until 22.00 (on working days) and the park closes at 23.00, whilst on Bank Holidays it is open until 23.00 with closing of the park at 24.00.

Guided visit

Without a doubt the best way to discover the Valley of the temples Sicily is with an expert guide. Every day, from 10.00 to 15.00, it is possible to take part in a group tour departing from the ticket office at the Temple of Giunone. A minimum of 6 participants is required at a cost of 10 € per head, on top of the price of the entrance fee.

If instead you would like a dedicated guide just for you, you can book with us a private tour guidewho will share with you all their historical knowledge of these magnificent temples, and always there to answer your questions.

Wondering what to do afterwards?

Take part in a chef-lead cooking class to taste some of the wonderful local flavors of Sicily, or discover the Valley of the temples Sicily from a different point of view… overhead, Agrigento by helicopter is an unmissable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.