Archaeological Area of Agrigento
Agrigento, Italy
28.08.2022
The Archaeological Site of Agrigent is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Agrigento, Italy. This site is renowned for its exceptional collection of well-preserved ancient Greek temples and other structures dating back to the 5th century BC.
Agrigent, also known as Akragas in ancient times, was founded by Greek colonists from Gela in 582 BC. The city prospered and became one of the most important centers of ancient Greece. Its strategic location on a plateau overlooking the sea made it a powerful trading hub and a military stronghold.
The Valley of the Temples, located on the outskirts of Agrigent, is the main attraction of the site. This impressive valley is home to seven Doric temples, including the Temple of Concordia, considered one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world. Other notable temples include the Temple of Juno and the Temple of Heracles.
Besides the temples, the site also includes various other structures such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone, and the Necropolis of Montelusa. These structures provide valuable insight into the daily life, religion, and architecture of the ancient Greeks.
Unfortunately, the decline of Agrigent began in the 4th century BC when it was conquered by the Carthaginians. The city was later ruled by the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Arabs. In the 9th century, it was destroyed by the Saracens and gradually abandoned.
It wasn't until the 18th century that Agrigent was rediscovered and its ancient treasures were systematically excavated. Today, the Archaeological Site of Agrigent stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Greeks and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
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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.
The Valle dei Templi (Italian: [ˈvalle dei ˈtɛmpli]; Sicilian: Vaddi di li Tempri), or Valley of the Temples, is an archaeological site in Agrigento (ancient Greek: Ακραγας, Akragas), Sicily. It is one of the most outstanding examples of ancient Greek art and architecture of Magna Graecia, and is one of the main attractions of Sicily. The term "valley" is a misnomer, the site being located on a ridge outside the town of Agrigento.
Since 1997, the entire area has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The archaeological and landscape park of the Valle dei Templi, with its 1300 hectares, is the largest archaeological park in Europe and the Mediterranean basin.
