Agrigento Sicily - attractions, beaches. What hotels in Agrigento are beautiful views? Lookout on the Valley of Temples in Agrigento

17.10.2020

Memorial of all Sicily - so short, but it can be described Valley of temples in Agrigento. Here, even dust under his feet seems infinitely ancient, sacred, nursing and ... by the blood of countless and unnamed slaves, who built huge ancient shrines, defenders of Akragas, who beat to the last for their native walls, hundreds and thousands of victims of inexorably rulers - from Tirana to the governors of the emperor. They all have rushed into the fly under the oppression of the ruthless time, and only the ruins of temples and necropholes in Agrigento remained under the hot sky of Sicily silent eternal witnesses of the great human tragedies.

The most prominent option is, of course, take a car for rent. The SS189 trail is running from Palermo to Agrigento, and following the SS115 highway, you can get to the destination from Trapani and Syracuse.

Little things remained: getting from the center of Agrigento to the Valley of the Temples. You can, of course, and on foot, if you are not afraid of a 5-kilometer walk. But it is better, of course, take a bus that goes from the central bus station, from Rosselli Square. In the direction of the Museum Park, buses №№ 1.2, 3. The ticket can be bought in one of the kiosks on the square in the bus station, the cost is 1.10 euros. For those who still sailed, a ticket from Porto Empedocle will cost 1.50 euros.

Tickets to the Valley of the Temples Agrigento

Park Museum of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento on Sicily is open daily from 8:30 to 19:00. In addition, every year from mid-July to mid-September it can be visited in the evening: on weekdays from 19:30 to 21:30, on weekends and holidays - until 23:30.

The meaning of the evening visit is in aesthetic pleasure: the valley of the temples in the rays of the sunset and the backlit is an unforgettable spectacle. By the way, the excuses are recommended to visit the Valley of the Temples and in February, when almonds blooms - a tree-symbol of the city, and when the annual maculum festival is held on the territory of the Museum Park.

Christian necropolis

Tickets to the Valley of the Temples Agrigento You can purchase at the box office on site or online [order via the Internet]. Ticket price - more than reasonable. In the purchase of online, it makes sense to not test the body in line for one of the main attractions of Sicily under the unimusted southern sun in summer, or in the winter on the rain in the winter. This is especially true if you travel with children or elderly people.

In the peak season, there are days when in line it is quite possible to lose a few hours. Especially since the complex of the complex itself should be individually lay on 3-4 hours.

Also, regardless of the way of buying tickets, we cultivate water and sunscreen.

Photos by: Cuccombrelibre, Dennis Jarvis, Harvey Barrison, Merindy!, Grandangoloagrigento.it, Footage.Framepool, Aidan Mcrae Thomson, Linda Cotton.

Agrigento is the old capital of the province of Sicily, the residence of the bishop and one of the most amazing cities of all Italy. Antique architectural monuments from the archaeological site zone are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Most of the temples of Agrigento is unique in its conservation. The city itself is small, but very picturesque: on the one hand, it is surrounded by a turquisite sea surface, and the endless olive groves and gardens with almond and orange trees spread out. In Agrigento, surprisingly beautiful photos of natural landscapes are obtained.

Area: 244 km²;
Time Zone: UTC + 1, Summer UTC + 2;
Population: 59 400.

general information

Despite its rich history, this beautiful corner of Sicily has retained a lot of medieval buildings, among which the palaces, and the cathedrals, and the square are the place of the heritage of several dozen cultures. Today, the network of railways connecting Agrigento with major cities - Palermo and Katania is well developed here. Also, this area is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches - the best on the whole coast of Sicily. The bathing season lasts almost all year, but dry and very sunny weather in Agrigento is complemented by African winds, and especially hot from May to October. Therefore, for a comfortable study of the main attractions, it is better to come in the middle of autumn or in spring.

A selection of profitable air tickets through Aviadiscounter (looking for as Aviasales + a selection of shares and services of airlines).

And for the selection of long-distance transport (aircraft, trains, buses) in Europe, try the service offers optimal ways to move through popular routes.

Or and lay your route.

Valley of the temples

A small town is saturated with an atmosphere of antiquity and meets tourists with many colorful medieval buildings, but all the streets are invariably lead to the main for travelers of relics: the valley of the temples of Agrigento, which is a huge archaeological museum in the open-air. Here are 7 ancient temples:

- The Temple of Hercules is recognized as scientists with the oldest building of the entire valley. Its building refers to the 510 century BC. e. For its more than a thousand-year history, the temple was subjected to small restorations, but only 8 columns from 36 and small parts of the altar reached this day - the rest was destroyed.

- The Temple of Zeus Olympyon, erected allegedly in 480 BC, initially thoughtfully conceived the most majestic and large in all the world famous in those days: its area was 6340 square meters, the height of the columns reached 19 meters, huge niches with figures of 8 meters were tested at the entrance Atlas made up by stone blocks. Archaeologists discovered the surviving part of such a sculpture, an accurate copy of which is located at the foot of the temple, and the original preserves the regional archaeological museum located on the territory of the valley. Unfortunately, this particular building was subjected to maximum destruction before our era.

- Temple of Dioscurov - Polluks and Castor. These deities were especially honored in ancient Akragas, which was standing on the site of modern Agrigento, since they were considered patrons of warriors and navigators. The construction of the temple belongs to the middle of the V century to our era. Its 4 preserved columns and antablement were cleared in the middle of the XIX century. This part of the temple has become one of the symbols of Agrigento.

- The Temple of Concordia or consent dates back to the estimated V century BC, its name happened from the Latin inscription found near the world's conclusion. It is assumed that this temple is also devoted to Dioskours. This is the most preserved building, which has come down to this day due to the fact that in the 6th century, our era was rebuilt into the Church of Peter and Paul. The temple is represented by 34 columns of almost 7 meters altitudes located on a large rectangular platform. The unique majestic simplicity and the proportionality of all the proportions of such an ancient building shakes every tourist.

- Juno Temple also belongs to V century BC. e. Burned in 406 to our era and restored by the Romans, he was allegedly used for wedding. Only the northern colonnade of the temple is well preserved.

- The temple of Askeyly - V century BC, is distinguished by small size, it is located near the walls once stood in the area of \u200b\u200bthe ancient city of Akragas. It is believed that here was the place of pilgrimage of the suffering seeking to cure their diseases. Excavations were started in 1926 and last until now. Scientists have found that there was a hospital or a hotel on 28 places near the temple, a tank with therapeutic water was found.

- Temple of the volcano - V century BC. Judging by the ruins, it was the monumental and possibly the largest valley building. However, only ruins, a completely destroyed temple remained to this day.

Agrigento Charming Ancient City, and to tell about all his sights is not possible, besides, it is better to see once than hear than a hundred times. Come and touch the thousand-year history of once mighty civilizations.

Services for tourists who will save or get more for the same money:

Insurance: The journey begins with the choice of a profitable insurance company, allows you to choose the best option for your requirements;
Flight: The most favorable tickets are looking for Aviasales, you can also find stocks and sales of airlines in Aviadiscounter;
Accommodation: First, choose the hotel through (they have the largest base), and then look, from which site it is cheaper to book through RoomGuru;
Movement: You can enjoy an inexpensive airport transfer and back, you can also rent a car on

How to get to Agrigento

Agrigento is considered a beautiful historical town located on the south-west coast of Sicily. The bulk of tourists attracts in Agrigento the opportunity to see the so-called "Valley of the Temples", where many ancient objects and monuments have been preserved. Agrigento is considered a popular excursion direction from Palermo and Catania.

You can get to Agrigento from any Sicilian town, but most often, tourists arrive here from Palermo or Catania, two major cities on the island, which has international airports arrival. And in Palermo, and in skating you can get from Russia by air. Palermo exists direct flights, in Catania - flights with a transfer to Rome or Milan. Flight schedule can be clarified on search engines Aviasales. , Buruki. and others. Also on Sicily, you can arrive on a ferry from the mainland Italy.

Palermo - Agrigento

The distance between Palermo and Agrigento is direct about 130 km. There are several ways to get from Palermo to Agrigento: public transport (buses, trains), or car rental. Between cities daily runs railway communication with periodicity 1-2 times per hour throughout the day. Time on the way from Palermo will be about 2 hours, and the fare is 10-11 euros one way. Check schedule and purchase tickets online can be on the railway service .

In about the same time, you can reach the flight bus. Buses are departed at a periodicity of 1 time in 2 hours throughout the day. The first bus is departed at 8.15, the last - at 18.00. The fare is 9 euros one way. Palermo Station - Pizzetta CairoLi, Arrival Station in Agrigento - Piazzetta Rosselli.

In order to travel through Sicily in its pace and rhythm, you can rent a car in Palermo. Offices rolling offices can be found both in the city and at the airport of arrival. For renting a car for rent will need a passport, driver's license of an international sample, bank card for payment for services. Book a predetermined car class on special services , and others. Palermo and Agrigento bind the tracks No. SS121 and SS189. An approximate time on the way is 2 hours.

Herbert Frank / Valley of Temples

Catania - Agrigento

The distance between Catania and Agrigento is 160 km. From one settlement to another can also be reached by public transport or rented car. However, trains between Catania and Agrigento go only regional, so the time on the way will be about 4 hours. Trains are sent 1 time in the morning, several times in the afternoon and twice in the evening. Last train is located at 17.32. The fare varies from 12 to 20 euros one way. Check schedule and purchase tickets online can be on the railway service .

As for buses, they go more often, almost every hour. Transportation is carried out by the SAIS TRASPORTI bus company. The fare is 13.4 euros one way and 22 euros in both directions.

Much faster will be reached by car. Catania and Agrigento are interconnected by tracks No. A19 and SS640. Time on the way will be about 2 hours. You can take a car into rental both in the riding itself and at the airport of arrival. This option is quite popular among tourists traveling in Sicily. Book the right class car in advance (before departure) on specialized services , and others. Pre-booking is particularly important in the summer when the influx of tourists to the island increases sharply.

Darold Massaro / in the vicinity of Agrigento

Hotels Agrigento

Agrigento is significantly removed from other tourist centers of Sicily, so tourists, coming to the sightseeing, are often delayed in Agrigento longer than 1 day. For this, all conditions have been created in Agrigento, and there is an opportunity to stay at placement places for every taste. The most popular options are hotels in the type "Bed and Breakfast". Also in demand, apartments, holiday homes, guest houses and, of course, standard hotels of various categories of star are also used. High marks from tourists on Booking.com. they received the following accommodations in Agrigento:

Hotel Agrigento Home. - The hotel is located in the city center and offers its guests a variety of capacity, including family-type rooms. Free parking is available on site, there is a bar, free Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are paid additionally. The rooms are decorated in Studio style, there is a selected kitchen area;

La Passeggiata di Girgenti - This hotel by the type "Bed and Breakfast" has a convenient location. You can stay in rooms in a variety of accommodation, each room has a coffee / tea maker. Breakfast included in the price of living. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Nearby there is free public parking;

Le Maioliche. - The hotel is close to the city center, as well as railway and bus stations. It offers a relaxing terrace, parking and spacious rooms. Breakfast included in the price of living. The reception provides a tour desk and luggage storage chambers. Wi-Fi is free;

La Terrazza di Carolina The hotel is close to the center and can offer its guests a leisure terrace, family rooms, free Wi-Fi, parking. Some rooms feature a balcony overlooking the historic center. Breakfast included in the price of living. Wi-Fi is available in the hotel rooms for free;

B & B SOORAHNIA - DESIGN HOUSE - The hotel has a picturesque location, out of the windows of the rooms overlook the garden and mountains. Guests can stay in rooms in a variety of capacity, some rooms are equipped with a terrace. Breakfast is included in the price. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There is also free private parking.

Allie_caulfield / Nature in the vicinity of Agrigento

Attractions Agrigento

Agrigento himself has a compact historical center, in which interest primarily represent Cathedral Cities I. church of Santa Maria dei-Gling. Also a curious object is considered local Archaeological Museum. But the main attraction for which is going to Agrigento from all over the island is the so-called Valley of the templeslocated in the vicinity of the city.

The Valley of Temples is an archaeological museum under the open-air. Here in pretty good condition preserved ancient Greek temples Juno Lakinia and Concordia, as well as some other objects.

Eduardo M./dolina temples, Agrigento

Park Museum is open to visitors daily, in the summer, the park's opening hours are held so that tourists can admire the attractions at sunset. You can buy tickets online or at the box office, while paying attention to that in the "high season" at the entrance to the park there are queues due to the popularity of this place.

If you want to combine sightseeing with swimming in the sea, it is worth it to keep in mind that Agrigento himself is not on the coast, but a few kilometers from him. So, the nearest beach is located in the town San LeoneHere the beach is sandy, and the coast is flat. If you want to see more picturesque places, then go to the town Scala dei-Turchiwhere rocky shores go straight into the sea.

Herbert Frank / Valley of Temples, Agrigento

Area: 244 km²;
Time Zone: UTC + 1, Summer UTC + 2;
Population: 59 400.

general information

A selection of profitable air tickets through Aviadiscounter (looking for as Aviasales + a selection of shares and services of airlines).

And for the selection of long-distance transport (aircraft, trains, buses) in Europe, try the service offers optimal ways to move through popular routes.

Or and lay your route.

Valley of the temples

- Juno Temple also belongs to V century BC. e. Burned in 406 to our era and restored by the Romans, he was allegedly used for wedding. Only the northern colonnade of the temple is well preserved.

- Temple of the volcano - V century BC. Judging by the ruins, it was the monumental and possibly the largest valley building. However, only ruins, a completely destroyed temple remained to this day.

Services for tourists who will save or get more for the same money:

Insurance: The journey begins with the choice of a profitable insurance company, allows you to choose the best option for your requirements;
Flight: The most favorable tickets are looking for Aviasales, you can also find stocks and sales of airlines in Aviadiscounter;
Accommodation: First, choose the hotel through (they have the largest base), and then look, from which site it is cheaper to book through RoomGuru;
Movement: You can enjoy an inexpensive airport transfer and back, you can also rent a car on

Architectural monuments of Agrigento from the archaeological site zone ( "Valley of the temples") List. Many Agrigento temples are not even self-esteem. Numerous antique buildings are combined with the Baroque era architecture.

Ancient Akreagas was founded as a colony of immigrants from Rhodes Island from, about 581 BC. Over time, thanks to the active trade, the city of Akragas, becoming one of the largest cities of the ancient world with a population of at least 20 thousand people. Akragas was an independent city, but in 406 BC He was besieged by Carthaginians. The siege lasted 8 months and ended with the defeat of Akragas. Carthagean captured and destroyed the city. Later he was restored, but he could no longer regain her former shine. In 262 BC Akragas was attached to Rome on the rights of an ally, retaining its constitution.

Weather in Agrigento:

Attractions Agrigento

Among the main attractions of Agrigento - Valley of the temples (listed) and Old Town Agrigento.

Valley of Temples - Agrigento (Agrigento), Sicily - Temple of consent

Impressions from Agrigento

If we talk about personal impressions from Agrigento, then the city himself looks very slum and poor - strange, sometimes to the worship, at home, very worn, at least outside. Simple restaurants, poor people, in general, one of the most "affected" cities in our journey in Sicily.

On the other hand. The Valley of Temples in Agrigento, of course, impress. To some extent, even more than the Acropolis in Athens - as you can come close to monuments ... In general, it is very worth going here, touch the story ... But you should not expect a lot from the city itself. And the car here, by the way, will be very unnecessary - the Valley of the temples is located a few kilometers from the city center, you can walk on foot, but we are tiring (even on the Valley of the temples, we, personally, in the day in Agrigento over 15 km of Natopali! And this is with Machine!)

Valley of temples in Agrigento (Valle Dei Templi)

The territory of ancient Akregas occupies a huge area, most of which is not yet excavated. Actually Valley of the temples is an archaeological zone in the south of an ancient city, where several monumental ancient Greek temples in the dormic style, built in the period 5 - 6 BC BC, are preserved. In the evenings, temples highlight, creating a unique atmosphere. Some temples from the valley are surprisingly well preserved, which has no analogues outside Greece. The very name of the "Valley of the Temples" is not quite true: no valley is not here, and the complex of temples is located on a steep elevation.

Opening hours: Daily, including Vis and Holidays, from 8:30 to 19:00.
Entrance:
Eastern side with the temple of Zeus and the Greco-Roman quarter, except the cave Fragapane and Antiquarium Paleocristiano) - 10 € , preferential 5 €
All Park Museum: 10 € , preferential 5 €
Antiquarium Paleocristiano: 3 €, preferential 1.5 €
Cave Fragapane: 3 €, preferential 1.5 €
Night visit (from July 1 to September 5, Fri 19:30 - 21:30, in the outdates and holidays 19:30 - 23:30) - 10 €
In the summer in the park it can be very hot, and there is almost no shadow: take the water and the headdress.

History of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento

The first found this historical monument, and also began to clear and implement the first excavation of the temple complex Italian archeologist Domenico Antonio Lofhaso Pietrasanta (1783 - 1863). This happened in the early 19th century. In 1809, he was inherited by the title of duke SERRADIFALCO, and it turned out that the temple complex was in its possessions. True, after three years later he had to part with his own rules in connection with the abolition of feudalism on. However, this time was enough to the archaeist enthusiast in order to present his finds of the public.

Philosopher Empedocl (5th century BC), originally from ancient Akregas, said:

"The power and brilliance of this city are such that the inhabitants of him are building temples, as if they were destined to live forever, but eat and drink as if they were destined to die the next day."

Poet Pindar called Akragas "The most beautiful city among mortals." However, in 406 BC, the city was besieged and destroyed by Carthaginians. The traces of their invasion are still visible on the Temple of Juno.

In the era of the Roman Empire, the "Tomb of the Teron" was built on this territory, which, as believed to be a necropolis of those who died during the second Punic War (218-202 BC). After the Byzantium beat off the territory of Sicily at tribes is ready, part of the temples turned into Christian churches, such as the Temple of Concerement. Catacombs and tombs are preserved from the Byzantines.

Architecture in the Valley of the temples Agrigento:

In the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, there are 7 ancient temples, all in doric style:

Temple of Juno., built in the 5th century BC and burned 406 BC. Carthaginians. In this temple, as a rule, celebrated weddings.
Temple of consent (Concordia)whose name comes from the Latin inscription about the conclusion of the world found nearby. The temple was built in the 5th century BC. Turning into the Christian church in the 6th century of our era, he is one of the most well-preserved in the valley.
Temple Herculeswhich was one of the most revered deities in the ancient city of Akragas. This is the most ancient temple in the valley: destroyed by an earthquake, it consists of eight columns today.
Temple of Zeus Olympic, built in 480 BC, in honor of the victory of the city-state over Carthage. Differs from other huge Atlants.
Castor and Polluce Temple. Despite the fact that only four columns remained from him, the temple became a symbol of modern Agrigento.
Temple of VolcanoAlso built in the 5th century BC. This is what is believed to be one of the most impressive structures in the valley; Now, however, he is one of the most destroyed.
Temple Asclepia, Located not far from the walls of the ancient city; The pilgrims came here, seeking to cure from the disease.

The most well preserved two similar temples dedicated to the goddess Junon and the Temple of Concord. The last of two temples was in a unique good condition due to the fact that he was turned into a Christian church in 597. And the territory around it was used by Christians as a catacomb.

Temple of consent

TEMPIO DELLA CONCORDIA - It was divided into three halls: the central, portico in front of him and the following opsiode behind it (closed room in the western part of the temple). On the sides of the entrance to the central hall there were stairs leading to the roof. The temple was decorated with white stucco and colored details. Twelve arches made in the walls of the hall, as well as graves, dug in the floor, date back to the medieval, when the deputy was converted into the likeness of the Christian Basilica with three nefams. Despite the fact that the initial appearance of an ancient Greek temple was thus distorted, it is this restructuring of the temple owes its exceptional safety. In 1788, all elements of Christian decoration were removed during the restoration process, and the temple again found the appearance of a classic ancient structure.

Other temples have been preserved in a much more fragmentary state, being destroyed by strokes and used as a mostel.

Temple of Zeus Olympic

Fully destroyed huge temple of Zeus Olympic. Its construction began on the orders of Heron's type in honor of his victory over the Phoenician troops in the battle at Gimer (480 g BC). The temple that has already begun to use was never completed due to the invasion of Carthaginian. This is the largest Doric Temple (56 m wide and 111 m in length) known in the world. Stones from the destroyed temple were used to build a pier in the city of Porto EmpedoCle.

Temples, admitted by Hephasta, Hercules and Asclepia were also built on a sacred territory, which also falls on Demetra and Persephone sanctors. On the stones of the sanctuary still you can see traces from fire from the arsons of the Cartheginians in 406 BC.

Tomba Di Terone

Location of monuments in the Valley of the Temples:

Old Town Agrigento

Museo Civico.

Walking along Via Empédocle Street to the West, you will fall on Piazza Pirandello Square. There is a city municipality of Agrigento and the City Museum - Museo Civico. The Museum contains pictures of the 14th - 18th centuries, sculptures from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance era. You can also see Luigi Pilandello Memorial Room.

Address: Cortile St. Spirito, I-92100 Agrigento

Santa Maria Dei Greci

Lifting up from Museo Civico, in the narrow streets you can walk to the Church of Santa Maria Dei Grech. This is a three-nemical building dated by the Norman period, built on the site of Doric Temmar, dating from 488 BC. The stairs can be descended into the space under the church, where the terraces and columns of the original temple are preserved.

Cathedral of Agrigento (Duomo; Cattedrale di San Gerlando)

The Cathedral of Agrigento was built in the 11th century by the Normans at the highest point of the ancient Acropolis, as a substitute for the temple of the Zeus of Atabirios. The name happened from the word Atabyros, the highest mountain on the island of Rhodes, which reflects the Rhodes origin of the first settlers of the ancient Akregas.

Unfortunately, already in 1244, as a result of a landslide, the temple was seriously damaged, which demanded its reconstruction. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the cathedral was expanded, and in the 17th century it was redested in a baroque style. From the south side you can see double Norman windows. Next to the massive bell tower (1470 g), several steps lead to the church's chief goal.

Interior of the Cathedral in Agrigento

The interior of the church is a three-hole basilica, which was restored after the destructive earthquake of 1966. In the process of restoration, they tried to restore the medieval appearance of the nef. From later periods, only the magnificent wooden ceiling of the 15th century remained, although the choir still retains a clear baroque decor. Gothic appearance has been preserved in the front of the Tsecrevi - columns with octagonal bases and characteristic fit arches. Renaissance era includes elements of the facade and bell tower. On her southern facade with firmware there are signs of the influence of Spanish style planssic.

In the Gothic chapel to the right of the apse, a silver coffin is stored with the remains of the canonized bishop Gerlando (1639 g). In the church along the left church, glules of archbishops and noble citizens who lived in 15-17 centuries are placed. Near the southern entrance is a glass urn, which stores the disinterested body of St. Martyr Felix, who died in the 3rd century.

In the west of the Cathedral, the Episcopian Seminary is located - the Palace of the 14th century, rebuilt in 17 and 18 centuries.

Diocesan Museum

The museum presents church treasures, among which - the frescoes of the 15th and 15th centuries and the sacred relics of the Byzantine era.

Address: Piazza Don Minzoni, I-92100 Agrigento, Italy

Going down from the Diocesan Museum towards the station, you will fall on the square Piazza Purgatorio, named so in honor of the Church of Del Purgatorio located here (church of purgatory, as it is devoted to souls in purgatory) or St. Lawrence. The church is located on the site of an ancient crypt.

The interior of the temple is richly decorated with stucco, including the eight gypsum statues of Giacomo Serpotta (17th century), depicting virtue allegories: love, simplicity, mercy, prudence, justice, religion, courage and meekness. On the architect the gypsum images of the shower of purgatory. A decorative dome was made on the ceiling, decorated with a large fresco in the form of a raid vortex. One of the chapels of the Church - the Crucifix Chapel - was decorated in the 18th century; It is finished with gold and wooden crucifix 17th century. The church preserved two confessional 17th century - the oldest in Agrigento.

Church of the Holy Spirit

Walking down the street Via Fodera You will come to the former Tsistercian Monastery of the Holy Spirit (Santo Spirito-Santo Spirito). The facade of the church (dated about 1260) retained the initial gothic fitted gates and a rose window, whose vertex rests on the baroque fronton. For its grandiose architectural arrays, dominant over the eastern part of the city, he was named Bataranni, which is in translation from the local dialect means "great abbey".

The walls of the church on the sides are decorated with gypsum reliefs of the famous Master of Jacob Serpotta (1695), which depict scenes from the childhood of Jesus. In the niche, which was done in the left wall of the neopa, placed marble statue of Our Lady with the baby (15th century). Pay attention to the bowl with holy water - it dates back to the 5th century.

To the right of the church was preserved a club, the house of the capital and the refectory, in which the municipal library is now located.

Church of San Biagio

If you go from Piazza Marconi (opposite the railway station Agrigento) on Viale Della Vittoria Street to the southeast, you will fall on the eastern edge of the Rupe Atenea cliffs (351 m above sea level, with beautiful panoramic views) and Chiiesa di San Biadgio church. This is a small church, built in the 12th century during the period of the Norman rule from the stones remaining from the ancient buildings. The church is located on the site of the Demeter Temple, which was built in about 480 - 460 BC. The foundation and part of the northern wall can be seen behind the church apse. It is also worth paying attention to two round altars in the north of the building, which allegedly served as sacral graves. Inside them, ritual accessories have been preserved, which allowed identifying the sanctuary:

Sanctuary Demetra and Persephone

The stairs can be descended into the stone sanctuary of Demeters and Persefons (Santuario Rupestre Di Demetra), spent in a cool mountain slope Rupe atenea. This is the oldest place of Agrigento worship, dating from the 7th century BC, even up to the Greek period. The sanctuary is a narrow room in a rock, followed by two caves. The caves beat the sources, the water from which fills several tanks in the courtyard. The opening of ritual sacrificial accessories made it possible to attribute the sanctuary to the cult of the goddess Demeter and her daughter.

Festival of almond flowers

Festival of blooming almonds is held annually in the first half of February. These are folk walking, with songs, dancing, costumes and fireworks.

Map of Agrigento

In the vicinity of Agrigento

Realmonte - Eraclea Minoa - Sciacca - Caltabellotta - Sambuca

The route goes along the western coast of Sicily, along the main road 115 Agrigento-Trapani. With high roads, there are excellent views of the beaches and rocks. Especially popular with tourists snow-white rocks in the area Realmonte and Eraclea Minoa..

Eraclea Minoa.

For lovers of history, the most interesting point will be the town Eraclea Minoa., founded at the beginning of the 6th century BC. Ancient residential area is located on a small plateau, discarding from the sea. Among the ancient ruins, you can see the rest of the theater, residential house and part of the ancient road. In a small museum near the territory of archaeological excavations, the most important findings of the Greco-Roman period are collected. Nearby is a large beach with thin sand and lush cedar forest. Continuing the way on the road 115 you will be taken to Sciacca.

Sciacca.

Sciacca. Notable for its monuments of the Middle Ages and the Baroque epoch, among which the Cathedral of the 17th century is particularly distinguished. Also worth see the church of St. Margarita (14th century), the remains of the Count Castle (14th century). The city has an ancient spa resort, which is famous overwhelmed by its own waters. At the top of Mount Monte Kronio, the sanctuary of St. Calogerio (Santuario Di S. Calogeno).

Hence the road is deeply deep in Sicily, in the direction at Caltabellotta and Sambuca di Sicilia.

Caltabellotta.

Caltabellotta. Located almost on top of the mountain at an altitude of almost 700 meters. Here you should watch a number of artistic and monumental historical monuments: the remains of the Norman castle, the burial (Tombe Sicane), Chiiesa Madre Church (erected by Ruggiero Count). From here, one of the best types of Sicily opens.

Sambuca di Sicilia.

Sambuca di Sicilia. It was founded by the Arabs. The ruins of the castle of Emir Zabut are preserved here. The city has preserved an interesting complex of Alley Saracinov. On a nearby Mount Monte Adranone (approx. 900 m above sea level), the ruins of the 4th century fortress BC are preserved. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the surrounding area - Porto Palo and Lido Fiore.

On the territory of Realmonte preserved Ancient Roman villa, dated 1st century BC.

Acque Calde. - Popular resort with thermal sources.

Pelag Islands - Lampedusa and Linosa

This route leads from Agrigento to Pelag Islands Lampedusa, Linosa and Lampione, located in the African Sea southwest from Sicily. On the islands you can admire the picturesque species of nature, the rocky islands, idyllic beaches contrasting with the azure sea. You can get to the islands from April to November. Pelag Islands are associated with the port Empedocle ferries SIREMAR (time on the road - 7 hours), and in July and August there are additionally boats (3.5 hours on the road).

LAMPEDUZ "The largest of Pelags, here even is located on its airport where regular flights from Punta Raisi Airport (Palermo) are performed. There are many hotels on the island, it is especially suitable for diving lovers.
Linosa "A small island of volcanic origin, with a rich marine life, where a lot of diving lovers arrive during the year.
Lampione - A small uninhabited rock with picturesque nature.

Raffadali - S. Angelo Muxaro

This route will hold you from Agrigento deep into Sicily to two historical centers, different from other cities of the island.

Raffadali., C Arabic Rahl Faddal, which means "Beautiful Home". Raffadali was founded by Arabs, but in place inhabited from the prehistoric period. This town is located a few kilometers north from Agrigento, at the foot of Monte Guastella Mountain, where prehistoric burials in the caves and the ruins of the old castle of the 11th century are preserved. Here you can watch the ancient Roman sarcophages (3th century). In the Chiiesa Madre church, an elegant bas-relief is preserved with the image of the contamination of the Prosefin. In the church library, some archaeological finds of different eras are stored.