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Agrigento (6,3Km)Holidays in Agrigento: Places to visit

Agrigento (6,3Km)Holidays in Agrigento: Planning the trip

Holidays in Agrigento: Places to visit

Temple of Concordia

On the second day of your trip, you will want to start your intensive tour of the city. You will wake up to the beautiful vegetation and flora of the Valley of the Temples, consisting of pistachio trees, olive trees, almond trees and wild flowers. The Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temple) is the most famous archaeological site in Agrigento housing part of the best preserved Ancient Greek ruins in the globe, more so outside Greece. This may be attributed to the fact that Agrigento had been colonised by Greek since 6th century BC. It is among the most exceptional examples of Greater Greece architecture and art, and is also among the main attractions of Agrigento. By visiting Agrigento, your trip will be incomplete if you do not get to this amazing historical site, which also happens to be a national monument of Italy. The entrance fee is about 8 Euros. The Valley of the Temples (which is more of a ridge than a valley) is majorly comprised of the beautiful relics of nine sacred temples out of the original ten. The best preserved of the relics was built in the 5th century BC, the Temple of Concorde, which was incorporated into a church. The other temples that you will need to have a glimpse at are the Temple of Juno, Temple of Hercules, Temple of Zeus Olympic, Temple of Vulcan, Temple of Asclepius, Temple of Castor and Polllux. To the east of the entrance, the first temple is the Tempio di Ercole (Temple of Hercules). It is thin, long and around a third standing. This is the oldest of the temples, built at the end of the 6th century BC. Close to it are some fascinating deep ruts made by ancient carriages. Next to it, heading east is the large Tempio della Concorda, the most impressive almost whole structure that was built around 440-450 BC. The narrow track continues up the small cliffs on the ridge towards the Temple of Juno. It is partially ruined but offers a perfect spot to look down the ridge at the other temples. The Temple of Zeus Olympic in the museum together with Gigante recreations show the form and size of the temple. At one time, this temple was supported by 38 gigante. Even though it has been reduced to a mere jumble of large stones, this temple was at one time the biggest known Greek temple in the globe. Besides the temples, the valley of the Temples holds numerous other archaeological sites that include the 1st century AD Temple of Theron as well as several sanctuaries which were built in as early as the sixth century. At the western area of the valley where the Temple of Concorde lies, are sections of early-medieval necropolis that were constructed on existing cisterns. You will have the chance to see some of the tombs and catacombs in the Grotte Fragapane that date back to the 4th century AD. Guided tours of the Valley of the Temples may be hired and audio tours are available at the entrance. To complement your trip to the Valley of the Temples you will need to visit the archaeological Museum situated at the city centre as well as the adjacent Roman Quarter. The Museum is approximately half way from the Valley of the Temples to the station and houses various artifacts taken from the site. Interesting exhibits in the archaeological Museum include a large collection of vases, Roman mosaics and lion-head water spouts. When it was built, it was intended to accommodate a large telamon to be constructed from pieces. The ancient centre of Agrigento is worth a visit as well. The magnificent cathedral is uphill to northwestern corner of the city centre on Via Duomo. It was built around 1000AD and has since been renovated several times. Today, the cathedral offers amazing views across the valley. It is advisable to visit this place earlier in the day because it closes from 12-4 pm. From the cathedral you may head yet to another church, the Salita Santa Maria dei Greci. It is an interesting Norman church, built about 1000 years ago at the site where an ancient Greek temple had been built. You will not have to worry about entrance cost since it is free. The historic centre of Agrigento (Girgenti) in itself deserves a tour. It is perched on the Girgenti Hills, a spot chosen for defensive and its proximity to the new port, making it quite favourable to trade. Walking in this ancient centre allows you t explore the piazzas, maze of tiny alleys and side-streets of the old town. The tour begins at the Church of San Calogero, which is located at the corner of Viale della Vittoria, a magnificent vista. You will then proceed to the Via Antenea, the main street and the Porta di Ponte. In case you wish to shop some souvenirs to remind you of your memorable trip to Agrigento, Via Antenea is the place to do so. The street is lined with old palaces, shops and shopping halls on either side. Right ahead, the Monastero di Santo Spirito and the abbey Church beckon you to have a peep in their art. They are a splendid example of prototype Chiaramonte and medieval art in Sicily. They form the most intriguing monument of the historical centre of Agrigento. The generous nuns at this place offer couscous and sugary sweets as well as almond macaroon, which they prepare according to the ancient recipes. Do not miss to taste them because you will never find them anywhere else in the world; the ancient recipes used to make them are kept a secret and jealously preserved. Then next exciting place to go is the Pirandello’s house museum. A visit to Luigi Pirandello’s birthplace starts at his House. It was greatly restored after the war and has been converted into a museum, displaying relics, paintings, family photos, manuscripts, theatrical images and editions of theatrical novels and works. From the house you will take a short path leading to the ‘rough stone’ that contains his ashes, as you admire the unique view on the ‘’African Sea’’. A visit to Agrigento will most definitely expose you to ancient history. By visiting all the exciting places in this amazing city, you will have a life time experience, and you will notice that it is worth the effort.Planning the trip

scritto da Bridget Brackett - ultima modifica il 29/02/2020

Holidays in Agrigento: Planning the trip

Temple of June

Agrigento is a city on the coast of Sicily, Italy. The city is popular as an attraction site of the ancient Greek town of Akragas, one of the leading cities during the golden era of ancient Greece. It is founded on a plateau adjacent to the sea with Rivers Akragas and Hypsas nearby. On its north is a ridge which offers a degree of natural fortification. Agrigento is a main tourist centre thanks to its exceptionally rich archaeological legacy. When you are on a two-day visit to this wonderful city, you will definitely not lack something to do or see. You need to generate a precise plan to follow for you to pay a trip to the multiple fascinating sites in the city, or else you will surely be beaten by time. The First dayOn the first day, you will be quite unfamiliar with the city. You will therefore need to know each corner of the town, places to visit, how to get there and any other relevant information that will be useful in your adventure. Helpful information can be obtained from the tourist information offices on Piazza Marconi close to the railway station or in the city centre on Piazzale Aldo Moro. There also exists general tourist information at the parking lot found at the Valley of the Temples archaeological site.How to arriveTravelling to Agrigento is quite easy for the locals but foreigners need to extensively plan for this trip. In case you are a visitor to Italy and you wish to pay a visit to this great place, you will need to select most suitable of the various airports that are connected to Agrigento. The town does not have its own airport but the nearest include International Airport Palermo, Pantelleria Airport, international Airport Cantania-Fontanarossa and International Airport Trapani-Birgi. Once you are at the airport the preferable solution is to hire a taxi or a car to get to Agrigento. Trains are the most common transport modes to and from Agrigento. The place is quite a distance from other towns which calls for the use of efficient trains from Palermo and Caltanissetta. The journey by train will take about 3 hours and you will have the opportunity to see the countryside as you maneuver through the hills. The coach is the perfect substitute to the trains, where you travel faster and more comfortable. Sitting on the top of the speeding double-decker coach is an experience you will not easily forget. Using a bus makes your journey easier. Agrigento has a superb bus network to Catania, Palermo, Sciacca, Caltanissetta and Gela. Regular city buses run from the train station, stop at the Archaeological Museum then slightly further downhill to the major entrance of the Valley of Temples. If you want to enjoy the sea then you will need to travel by boat. There is daily transport by boats in the summer but limited boat activity during the winter. Porto Empedocle, Agrigento’s port is situated 3 km away from the town. The boats and hydrofoils at this port lead to Pelagie, Lampedusa and Linosa islands. Getting around Agrigento will require you to hire a car or a scooter. They are the mostly used local transportation modes. Most streets in the town are quite wide and vey high while others are more narrow and curved. These scooters find their way around quite easily. The landscape is not flat thus the use of bicycles is extremely limited. The medieval streets and the town centre can be reached from the train station by foot, though it could get quite hot during the summer season. There are a variety of restaurants close to the historic center. Preferably, you may visit the Concordia, off Atenea for good fish dishes and pastas. In case you want to taste a splurge, you may get it at the Villa Athena whenever they are serving on the terrace. Along with the excellent foods, you will have a spectacular view of the temples. Since you are staying in Agrigento for two days, you will probably need to spend the night. There are various inexpensive bases suitable for exploring the area. Places to visit

scritto da Bridget Brackett - ultima modifica il 14/05/2020

Tips for sleeping in Porto Empedocle

Bed and breakfast

Villas and apartments

Country

Torre Salsa

Montallegro (20 Km)

Torre Salsa is located in a nature reserve protected by the WWF. It is a landscape rich in pristine vegetation. In the area there is also a farmhouse that allows a magical stay where you can try various experiences that the place offers: swimming, hiking, jogging, cycling and more.

Parco della Valle dei Templi

Agrigento (6 Km)

The Valley of the Temples Park is divided into three zones: Zone I - archaeological: you can see monuments, architectural crops and archaeological sites. Zone II - environmental and landscape. This is the area around the first zone that allows us to guarantee the landscape values that characterize it. Zone III - natural equipped. It includes all areas of the Park for the preservation of landscape values; it is arranged as a link between the Park and the surrounding urban areas.

Art and culture

Valle dei Templi

Agrigento (6 Km)

It is the most famous archaeological site in Agrigento housing part of the best preserved Ancient Greek ruins in the globe, more so outside Greece. This may be attributed to the fact that Agrigento had been colonised by Greek since 6th century BC. It is among the most exceptional examples of Greater Greece architecture and art, and is also among the main attractions of Agrigento.

Tempio della Concordia

Agrigento (6 Km)

The Temple of Concord, built around 440-430 BC, is located in the Temples Valley in Agrigento, Sicily, and, with its elegant symmetry, is a true masterpiece of ancient Greek art.

Duomo di Agrigento

Agrigento (5 Km)

The cathedral in Agrigento, Sicily, is a Christian church built around the year 1000 and several times amended and rebuilt. Its present form dates back to the twelfth century, and reflects the grandeur and importance of the building.

Tomba di Terone

Agrigento (6 Km)

The Valley of the Temples is home to the so-called Tomb of Theron, a tuff monument of considerable size with a pyramid shape. It is expected erected to remember the fallen of the Second Punic War.

Tempio di Vulcano

Agrigento (6 Km)

Also called the Temple of Hephaestus, the Volcano Temple was a temple in the ancient city of Akragas. Located in the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento.

Chiesa Santa Maria dei Greci

Agrigento (5 Km)

The Church of Santa Maria dei Greci rises on the homonymous street, on the hill of Girgenti. It corresponds to the ancient temple of Athena or Zeus Atabirios, which dates back to the time of Terone. The entrance is embellished by a remarkable archiacute portal, whose key has a shield. The interior has three naves.

Tempio di Ercole

Agrigento (5 Km)

Agrigento is full of history and beautiful temples, one of these is the Temple of Hercules,built in the eleventh century BC. It's a beautiful monument worth visiting in this interesting city of Sicily.

Santuario della Divinità Ctonie

Agrigento (6 Km)

This sanctuary is a rich archaeological area, full of ruins and remains of temples and altars dedicated to the goddesses Demeter and Persephone. It is the ideal place for those who love history and mythology.

Tempio di Castore e Polluce

Agrigento (5 Km)

The Temple of Castor and Pollux, built in the sixth century BC, is located in the heart of the Shrine of chthonic deities, and is considered an important symbol of the city of Agrigento,Sicily. It is well worth visiting.

Tempio di Zeus Olimpio

Agrigento (5 Km)

Agrigento is a city rich in ancient temples and one of these is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, built to celebrate the defeat of Carthage in 480 BC. Today only the ruins are left,but they are filled with history and meaning.

Quartiere ellenistico-romano

Agrigento (6 Km)

The daily way of life of ancient times can be understood by walking through the Hellenistic-Roman Quarter in the heart of ancient Akragas, now called Agrigento,in Sicily.

Castello Bonanno

Canicatti' (30 Km)

Unfortunately, the few remaining ruins do not even make us assume the original form of the castle. It is thought to have been built by Ruggiero the Norman in 1089, but there are various hypotheses about the construction period and its form. Some say it was built on the already present foundations of an Arab fortress. It is currently located in the town and is surrounded by neighboring buildings.

Torre Orologio

Canicatti' (30 Km)

The Canicatti Clock Tower was built around the 1930s by the engineer Luigi Portalone after the previous one was knocked down during Fascism. Inside are the ancient seventeenth-century bells that until a few years ago marked the hours of the day.

Tempio di Giunone

Agrigento (6 Km)

The Temple of Juno in Agrigento, Sicily, dating back to 450 BC, was used by the Greeks to celebrate weddings.This beautiful monument, located in the upper part of the ancient city is absolutely worth seeing.

Antiquarium Comunale

Milena (27 Km)

The Antiquarium Comunale di Milena is located inside the Priorale Palace of Otricoli. The museum houses a collection of archaeological objects belonging to the Roman city of Ocricolum and is open to the public.

Antiquarium Iconografico della collina dei Templi "Casa Barbadoro"

Agrigento (6 Km)

The Iconographic Antiquarium presents drawings and engravings of the Valley of the Temples that were made by archaeological and travelers from the past of the '700 and '800. It is located in the rustic center of Casa Barbadoro. It is divided into rooms where reproductions of the 18th and 19th centuries are presented, details in Doric order, etc. In the other rooms, the public can admire the plants of the Temple of Juno.

Antiquarium di Paleocristiana “Casa Pace”

Agrigento (5 Km)

The early Christian and Byzantine Antiquarium of 'Casa Pace' provides great help to highlight the importance of the Christian era. The museum has three rooms: the first is occupied by the cult buildings of the III-IV century after Christ. The second describes in detail the diocese of Agrigento and the third presents the archaeological objects of the territory such as vases and other objects of everyday life.

Museo Civico

Agrigento (5 Km)

The Civic Museums of Agrigento are divided into three important sections. The first archaeological section exposes the materials found near the territory of Agrigento, in the second one can admire the paintings of the 15th-18th century, thus constituting the artistic section, and in the end the third ethnoanthropological section that illustrates the agricultural traditions of the area.

Museo Diocesano

Agrigento (5 Km)

The Diocesan Museum of Agrigento is located at the Archbishop's Palace. The historical mobile furniture and the entire collection tell the story of the diocese from the period of the 12th - 19th century. In one of the rooms we find the marble and rare elephant of the Norman period, a Christological symbol. Among other objects you can also see some boards of the wooden ceiling of the Cathedral of 1964. The other rooms such as that of the Silver, the Meeting Room and the various photos on display enrich the museum by offering visitors a very rich collection.

Museo Archeologico Regionale di Agrigento

Agrigento (5 Km)

The Regional Archaeological Museum of Agrigento is located in the heart of the Valley of the Temples and is inserted in an archaeological complex opened in 1967. The Museum has 20 rooms in which materials relating to the ancient city are presented chronologically. Exhibits are exhibits that testify to prehistoric sites.

Museo Civico di Santo Spirito

Agrigento (5 Km)

The historical museum of Agrigento, built between the 9th and 13th centuries, is located in the center of the city, near the monastery of Santo Spirito. It is built in light-mountain style. The museum reflects the historical testimonies of the city from the time of the Roman Empire to the present day.

Casa di Pirandello

Agrigento (2 Km)

Pirandello's House dates back to the end of the nineteenth century and has a rich garden, surrounded by olive trees and oaks. In the building, the Pirandello family took refuge to defend themselves from the cholera epidemic that attacked the city in 1867. Since 1949, the house has been declared a national monument. In 1952 this was purchased by the Region, which took care of the restoration and arrangement of the same. Today the house is a museum that presents to the public paintings by Pirandello, his most famous works. Since 1987 the house has been a single institute with the Luigi Pirandello Library.

Palazzo Principe Naselli

Aragona (15 Km)

Palazzo Principe Naselli dates back to the 18th century and has a typical noble structure. It took its name from Baldassare Naselli Branciforti, the prince of the area at the time, and the person who commissioned its construction. Inside you can admire the numerous frescoes and the ancient art gallery that houses several works of great cultural value for the area. Currently the palace is home to the Town Hall of the area and the women's orphanage.

Torre Castellazzo

Camastra (24 Km)

Its construction can be dated to different periods. A part of the structure belongs to the Paleolithic age while the terrace to the 16th century. Currently, the tower is in a state of abandonment and decay.

Food and wine

Azienda Agricola Baronia della Pietra

Alessandria della Rocca (31 Km)

Cantina Sociale La Torre

Racalmuto (20 Km)

Zambito Olii Di Carmelo Zambito E C.

Ribera (30 Km)

Services and tourist information

Comune di Porto Empedocle

Porto Empedocle

Pro Loco Porto Empedocle

Porto Empedocle

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Porto Empedocle

Porto Empedocle

Comune di Agrigento

Agrigento (5 Km)

Comune di Campofranco

Campofranco (29 Km)

Comune di Milena

Milena (27 Km)

Comune di Ribera

Ribera (33 Km)

Comune di Aragona

Aragona (14 Km)

Comune di Calamonaci

Calamonaci (40 Km)

Comune di Casteltermini

Casteltermini (29 Km)

Comune di Castrofilippo

Castrofilippo (21 Km)

Comune di Cattolica Eraclea

Cattolica Eraclea (20 Km)

Azienda autonoma provinciale per l'incremento turistico di Agrigento

Agrigento (6 Km)

Comune di Sutera

Sutera (31 Km)

Comune di Racalmuto

Racalmuto (22 Km)

Comune di Raffadali

Raffadali (12 Km)

Comune di Santa Elisabetta

Santa Elisabetta (15 Km)

Comune di Sant'Angelo Muxaro

Sant'Angelo Muxaro (21 Km)

Comune di Siculiana

Siculiana (11 Km)

Comune di Comitini

Comitini (16 Km)

Comune di Favara

Favara (12 Km)

Comune di Montallegro

Montallegro (19 Km)

Comune di Naro

Naro (35 Km)

Comune di Palma di Montechiaro

Palma di Montechiaro (24 Km)

Comune di Grotte

Grotte (19 Km)

Comune di Joppolo Giancaxio

Joppolo Giancaxio (11 Km)

Comune di Bompensiere

Bompensiere (30 Km)

Comune di Realmonte

Realmonte (6 Km)

Pro loco Sutera

Sutera (31 Km)

Comune di Cianciana

Cianciana (26 Km)

Comune di Alessandria della Rocca

Alessandria della Rocca (31 Km)

Comune di Camastra

Camastra (24 Km)

Comune di San Biagio Platani

San Biagio Platani (24 Km)

Comune di Montedoro

Montedoro (31 Km)

Pro Loco Chiuddia Casteltermini

Casteltermini (29 Km)

Pro Loco Milena

Milena (27 Km)

A.A.P.I.T. Azienda Autonoma Provinciale per I'Incremento Turistico

Agrigento (6 Km)

A.A.S.T. Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno e Turismo

Agrigento (12 Km)

A.A.S.T. Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno e Turismo

Agrigento (5 Km)

A.A.S.T. Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno e Turismo

Agrigento (5 Km)

A.P.T. Azienda di Promozione Turistica

Agrigento (5 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Agrigento

Agrigento (6 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Alessandria Della Rocca

Alessandria della Rocca (31 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Aragona

Aragona (14 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Bompensiere

Bompensiere (30 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Calamonaci

Calamonaci (33 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Camastra

Camastra (24 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Campofranco

Campofranco (29 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Casteltermini

Casteltermini (29 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Castrofilippo

Castrofilippo (21 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Cattolica Eraclea

Cattolica Eraclea (20 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Cianciana

Cianciana (27 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Comitini

Comitini (16 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Favara

Favara (12 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Grotte

Grotte (20 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Joppolo Giancaxio

Joppolo Giancaxio (11 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Milena

Milena (27 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Montallegro

Montallegro (19 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Montedoro

Montedoro (31 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Naro

Naro (24 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Palma Di Montechiaro

Palma di Montechiaro (24 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Racalmuto

Racalmuto (22 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Raffadali

Raffadali (12 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Realmonte

Realmonte (6 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Ribera

Ribera (32 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica San Biagio Platani

San Biagio Platani (24 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Santa Elisabetta

Santa Elisabetta (16 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Sant'angelo Muxaro

Sant'Angelo Muxaro (21 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Siculiana

Siculiana (10 Km)

I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica Sutera

Sutera (31 Km)

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Visit Porto Empedocle - Tourism and travel tips for your vacation or weekend.

Travel guides and videos

Agrigento (6,3Km)Holidays in Agrigento: Places to visit

Agrigento (6,3Km)Holidays in Agrigento: Planning the trip

Tips for sleeping in Porto Empedocle

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Realmonte

Agrigento

Siculiana

Joppolo Giancaxio

Raffadali

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