Just outside Agrigento, there is The Valley of the
Temples, one of Sicily’s most famous historical attractions, an archaeological
area exhibiting an important interchange of human values, being one of the
leading cities in the Mediterranean region with its outstanding evidence of
Greek influence.
It has eight temples,
all situated on the same area on rocky crests South of modern day Agrigento.
They make a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Agrigento used to be the Greek city of
Akragas, a colony of settlers mostly from Rhodes and Crete founded in 580 BC.
So, Sicily is home to Greek ruins as the Island was once a critical and
important component of the Greek Empire at its hight.
When we entered the
site, we were greeted by majestic Temple of Concordia- one of the best
preserved Greek temples in the world. Even if the dedication of the temple is
unknown, it is said that newlyweds who visit the temple on their wedding day
will have a peaceful marriage.
The deity honored by
the so-called Temple of Hercules is not known. But it was the second largest
temple at Agrigento. In antiquity, the temple was famous for its statue of
Hercules.
The Temple of Heracles
was damaged and renovated by the Romans. The Temple of Olimpian Zeus was the
chef temple of Agrigento and one of the most famous temples of ancient Sicily.
The Temple of Juno
occupies a particularly high position on the ridge of the South-East corner of
the ancient city. At the West end of the temple ridge is the Temple of Dioscuri. Just South of the Dioscuri ruins
are scattered column drums from Temple L while Temple E is located in the
modern city.
Anyway, for anyone
visiting Sicily, the Valley of the Temples is a must see and a great daytrip
from Palermo. What is interesting, is that much of the ancient Akragas still
remains to be excavated.
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