Agrigento – a Spectacular Sight to See
If you’ve made it to Agrigento, you’re in for a real treat! Founded by the Greeks in the 6th Century, Agrigento was an important and large city in it’s day. The ruins are located in the old city Akragas and the vast archeological ruins and sites show the importance of this once spectacular city. Some describe Agrigento as the Parthenon (Athens, Greece) of Magna Graecia which stands for ‘Greater Greece,’ a name given to areas of Southern Italy that were once inhabited by the ancient Greeks. It is known today as the Valley of the Temples. Once you arrive to the area, you’ll see the breathtaking Temples from a distance. The Ticket Booth is just off Via Panoramica Valle Dei Templi aka: SP4. Parking is around but not always obvious.
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Has Anyone Seen My Toga?
After paying for your ticket at the booth you’ll proceed up a nicely paved road to a the first of your magnificent views. Cameras ready! I wish I could don a Toga, a wreath of olive branches, and a Greek water vessel for my tour. (Couldn’t you see me like that?) Behold! The Temple of Hera (The Temple of Hera Lacinia). Pretty damn spectacular isn’t it?? Somebody pinch you – you made it! Walk around and take it all in. But.. you’ve only just begun.
Brava – Next Stop is Temple Condordia!
On the path you pass the Doric bar (Caffetteria Arcosoli Bluecoop), a great snack bar. On the way you’ll see vendor caves, imagine stopping for a bite or some vegetables.
On the path you pass the Doric bar (Caffetteria Arcosoli Bluecoop), a great snack bar. After an espresso head to Tempio della Condordia. This is the crème de la crème – the creamy Greek Yogurt – of Greek Temples. It sits magnificently proud with an impressive bronze statue of a broken Icarius by the Polish artist Igor Mitoraj. I dig it.
Temple Hercules is Next..
Wander and Enjoy
From there you wander down ancient paths through ruins, and partially intact city buildings. the area is famous for it’s olive and almond trees. If you take a closer look you’ll see ancient olive trees that date back nearly 500 years! Wander long enough and you’ll come across the Villa Aurea, a home build by a British Archeologist.
Last Stop - The Temple of Zeus
In the park after the main temples, you’ll find a path that crosses the road SP4 (it cuts through the park). On the other side you’ll find the Temple Zeus. It’s not much of a temple anymore but still impressive!
The Archaeological Museum “Pietro Griffo” highlights what has been recovered at is just up SP4 (entrance road) heading into the town of Agrigento. After all the walking this Thirsty Explorer needs a Cold One!
The Nitty Gritty ~
First Stop Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples)
Archaeological Museum “Pietro Griffo” of Agrigento part of the temple area
Driving to the Temples – The Ticket Office is off Via Panoramica Valle Dei Templi aka: SP4. Parking is it bit scattered, there are lots at the top and bottom of the road.
Inside the Valley of the Temples area is the Doric Bar – Caffetteria Arcosoli Bluecoop. Serves refreshments, snacks and sandwiches.
Just up the main road to Agrigento is Bonamarone Cafe for a quick esspresso or drink!
Near the Temples is Trattoria dei Templi Ristorante serves seafood and pasta
In town near the Cathedral is Expanificio Osteria which is nestled near the Cathedral. Yummy!
Google Map the area. The parking and entry points to the park are NOT INTUITIVE ! The ticket Booth is right off SP4 from the roundabout and parking is sometimes far away from the entry.
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