The name is evocative, the route articulated, the images numerous: it is the Valley of the Temples, one of the favorite destinations for all lovers of archeology and history.
But what do we really know about this area which, since ancient times, has been dotted with priceless treasures? Here are 10 curiosity about the Valley of the Temples which perhaps you did not know yet, but which will be useful to you before leaving for the province of Agrigento!
Welcome to Akragas
How to explain the high concentration of these beauties in the 1300 hectare area around Agrigento? Right in origins of the archaeological site, must be sought history of the Valley of the Temples and of the same city of Agrigento. Here, in fact, in 581 BC it was founded Akragas, a city built by Greek colonists. The legacy of this polis has today become famous all over the world.
Ten Temples, ten gods
each valley temple is dedicated to one divinity of the Greek Pantheon. Yes, it might seem obvious, but who remembers all the names of the divinities of the Valley? The first could only be that of Zeus, the king of the gods, while a second temple is dedicated to Hera, his wife, and one to her sons, the Dioscuri Castor and Pollux; then Heracles, Harmony, Athena, Hephaestus, Asclepius and Demeter. The last one is dedicated to Isis and is the closest to the city of Agrigento.
What to look for at each temple?
Each temple is unique: at the ruins of the temple of Zeus, you can admire the Talamoni, the male stone sculptures; in the temple of Hera you will find columns and a base. In the temple of the Dioscuri you will find four columns, while in that of Hercules there are twice as many. The most intact is the temple of Harmony, which is placed side by side with the Parthenon in Athens due to its excellent conservation conditions.
The temples of Athena and Demeter were incorporated by the construction of successive churches, while the rear walls and two columns remain of the temple of Asclepius. It is possible to reconstruct the perimeter of the temple of Isis, thanks to the wall remains found.
A look at the sun
Although built in different centuries, all the temples of the Valley they have one thing in common: they are facing east, this is because according to classical mythology, the statues of the deities had to be illuminated by the first light of the sun.
Harmony or Concord?
As we have seen, each temple is dedicated to a deity of the Greek world, but there is one that seems to have a slightly different history: the Temple of Concordia, in fact, does not seem so closely linked to the Greek deity called Harmony, but rather seems to take its name from a Latin engraving found in the area, with reference to the harmony between the Greek and Roman peoples who lived together in Agrigento.
Time travel
Today everyone can admire the beautiful temples of the Valley, imagining how they must have looked at the time of their construction: the oldest were erected in the XNUMXth century BC while the most recent were built in the XNUMXnd century AD Despite its incredible beauty, this site today Unesco World Heritage, has not always been available to visitors and tourists, in fact its rediscovery took place only in the twentieth century.
An open-air museum
Moving on to the practical aspect of yours visit to the valley, remember that just like a Museum, Archaeological Park it has an opening and a closing time. You can admire the beauties of the Valley of the Temples every day, from 8:30 to 20:00, upon purchase of the ticket. In the summer months spectacular events are expected night visits, which allow you to admire these wonderful structures under the light of the stars.
A journey through history
The temple of Concordia is only 3,9 km from Agrigento and along the route that links the city to the archaeological site there are several museums, such as the Regional Archaeological Museum Pietro Griffo or attractions such as the Roman Hellenistic Quarter; between all the temples that make up the Valley, a rich fabric full of gems is stretched out, like the Living Almond Museum or garden of the Rotonda di Giunone.
Sleep in History
Did you know that in the Valley of the Temples there are so many accommodation ready to welcome you, to offer you all the comfort you need on holiday, but also the incredible feeling of sleeping in history? In fact, the Valley of the Temples is like a large museum without borders and between villas, hotels, b&bs and holiday homes, you will have the sensation of truly entering history.
One more moment before leaving
Are you ready to go home after exploring the Valley temples? If the experience has conquered you and the idea of ending your holiday is not to your liking, wait a moment before leaving again: the Valley of the Temples greets you with one last surprise. In fact, the visit is not over until you have reached the Greek Theatre found in 2016, the last great discovery in the Valley of the Temples!
