{"id":2141,"date":"2025-07-03T18:58:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T16:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/?p=2141"},"modified":"2025-07-07T13:12:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T11:12:40","slug":"dolina-swiatyn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/valley-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily: a tour"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>On our recent visit to Sicily, we went to the Agrigento area (on the southern part of the island) for two reasons: we wanted to see the Valle dei Templi and the popular Scala dei Turchi beach. Both of these attractions, although completely different, made a great impression on us. You can read about the Scala dei Turchi in the article about the best beaches in Sicily, and today I wanted to introduce you to this other Sicilian attraction: The Valley of the Temples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/valley-world\/#Informacje\" >Information<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/valley-world\/#Historia\" >History<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/valley-world\/#Zwiedzanie_Doliny_Swiatyn\" >Tour of the Valley of Temples<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/valley-world\/#Swiatynie\" >Temples<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/valley-world\/#Swiatynia_Juno_Hery\" >Temple of Juno (Hera)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/valley-world\/#Swiatynia_Concordia\" >Concordia Temple<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/valley-world\/#Swiatynia_Heraklesa\" >Temple of Heracles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/valley-world\/#Swiatynia_Zeusa_Olimpijskiego\" >Temple of Zeus of Olympia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/valley-world\/#Swiatynia_Kastora_i_Polluksa_Tempio_dei_Dioscuri\" >Temple of Castor and Pollux (Tempio dei Dioscuri)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/valley-world\/#Co_jeszcze_zobaczyc\" >What else to see?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/valley-world\/#Bilety_i_godziny_otwarcia\" >Tickets and opening hours<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Informacje\"><\/span>Information<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Valley of the Temples is certainly one of the most important archaeological sites in Sicily. It lies on the site of the ancient city of Akragas - described by the Greek poet Pindar as \"the most beautiful city inhabited by man.\" Today, in the Valley of the Temples, we can find well-preserved ruins of five temples and other remains of buildings including a theater, gymnasium, and necropolis. In 1997, the Valle dei Templi was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Valley of the Temples is located about 3 km from the city of Agrigento, in southern Sicily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3677-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Valley of the Temples in Sicily\" class=\"wp-image-2301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3677-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3677-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3677-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3677-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3677-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3677-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3677.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Valley of the Temples in Sicily. Pictured is the Tempia della Concordia (photo viaitalia.co.uk).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historia\"><\/span>History<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>City <strong>Akragas<\/strong> was founded in 580 BC by Greek colonists from the cities of Gela and Rhodes. The settlement was established on a plateau, near the coast and the fishing village of San Leone. From the middle of the 4th century, the city grew intensively, and in the 5th century BC, under the rule of tyrants <strong>Falarisa<\/strong> i <strong>Terona<\/strong> It reached the apogee of its prosperity, power and wealth. During its heyday, Akragas captured a third of Sicily's territory. It developed from a small settlement into a city-state with a population of about 200,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3727-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Temple of Concordia\" class=\"wp-image-2321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3727-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3727-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3727-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3727-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3727-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3727-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3727.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Valley of the Temples. Pictured is the Temple of Concordia (photo viaitalia.co.uk).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 480 BC. Teron, along with the tyrant of Syracuse, defeated in a <strong>the battle of Himera<\/strong> Carthaginians. 7 years later, after the death of Teron, power was assumed by his son <strong>Trazydeos<\/strong>. However, he was quickly exiled by the city's residents, who were introducing democracy to the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Several decades later, the city was captured and destroyed by the Carthaginians. It did not return to its glory days until it was rebuilt by the <strong>Timoleon<\/strong>. Akragas, however, was further destroyed during the two <strong>Punic wars<\/strong> Between the Roman Republic and Carthage. The Carthaginians ruled over the city until 210 BC, when the Romans captured it during the Second Punic War. The city changed its name at this time from Akragas to <strong>Agrigentum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the Roman era, the city underwent renewed reconstruction, as well as rebuilding. New public buildings such as a theater and temples were erected. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city began to succumb to barbarian invasions, but eventually the city was ruled by the Byzantine Empire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the 9th century, the city was captured by the Arabians, who were expanding their influence in Europe. Then, in the 11th century, Sicily was overrun by the Normans, who captured the city and renamed it again, this time to Girgenti. It wasn't until 1927 that Mussolini renamed it to the name still known today: Agrigento. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are looking for more information about the history of this place, I highly recommend checking out the article on the Google Arts&amp;Culture site, which you will find <a href=\"https:\/\/artsandculture.google.com\/story\/8wUBtUq3KTqFKg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Zwiedzanie_Doliny_Swiatyn\"><\/span>Tour of the Valley of Temples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To visit the Valley of the Temples in Sicily, it is worth setting aside a minimum of 2-3 hours.  We were there at the end of June and the temperatures were already making their presence felt. So if you are going there during the holiday season, don't forget to take with you enough water, a hat or cap and UV filter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can visit on your own or with a guide. It is also possible to rent an audio guide, which unfortunately is not in Polish. The cost of such a rental for the duration of the tour is 5\u20ac. At the ticket offices you can also purchase a map of the entire Temple Valley park for an additional fee (it was probably 1\u20ac). You can also download <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parcovalledeitempli.it\/en\/visita\/#official-app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free app for Android and iOS<\/a>, which will facilitate the tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The temples themselves are located on a single trail, in the southern part of the Valley of Temples. Although the name \"valley\" doesn't quite fit here - the temples actually lie on a hill. To the north of the trail with the temples lie other sites, such as the aforementioned necropolises, theater, gate, city walls and shrines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Swiatynie\"><\/span>Temples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest attraction of the site is the five temples designed in the Doric style. The temples were built of local limestone of intense yellow color. I have described the temples in the order of their visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Swiatynia_Juno_Hery\"><\/span>Temple of Juno (Hera)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Temple of Juno (Hera) is one of the two best-preserved temples in the Valle dei Templi. Interestingly, like most temples in the Valley of Temples, it is impossible to distinguish to which god it was attributed. In this case, the Temple of Juno was incorrectly attributed to Hera - this was due to a misinterpretation of Pliny the Elder's Latin text. She is the first temple we encounter in the archaeological park. The Temple of Juno was built at the eastern end of the Collina dei Templi (Hill of Temples). It dates to 450-440 BC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3658-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Juno Temple in the Valley of the Temples\" class=\"wp-image-2297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3658-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3658-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3658-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3658-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3658-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3658-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3658.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Temple of Hera (photo viaitalia.co.uk)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The base of the temple of Hera is the four-stage <strong><em>crepidoma<\/em><\/strong> (the lowest visible part of the temple which is also part of the foundation). The structure has 6 columns on the front and back, as well as 13 columns on the sides. The center of the temple was divided into 3 rooms: a porch (<em><strong>pronaos<\/strong><\/em>), the central part (<strong><em>cella<\/em><\/strong>) and the room at the end (<em><strong>opisthodomos<\/strong><\/em>). On the walls in the central part (<em>cella<\/em>) there was a staircase leading to the roof. On the east side of the temple are the remains of a monumental altar preceded by ten steps that led to the place where sacrifices were offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3655-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Juno Temple in the Valley of the Temples\" class=\"wp-image-2299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3655-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3655-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3655-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3655-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3655-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3655-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3655.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Temple of Hera in the Valley of the Temples (photo viaitalia.co.uk)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It is possible that the Temple of Juno was destroyed during the Carthaginian invasion in 406 BC. It was probably consumed by fires, as evidenced by the damage visible in the central section (<em>cella<\/em>). The temple has been restored several times starting in the 18th century, when the columns on the north side were re-erected. The most recent work was undertaken under the aegis of the archaeological park authority and was aimed at securing the stability of the structure and restoring its stone blocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Swiatynia_Concordia\"><\/span>Concordia Temple<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is the best-preserved temple in the entire Valley of Temples. <strong>Tempio della Concordia<\/strong> (translated as Temple of Concord) owes its name to a Latin inscription with a dedication to \"the harmony of the people of Agrigento\" located in its vicinity, though not associated with it. The building dates to 440-430 BC. Like the Temple of Hera, it has 6 columns on the front and back and 13 on the sides. The base of the temple is a 4-stage crepidoma. The Temple of Concordia was also divided into 3 parts: <em>pronaos<\/em>, <em>cella<\/em> i <em>opisthodomos<\/em>. The temple was covered with white plaster (<em><strong>stucco<\/strong><\/em>) with polychrome decorations both outside and inside. Twelve arches on the walls <em>celli<\/em> and tombs in the floor are relics of the temple's transformation into a Christian basilica. The temple owes such a well-preserved condition to these later modifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3675-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Temple of Concordia in the Valley of the Temples in Sicily\" class=\"wp-image-2303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3675-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3675-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3675-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3675-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3675-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3675-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3675.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Concordia Temple (photo viaitalia.co.uk)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Around the end of the 6th century, Bishop Gregorius sat in the temple and consecrated it to Saints Peter and Paul, thereby driving the pagan demons Eber and Rapsa out of the building. The dedication of the temple was considered evidence of the original attribution of the temple to Castor and Pollux. However, due to the lack of conclusive evidence, it is not fully known in honor of which god the temple was originally built.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the spur, to the west of the temple, was a Paleo-Christian necropolis (dated to the 3rd to 6th centuries) associated with the conversion of the building into a basilica and encompassing an extensive area with graves and urban catacombs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Restoration work undertaken since 1788 was aimed at removing the Catholic Church building so as to restore the structure to its original shape. Contemporary restoration work was aimed at securing the stability of the Temple della Concordia and preserving its stone blocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3681-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Temple of Concordia in the Valley of the Temples in Sicily\" class=\"wp-image-2304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3681-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3681-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3681-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3681-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3681-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3681-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3681.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Concordia Temple (photo viaitalia.co.uk)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In front of the temple lies the characteristic sculpture \"Icarus\" by Igor Mitoraj.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Swiatynia_Heraklesa\"><\/span>Temple of Heracles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is the oldest temple in Agrigento, dating back to the late 6th century BC. The Temple of Heracles was attributed to the divine hero Heracles based on the reliable testimony of Cicero. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Temple of Heracles rests on a 3-stepped pedestal (krepidoma) and has 6 columns on the front and back and 15 on the sides. This temple was also divided into 3 rooms: <em>pronaos<\/em>, <em>cella<\/em> i <em>opisthodomos<\/em>. To the east of the temple are the remains of a monumental altar. During the Roman period <em>cella<\/em> was divided into three parts, probably because the cult of Heracles was associated with the worship of two other deities. One of them may have been Asklepios, whose statue was found in a modified <em>celli<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3694-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Temple of Heracles in Sicily&#039;s Valley of the Temples\" class=\"wp-image-2306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3694-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3694-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3694-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3694-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3694-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3694-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3694.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Temple of Heracles (photo viaitalia.co.uk)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Numerous restoration works have taken place since 1921, when, at the initiative of English Captain Alexander Hardcastle, eight columns were re-erected on the south side of the temple. Today, these columns are the very remains of the Temple of Heracles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3689-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Temple of Heracles\" class=\"wp-image-2308\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3689-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3689-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3689-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3689-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3689-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3689-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3689.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Temple of Heracles (photo viaitalia.co.uk)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Swiatynia_Zeusa_Olimpijskiego\"><\/span>Temple of Zeus of Olympia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Temple of Zeus is one of the few buildings in the Valley of the Temples where we are certain who it was attributed to. The building is mentioned in ancient texts.  It was the largest Doric temple in the western Greek world. Polybius (2nd century BC) refers to the temple in his historical text and says it was not completed. A later account by Diodorus Siculus (1st century BC) describes the temple in detail. Unfortunately, only fragments of the temple and its base remain today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This description is problematic in part because it suggests that the temple was completed in 480 BC, after the victorious battle over the Carthaginians at Himera. Recent archaeological studies have shown that the temple plan differs from that of the temple of Athena <a href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/syracuse\/\">in Syracuse<\/a> and the temple at Himera, which were built after the peace treaty (480 BC). It is therefore likely that temple planning and construction began earlier, probably at the beginning of Teron's tyranny (488-472 BC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ruins visible today are the sum total of the destruction done in ancient and modern times. In the 18th century, for example, the ruins of the temple were used as a quarry for the construction of the port of Porto Empedode (1749-1763).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The temple was built on an impressive rectangular platform with a 5-step crepidome. The last of these steps was twice as high as the others, creating a kind of podium for the temple and raising it above the surrounding buildings. The building had 7 columns each at the front and back and 14 at the sides. It was also divided into 3 rooms: <em>pronaos<\/em>, <em>cella<\/em> i <em>opisthodomos<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3703-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Temple of Zeus of Olympia\" class=\"wp-image-2311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3703-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3703-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3703-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3703-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3703-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3703-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3703.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Temple of Zeus Olympios (photo viaitalia.co.uk)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the most peculiar features of the temple are the columns about 8 meters high that supported the beam, which are shaped like colossal mythological figures. These figures have often been interpreted as representing the defeated Carthaginian \"barbarians.\" Since the early 19th century, much excavation and research has been undertaken to restore the temple's original appearance. The latest project was funded by the European Union and entrusted by the Park Authority to the German Archaeological Institute (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dainst.org\/dai\/meldungen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Deutsches Archaologisches Institut<\/a>) w <a href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/rome\/\">Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3709-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Telamon\" class=\"wp-image-2312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3709-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3709-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3709-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3709-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3709-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3709-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3709.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Telamon lying by the Temple of Zeus Olympius (photo viaitalia.co.uk)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Swiatynia_Kastora_i_Polluksa_Tempio_dei_Dioscuri\"><\/span>Temple of Castor and Pollux (Tempio dei Dioscuri)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The accepted name of the Temple: Castor and Pollux is conventional, and derives from the poet Pindar's mention of these twin gods (dioscurs) in reference to Akragas. In fact, it is more likely that the temple was dedicated to Demeter and Persephone - the gods to whom the entire area is dedicated. Construction of the temple is dated to 480-460 BC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3714-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Temple of Kastor and Pollux (Dioscurus)\" class=\"wp-image-2313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3714-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3714-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3714-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3714-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3714-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3714-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3714.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Temple of Castor and Pollux (Dioscurus) in the Valley of the Temples in Sicily (photo viaitalia.co.uk).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Demeter and Persephone, respectively mother and daughter, patronesses of nature and fertility of mankind, were called chthonic or earthly deities by the Greeks. Their worship was so widespread in Sicily that ancient authors described the island as \"Zeus' wedding gift to Persephone\" and Akragas as \"the land of Persephone.\" In the western part of the Collina dei Templi (Hills of the Temples) there was an extensive area dedicated to these deities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Temple of Castor and Pollux gained its current appearance in 1836, when it was restored.  It originally had a similar appearance to other temples in the Valley of Temples. It had 6 columns on the front and back and 13 columns on the sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3715-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Temple of Castor and Pollux\" class=\"wp-image-2315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3715-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3715-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3715-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3715-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3715.jpg 1066w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The temple of Castor and Pollux. Modern Agrigento in the background (photo viaitalia.co.uk).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Co_jeszcze_zobaczyc\"><\/span>What else to see?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the temples themselves, there are other sites worth seeing in the Valley of Temples. The entire list and a map are available on the park's official website <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parcovalledeitempli.it\/en\/il-parco-archeologico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>. As I mentioned, you can also purchase a paper map right next to the ticket offices. It's worth a trip to the archaeological museum, where you can see artifacts found in the Valley of the Temples. You can also go to the Kolymbetra Botanical Garden. Entrance is unfortunately an additional fee and costs \u20ac5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3720-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Villa Aurea\" class=\"wp-image-2317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3720-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3720-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3720-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3720-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3720-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3720-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3720.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Villa Aurea (photo viaitalia.co.uk)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3667-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fortifications in the Valley of the Temples\" class=\"wp-image-2318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3667-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3667-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3667-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3667-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3667-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3667-770x515.jpg 770w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3667.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Greek fortifications in the southern part of the Valley of the Temples (photo viaitalia.co.uk)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While in the area of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a must-see is the Scala dei Turchi beach, or the famous white cliffs. You can read more about the Turchi Steps in our <a href=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/sycylia-plaze\/\">An article about the best beaches in Sicily<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"719\" src=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DJI_0301-1024x719.jpg\" alt=\"Scala dei Turchi\" class=\"wp-image-2016\" srcset=\"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DJI_0301-1024x719.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DJI_0301-300x211.jpg 300w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DJI_0301-768x539.jpg 768w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DJI_0301-1536x1078.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/DJI_0301.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Scala dei Turchi (photo: viaitalia.co.uk)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bilety_i_godziny_otwarcia\"><\/span>Tickets and opening hours<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A normal ticket to visit the Valley of Temples alone costs 10\u20ac (concession 5\u20ac). A combined ticket for archaeological sites + museum costs \u20ac13.50 (discounted \u20ac7) , and a combined ticket for archaeological sites + Kolymbetra gardens costs \u20ac15 (discounted \u20ac9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Valley of Temples is open to the public daily from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and until midnight on weekends. Ticket offices open one hour before closing. For more information, visit the park's official website <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parcovalledeitempli.it\/en\/visita\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a large paid parking lot available to the public.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On our recent visit to Sicily, we went to the Agrigento area (on the southern part of the island) for two reasons: we wanted to see the Valle dei Templi and the popular Scala dei Turchi beach. Both of these attractions, although completely different, made a great impression on us. You can read about the Scala dei Turchi in an article about the best beaches in Sicily, and today I wanted to<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2304,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","pgc_sgb_lightbox_settings":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[71,72],"class_list":{"0":"post-2141","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sycylia","8":"tag-akragas","9":"tag-unesco"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSCF3681.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Tomek","author_link":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/author\/tomek\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2141"}],"version-history":[{"count":61,"href":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2141\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2446,"href":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2141\/revisions\/2446"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2304"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/viaitalia.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}