Temple Valley Wonders
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Port
Palermo, Sicily, Italy
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$350
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 9½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Impressive, ancient ruins string out along a ridge below Agrigento in the Valley of Temples. You will visit many of them.
Begin with the Temple of Jupiter (Zeus). Had this now-ruined temple ever been completed, it would have been one of the largest in the ancient world. The entablature was supported by 55-foot-tall columns, between which stood colossal statues. One of these is now on display in the Archeological Museum.
Nearby is the Tempio dei Dioscuri -- a hex-style temple with only four columns remaining. The small rose at the corner of the entablature is a typical decorative feature. Alongside is a sacred area dedicated to Demeter and Persephone -- the underground gods -- and two sacrificial altars.
Dating from the late 6th century BC, the Temple of Hercules is probably the oldest of the Agrigento temples and is built in the ancient Doric style. Eight of its columns have been restored. To the left, you can see the deeply grooved ruts thought to have been made by ancient, wheeled vehicles such as chariots. The deep marking is possibly due to the grooves thought to have been later used as water channels.
The Temple of Concord is the largest, most majestic, and best-preserved of the Doric temples in Sicily. Its peristyle has 34 tufa limestone columns, although its original stucco facing has disappeared. And finally, the Tempio di Hera Lacinia (dedicated to Juno, or her Greek equivalent, Hera) has a partially preserved colonnade. On the eastern side is a sacrificial altar and, behind the temple, an ancient water cistern.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Please note: Travel time to Agrigento is approximately 2.5 hours each way. There will be two hours of walking, including free time. Much of the terrain is uneven ground and slightly uphill with steps to negotiate. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses, wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Appropriate attire is required at the restaurant. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.