Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento stands as one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, a remarkable lasting symbol to the power and ambition of Ancient Greek civilization in Sicily. Founded in the 6th century BC, the city of Akragas (modern-day Agrigento) flourished as a wealthy Greek colony, leaving behind monumental evidence of its prosperity — a series of Doric temples, remarkably well-preserved and standing against the backdrop of the rolling Sicilian countryside.

Among the most iconic is the Temple of Concordia, dating to around 440 BC. Its perfectly proportioned colonnade — 6 columns wide and 13 columns long — exemplifies classical Greek temple design, with a sturdy stylobate, fluted columns, and harmonious symmetry. The Temple of Hera, perched at the eastern edge of the site, is slightly older and bears signs of historical damage, yet its partially restored columns still convey the temple’s former grandeur. The Temple of Heracles, the oldest in the valley, survives only in part, but its remaining columns evoke the strength and permanence of ancient craftsmanship.

Adding a contemporary layer to this ancient site, several modern sculptures are placed strategically among the ruins. These works, often in bronze, create a deliberate contrast with the limestone temples. Rather than distracting from the site’s ancient origins, they offer a thoughtful dialogue between past and present, encouraging reflection on how art and ideas evolve across millennia.