La Valle dei Templi, Agrigento

La Valle dei Templi (Agrigento, Sicily)

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This a an UNESCO heritage site nestled between the western Sicilian coastal city of Agrigento, and the serene blue waters of the Mediterranean sea. The archeological park houses a museum, subterranean caves and numerous Grecian temples in the Doric style with many columns and structures still standing. (Top to bottom: Temples of Hera, Herakles, Concordia, Dioscuri)

I was a bit ill-prepared to visit Agrigento as I hadn‘t done much research and didn‘t have a car. Fortunately, I found a couple of helpful websites to figure out the Trasporti Urbani Agrigento system. I took the 2.5 hour train from Palermo to Agrigento Centrale, walked 10 min to Piazzale Roselli and caught the #2 TUA bus to the Valle dei Templi biglietteria.

The park is well organized and majestic. I felt a reverence as I walked among the ruins of once-grandiose Greek temples to honor  Hera, Apollo, Hercules and others. The surrounding hills were planted with what looked like peach and olive trees. And overlooking the Valley at the top of the ridge is the city of Agrigento. I imagined what it might be like for the residents of Agrigento to have a view of the temples from their terrace! 

I was impressed that the area is so well preserved and I was reminded that I have seen other historic sites which have immaculately-kept grounds but the surrounding areas are in disrepair. I still remember my shock and sadness when Kay and I visited the Taj Majal and saw a huge landfill right next to it.