Agrigentino

<< Sicily

The Agrigentino is the territory of the Province of Agrigento, located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in southwestern Sicily. The area is known for its important archaeological sites, but also features various seaside resorts and includes the Pelagie Islands to the south.

Agrigento

Agrigento is a city located on a hill near the coast of southwestern Sicily. Founded as Akragas by the Greeks in the 6th century BCE, it was one of the richest cities in the Mediterranean, and remained among the largest centers in Sicily under the Romans. Its importance declined in the Middle Ages, and its name changed to Girgenti after it was taken by the Normans. The city only grew again since the 18th century, and in 1927 it took its current name. Agrigento is now best known for hosting several ancient temples.

✪ Valley of the Temples

The Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) is a vast archaeological site located just south of Agrigento. The area houses the ruins of the ancient Akragas, and it includes the ruins of various Greek temples, which are among the best preserved from that age. The largest and best preserved one is the Temple of Concordia (Tempio della Concordia), regarded as the most notable example of Doric temple still in existence after the Parthenon. Other large temples here are the Temple of Hera (Tempio di Giunone) and the Temple of Heracles (Tempio di Eracle), while various other smaller and more ruined temples are also located in the same area. The site also includes numerous other structures and also the Kolymbéthra Garden (Giardino della Kolymbetra), a garden hosting some ancient ruins.

Regional Archaeological Museum of Agrigento

The Regional Archaeological Museum of Agrigento (Museo Archeologico Regionale di Agrigento) is an archaeological museum located just outside the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The museum houses numerous archaeological findings from Agrigento and other sites in Sicily, and includes numerous ancient statues and other artworks. Next to the museum is the Gothic Church of San Nicola, erected in the 12th century.

Agrigento Cathedral

The Agrigento Cathedral is the main church of the city. Founded by the Normans in the 11th century and later reworked, the church features Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. Inside, the church is adorned with many decorations and artworks. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Diocesan Museum (Museo Diocesano) of Agrigento, which houses a collection of religious artworks.

Church of Santa Maria dei Greci

The Church of Santa Maria dei Greci is a medieval church in the center of Agrigento. The church was built in the 13th century and has a Gothic portal, and it is known for being on top of the ruins of an ancient Greek temple.

Monastery of Santo Spirito

The Monastery of Santo Spirito is an ancient religious complex in the center of Agrigento. Founded in the 13th century, the complex was erected in Gothic style and includes a church richly adorned with elaborate decorations. Part of the monastery houses a museum of local culture and traditions.

Favara

Favara is a town located on a hill east of Agrigento. Inhabited since ancient times, it developed since the Late Middle Ages, and it is now an agricultural center.

Farm Cultural Park

The Farm Cultural Park is an art gallery in Favara. The museum was founded in 2010 to revitalize the almost abandoned old town of Favara, and includes several exhibition spaces dedicated to contemporary art.

Realmonte

Realmonte is a small town located near the coast in the Province of Agrigento. The town is best known for hosting some seaside resorts.

Scala dei Turchi

The Scala dei Turchi is a rocky cliff located between two sandy beaches on the coast near Realmonte. The site is known for its peculiar while color, and it is among the most famous tourist attractions along this coast.

Cattolica Eraclea

Cattolica Eraclea is a small town located northwest of Agrigento. The modern town was founded in the 17th century, and it is known for hosting in its territory the ruins of an ancient Greek city.

Archaeological Area of Heraclea Minoa

The Archaeological Area of Heraclea Minoa is located on the coast of southwestern Sicily, in the municipality of Cattolica Eraclea. Heraclea Minoa was founded by the Greeks around the 6th century BCE, and remained a relevant center until it was abandoned during the Roman age. The site includes the ruins of an ancient theater and various other buildings of the Greek city. Just outside the archaeological area is a small museum housing various findings unearthed here.

Sciacca

Sciacca is a city located on the southwestern coast of Sicily in the Province of Agrigento. Founded in ancient times, it was inhabited by the Greeks and the Romans, and remained an important center throughout its history. Sciacca is now best known for its carnival, but also features beautiful beaches and some historic attractions.

Basilica of Maria Santissima del Soccorso

The Basilica of Maria Santissima del Soccorso is the main church of Sciacca. The church was erected by the Normans in the 12th century, and was reworked a few times. The basilica has an unfinished facade, and inside it houses some artworks and decorations.

Licata

Licata is a seaside town located southeast of Agrigento. Settled in ancient times, the modern town developed since the Middle Ages. Licata is known today for its port and its beaches, and also features some historic sites.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is a historic fortification in Licata. Originally built as a watchtower in the 16th century, it was expanded and turned into a castle in the 17th century. The structure was later used as a lighthouse, and now it has been restored and serves as a museum. Some archaeological ruins are located near the castle.

Pelagie Islands

The Pelagie Islands is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, located between Malta and Tunisia, south of Sicily. The archipelago includes Lampedusa, Linosa, and the uninhabited Lampione, as well as a few minor islets. Geologically, Lampedusa and Lampione are part of the African continental shelf, but the archipleago is administratively part of the Province of Agrigento, forming the municipality of Lampedusa e Linosa.

Lampedusa

Lampedusa is the largest and most populous of the Pelagie Islands, and the southernmost territory of Italy. The island was used since ancient times as a maritime base because of its strategic position, but in recent times it has become known as an European entry point for migrants coming from North Africa. This is reflected in a contemporary art installation located on the southern coast of the island, called Porta d’Europa (“Europe’s Door”). Lampedusa is also famous for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. The most popular beach of the island is the Spiaggia dei Conigli (“Rabbits’ Beach”), one of the few sites in the Mediterranean where sea turtles lay their eggs. Next to this beach is a small islet known as Isola dei Conigli (“Rabbits’ Island”).

Linosa

Linosa is the northermost of the Pelagie Islands. The island has a volcanic origin, and it was used as maritime base since ancient times, but was only settled in the 19th century. Linosa is known for its rich flora and fauna and its beautiful beaches.