We travelled south through the Sicilian countryside to Agrigento for a guided walking tour of the city’s fascinating Greek ruins.
An early start from Palermo which was delayed as we had to wait for a judge to leave his house with a full military escort. The journey south was punctuated with road works which according to our guide had not progressed since last year. A quick stop for coffee which was much better than the hotel’s machine.
The countryside was beautiful – backdrop of hills with slopes planted with vines, olive groves, orchards or ploughed with crops.
Agrigento was a Greek colony from the 5th century BC founded, according to our guide, by people from Rhodes (Rhodians?) but Anthony was not sure of this! One thing you could say for the guide was his enthusiasm for the site. He was very philosophical and laced his description with the humanity to be found in the ruins.
We started at the northern (higher end) with a Doric temple (which apparently is the only style in Sicily) dedicated to Hera.
We then moved down to the temple to Concordia (its Roman name) which was well preserved because it was converted into a church dedicated to St Peter and Paul. You can still see the internal arches constructed between the inner columns. Late in the 18th century the local Bourbon King decided to restore it back to almost its original state.
The last temple was dedicated to Herakles. Although it’s in the most ruinous state its authenticity comes from Cicero in his speeches against Verres the corrupt governor whom he prosecuted.
Tempio Di Giumone
We then moved down to the temple to Concordia (its Roman name) which was well preserved because it was converted into a church dedicated to St Peter and Paul. You can still see the internal arches constructed between the inner columns. Late in the 18th century the local Bourbon King decided to restore it back to almost its original state.
An image showing a statue of the fallen Icarus from a contemporary artist.
The last temple was dedicated to Herakles. Although it’s in the most ruinous state its authenticity comes from Cicero in his speeches against Verres the corrupt governor whom he prosecuted.
Amazing monuments!
Checked into our hotel for one night with the glamorous name of Hotel Dioscuri Bay Palace Agrigento.
Still very early in the season so many of the waterfront cafes are not open. But we managed to find one for a refreshing glass of white wine and a slightly smaller beer for Anthony. Great olives.
After an afternoon siesta we had dinner at our hotel which was one of the tour inclusions. Tomorrow we head to Syracuse.
Travelling with Teresa 
The ruins look amazing!
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The ruins look amazing!
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the photos are beautiful and really enjoying the historic commentary. Loving your trip!
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the photos are beautiful and really enjoying the historic commentary. Loving your trip!
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Yes it was amazing. I loved the juxtaposition of the ancient temple with the modern statue of Icarus.
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Yes it was amazing. I loved the juxtaposition of the ancient temple with the modern statue of Icarus.
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Yes so many monuments on the one site. We didn't write about all of them.
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Yes so many monuments on the one site. We didn't write about all of them.
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