Agrigento, Ancient Greek colony in Sicily, Italy
Agrigento is a city on a plateau at roughly 230 meters elevation on the southern coast of Sicily, between the valleys of the Drago and San Biagio rivers. The archaeological remains of the Greek colony Akragas extend below the modern town and include temples, necropolises and remnants of the ancient fortifications.
Settlers from Gela founded Akragas in 581 BCE and shaped the settlement into a major Mediterranean power under the tyrant Theron in the fifth century BCE. After conquest by Carthage in 406 BCE and later Roman rule, the city transformed into an important agricultural center.
The seven Doric temples built between the sixth and fifth centuries BCE rise above the coastline and form one of the most important testimonies of Greek architecture outside Greece. The temple dedicated to Concordia in particular still shows the original proportions and massive column structure that visitors can walk around and view from close range.
Regular bus lines connect the central train station with the archaeological park and main sights within the city area. Summer temperatures can rise very high, so an early morning or late afternoon visit is advisable to avoid the heat and enjoy the best light.
The temple dedicated to Concordia is among the best preserved Doric structures worldwide because it was converted into a Christian church in the sixth century CE. This use protected the structure from destruction and plundering, while other temples in the area fell into ruin or served as quarries.
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