This largest Italian island is well known to travelers from all over the world due to the abundance of sun, magnificent nature, clear waters of warm seas, and many unique natural, historical and architectural monuments.
Sicily wonderfully combines the hustle and bustle of city streets and calm beaches, the mafia and friendly cordial and hospitable citizens. It seems that it is woven from contradictions. Greeks, Arabs, Spaniards left here many outstanding monuments that are a must-see for guests of the country.
Where is Sicily?
The island of Sicily is located south of mainland Italy, between Europe and Africa. In the north, it is adjacent to the Apennine Peninsula. To the south of the island is M alta. A little further south are Tunisia and Egypt. In the northwest direction there is another island of Italy - Sardinia. Sicily's eastern neighbor is Greece, from which the islandseparates the Ionian Sea. In addition, Sicily is washed by the Tyrrhenian (in the north) and the Mediterranean (in the south and west) seas. For lovers of exact numbers, we inform you that the geographical coordinates of Sicily are 37 ° 45’ 0 "N and 14 ° 15’ 0" E. e.
A bit of history
Today we invite you to take a short virtual tour of one of the ancient cities of Sicily - Agrigento, but first let's get acquainted with some historical facts.
During different periods of its history, this city had different names. The ancient Greeks called it Akragas, the Romans, who built their mighty empire, renamed it Agrigenta. Centuries later, the Arabs called it Kerkent Germente. The name Girgenti was given to the city by the Norman rulers. The current name was officially adopted in the middle of the 20th century, when the fascist regime ruled in Sicily.
The first mention of a settlement located on the lands where the city of Agrigento in Sicily is now located dates back to the 6th century BC. During this period, Rhodes and Cretan navigators mastered the local shores and founded the city of Akragas on the island. It soon became an important Greek colony, on a par with Syracuse to the south.
Already a few decades later, the city occupied an area of five hundred hectares. Residential and administrative buildings were surrounded by strong walls, which initially had nine gates. It was a fairly large city for its time. Akragas was inhabited by more than three hundred thousand inhabitants. They included citizens of other colonies and Greek metropolises,and descendants of the original colonists, as well as slaves.
The heyday of the city is considered by historians to be the 5th century BC. e., when they were ruled by the mighty Theron. He managed to constantly expand the zone of influence of the city. The Temple of Zeus built by the Greeks, which was surrounded by other religious buildings, can be considered a real breakthrough for the architects of that time. Some of these buildings have survived in the Valley of the Temples to this day.
When the Western Roman Empire fell, the Byzantines came to power in Agrigento in Sicily, and then the Norman conquerors. The city was later taken over by the Spaniards. And only in 1860 the city became part of Italy. Agrigento on the island of Sicily received its current name in the late twenties of the XX century.
Today, little remains of the former greatness of a large and important administrative center. The area of the city and its environs is only about 250 sq. km. The population is about 55.5 thousand inhabitants.
Getting to know modern Agrigento: city streets
The city perfectly conveys the spirit of the Middle Ages - narrow streets covered with paving stones, ancient architecture, exquisite fountains. Agrigento (Sicily) is especially good at sunset, the play of shadows turns it into a kind of theatrical scenery for the play of the great master.
Architecture
Despite its turbulent history, Agrigento (Sicily) has preserved numerous ancient monuments that are of interest to tourists. These are fortifications, and medieval palaces, and several museums, cathedrals, churches and monasteries, large squares and miniaturecourtyards that keep the memory of ordinary people and nobles who lived in this city hundreds of years ago. The city has preserved the heritage of dozens of cultures and absorbed all the best of them.
Sicily, Agrigento: holidays
Schiaccia is undoubtedly one of the most popular and most visited resorts in the province of Agrigento. This is a fairly large city, it is famous for its thermal springs and luxurious white beaches, among which it is necessary to highlight the areas of Tonnara, Stazzone, San Marco and Foggia. All these amazing places are ideal for a beach holiday and a relaxing time. Unique landscapes, warm and clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and comfortable hotels - all this attracts tourists to the resorts of Agrigento (Sicily).
Very popular island holidays in the province of Agrigento. The Pelagian Islands hospitably open their arms to everyone who wants to sunbathe under the gentle sun.
Beaches of Agrigento
According to experienced travelers, here are the best beaches in Sicily. Agrigento, thanks to its climatic conditions, allows you to enjoy a beach holiday throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the city is early summer or early autumn. First of all, we recommend that you visit the San Leone beach, which is known to everyone who has been to the island. It is located near the famous Valley of the Temples, where the main historical monuments of ancient Greek architecture are concentrated. The sea here is calm, however, in the high season there are quite a lot of tourists.many.
Be sure to visit the Scala dei Turki beach. Once upon a time, Turkish pirates lived here, thanks to which the beach got its name. This is a great place for a relaxing family holiday. Magnificent nature, comfortable climatic conditions and warm sea water.
What to see in Agrigento?
When visiting this city for the first time, we recommend visiting its historical center. It is here that the main attractions of Agrigento (Sicily) are concentrated - monuments of architecture and art that illustrate the history of this ancient place.
Unfortunately, there is not much left of the former grandeur of the Old Town, but tourists wander with great pleasure along the old streets and visit places where the spirit of antiquity hovers. The city has several beautiful temples, monumental palaces, spacious squares and shady alleys. In Agrigento (Sicily), the photo of which we posted in this review, will certainly appeal to everyone who loves the unique fabulous beauty of small old towns.
Museums
Probably, it is necessary to dwell on the museum complex of the city, since visiting museums allows you to better learn the history, culture, traditions of an unfamiliar place. The largest and most visited is the Archaeological Museum.
You should definitely visit the Civico Museum, where a large number of paintings and sculptures that have come down to us fromMiddle Ages.
In 1963, the Diocesan Museum, built according to the project of the architect Minissi, began its work in the city. Here are the relics of the nearby Cathedral and the seminary adjacent to it, as well as exhibits that testify to the history of the local church, rites and traditions.
There is another unique place in Agrigento (Sicily). This is a gem museum. Here you can not only enjoy the beauty of precious stones, but also learn to distinguish between natural and artificial minerals, feel like a real gemologist, work with professional equipment.
Valley of the Temples
Undoubtedly, this is the main attraction of Agrigento (Sicily). A huge temple complex that amazes and fascinates with its scale and unsurpassed splendor. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here from different parts of our planet to take a look at the ancient buildings and temples with their own eyes, which, despite the past centuries, are perfectly preserved.
To get here, you need to go to the southeast area of the city. You will find yourself surrounded by monuments that symbolize the former greatness of the Greek colony. The first temples on this land were built in the 5th century BC. e.
Temple of Zeus
Initially, it was planned to build a structure measuring 56 x 112 meters with twenty-meter columns. The temple was supposed to be the largest Doric building of the ancient Greeks. But the assault on the city by the soldiers of Carthage did not allow the construction to be completed, andthe strongest earthquake practically destroyed what had been built by that time. Today, in the middle of the ruins is an 8-meter sculpture of King Telamon, who raised his hands to the sky.
Cathedral
The temple was built in the XI century. It was seriously damaged by a landslide (1244), but was reconstructed. In the 17th century it was rebuilt in the Baroque style. The south side of the temple is decorated with double Norman windows, and in the western part of the building there is an episcopal seminary. Steps from the majestic bell tower lead to the main entrance to the cathedral. The three-aisled basilica, which was restored after the devastating 1966 earthquake, adorns the interiors.
The nave has been preserved, the front of the building is in the Gothic style, the wooden ceiling was decorated in the 17th century.
Sanctuary of Kalogera
The unique building in Agrigento (Sicily) was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. It is divided into three parts by two colonnades. A rectangular apse with three chapels crowns its center. The altar was made in the 14th century from wood with mother-of-pearl inlays. The building is decorated with gilded multi-colored mosaics, the work of Michele Amico.
Agrigento (Sicily): where to stay?
The city can be divided into three districts:
- historical center, which is located on top of a hill;
- lower part, at its foot;
- main street - via Atenea.
You can choose hotels in Agrigento (Sicily),located in the valley. They offer stunning views of the orange orchards and the Valley of the Temples.
Among the hotels in the historical part of the city, a small but very cozy B&B Bibirria should be mentioned. It offers accommodation in only four rooms. Each has a dining area, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, necessary appliances.
You can pay attention to one more hotel in the historical part of the city - B&B Liol, which is located next to the Cathedral. It is also quite small (three apartments) with a shared kitchen with a refrigerator that stores snacks. In the morning, the hotel serves a rich and delicious breakfast that can be served in your room.
Most shops, restaurants and bars are located in the lower part of the city. Several hotels located in the area overlook the Valley of the Temples. The B&B Portatenea, for example, is located right on the main street (via Atenea), with public parking next to it. Breakfast at this hotel is served on terraces.
Neighboring B&B Marchese Sala is a true palace built in the 18th century. From its terrace and from the windows of the rooms there is an amazing view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Valley of the Temples. Tours are organized and run by the owners.
From hotels located in the valley, we recommend that you pay attention to the Colleverde Park Hotel, which is surrounded by a magnificent Mediterranean park, and the windows of the rooms overlook the Valley of the Temples.
B&B Villa SanMarco is located 500 meters from the temples and is also surrounded by a beautiful garden in which birds chirp merrily. At any time of the day, you can cool off in the swimming pool located on site.
Hotel Villa Athena is the most luxurious hotel in Agrigento (Sicily). It is located in a villa built in the 18th century. In 2012, the hotel was recognized as the best on the island. Some of its rooms overlook a wonderful garden, some - the Valley of the Temples. Each room has its own natural marble bathroom, bedroom and living room furnished in classic style.
What travelers say
About Agrigento (Sicily) reviews of tourists are different. For the most part, vacationers are satisfied with the trip. They liked the wonderful nature and climate of Sicily. Agrigento attracts with a calm, measured lifestyle, an excellent opportunity to combine a beach holiday with a sightseeing holiday.
Someone thinks that Agrigento in Sicily is suitable for lovers of history and ancient architecture. There is little entertainment in the city, so many go to clubs and discos located in the nearest resorts.
