Valley of the Temples

Persevere
Pat and Bruce
Sun 16 May 2010 17:03
Agrigento area inhabited since prehistoric times is along the southwest coast of Sicily.  The cruel tyrant Phalaris, the city of Akragas grew more powerful and extended its territory to the detriment of the Sicans.  His successor tyrant Theron (488-472 BC) brought the city to its heights.  He defeted the Carthagians and further extended the terrtory.  After that victory they began large construction projects including temples.  Empedocles, a physician, thaumaturge, philosopher and orator stated "The Agrigentines enjoy the pleasures and luxuries of this world as if they were to die the next day, but make their buildings as if they were to live forever".
 
But in 406 BC Agriento was beseiged and burnt by the Carthagians general Himilco.  In 340 BC Timoleon defeated the Carthagians and the city again rebounded.
 
 
Temple of Hera Lacinia.  Hera was the daughter of Kronos and Rhea, sister and wife of Zeus and the mother of all Olympian gods.
 
 
Temple of Concord.  This Doric style temple remains in good condition since it was almost in continual use.  In 597 AD it was transformed into a Christian basilica by the Agrigentine Bishop Gregory.
 
The entire valley has many more temples, gardens, museums than shown here.  It is a hot dusty place to tour and requires a entended walking to cover all the grounds.  We chose not to take that much time, how many old stone ruins without roofs can you visit?  One annoying point was it cost to do anything.  Parking was a charge, toilets had a charge, of course entrance fees, the gardens another charge and then if you want a guided tour that was a further fee.  However, still a destination point in Sicily.