Your journey begins at the entrance to the Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you take in the stunning landscape, your guide will introduce you to the history of Agrigento, known in antiquity as Akragas. Founded by Greek settlers in the 6th century BCE, Akragas became one of the richest and most influential cities of Magna Graecia. This introduction will provide a historical framework, setting the stage for the architectural marvels you are about to explore.

Standing in near-perfect condition for over 2,400 years, the Temple of Concordia is one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world. Built around 440 BCE, it dominates the landscape with its majestic proportions and elegant symmetry. Originally dedicated to an unknown deity, it was later converted into a Christian basilica in the 6th century CE, which contributed to its preservation. As you walk around the temple, your guide will highlight its architectural features, including the 34 massive columns, the sturdy foundation, and the decorative elements that once adorned its pediment. You will also learn about the rediscovery and restoration efforts that have maintained its grandeur through the centuries.

Perched on the highest point of the valley, the Temple of Juno (Hera) offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea. Built in the 5th century BCE, this temple was dedicated to the goddess of marriage and childbirth. Traces of fire damage on the stone bear witness to the temple’s turbulent past, likely linked to the Carthaginian sack of Akragas in 406 BCE. As you stand among the ruins, your guide will describe how ancient Greeks conducted religious ceremonies here, including offerings, sacrifices, and wedding rituals held in honor of Juno. The surviving fluted columns, still displaying their original entasis (slight curvature for optical refinement), provide a glimpse into the architectural sophistication of the time.

The Temple of Hercules (Heracles) is the oldest of the temples in the Valley, dating back to the late 6th century BCE. Though much of it has collapsed over time, eight towering columns have been re-erected, giving visitors an impression of its former grandeur. Dedicated to the legendary hero Heracles, this temple was a place of devotion for those seeking strength, protection, and divine favor. Your guide will recount the myths associated with Heracles, including his famous Twelve Labors, and explain how this temple played a role in Akragas’ civic and religious life. You will also hear about the rediscovery of a colossal statue of Heracles that once stood here, emphasizing the hero's enduring importance in Greek mythology.

This sacred site, dedicated to Demeter and Persephone, the goddesses of fertility and the underworld, played a crucial role in ancient religious practices. The sanctuary was the center of mysterious rites and rituals associated with the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Here, votive offerings such as terracotta figurines and libation vessels were placed in devotion to the deities. Your guide will discuss the significance of the Eleusinian Mysteries, secret religious ceremonies that honored Demeter and Persephone and promised initiates a blessed afterlife. As you walk among the ancient altars and remains of ritual spaces, you will gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual beliefs that shaped Greek civilization.