Travel Eye on Agrigento (Sicily, Italy)

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Overview:

The medieval city of Agrigento is not without a certain charm. In spite of enjoying a hot sunny climate and close proximity to some fine beaches and clear waters, Agrigento's principal appeal is its significant archaeological sites. High in the historical centre of the city, the Romanesque Gothic cathedral, built during the fourteenth century, still displays some of its medieval character, as does the thirteenth-century Church of San Nicola. In the Valley of the Temples are the ruins of numerous temples but also necropoli, houses, streets and everything else one would expect to find in an ancient city. There is a small amphitheatre, as well as several auditoria, and a fine archeological museum. Unfortunately, most of the temples at Agrigento are in ruins, with pieces strewn about, and several appear to have never even been completed. Part of the Temple of Juno, built around 450 BC, is still intact. Its style has been compared to that of the temples at Paestum, near Salerno. The Temple of Concord (named retroactively), built around 440 BC, is in far better condition, and at night the illuminated temple is a sight to behold. A number of telamons (large segmented stone columns in the form of human figures) have been preserved.

Locality:

Located on a plateau overlooking Sicily's southern coast, Agrigento is spread across a number of rugged hillsides a couple of miles inland from the coast which is punctuated with broad stretches of golden sand and rocky headlands.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

This destination is very popular amongst sightseers, history buffs, archaeologists and photographers combined with traditional beach lovers of all ages. Accommodation in the area consists of a mix of small to medium-sized 3- and 4-star properties, most with their own leisure facilities, augmented by smaller family-run pensions and are widely spread out in the countryside around the town centre and Valley of the Temples, with a few along San Leone's sea front. A number of long golden sandy beaches stretch in either direction from the seafront suburb of San Leone, nearly 4 mls from the town centre. Many stretches are protected by man-made breakwaters that encourage shallow bathing. Water sports include water-skiing and windsurfing. An efficient bus service operates between the town centre, San Leone, Valley of the Temples and most outlying properties. Radio taxis available from most hotels receptions.