Temple of Demeter and Sanctuary of Chthonic Deities

Built in the 5th century BC and dedicated to the goddess Hera (known to the Romans as Juno), this temple commands a stunning view over the valley and coast. Eighteen of its original thirty-four columns still stand, with evidence of fire damage from a historical attack. A reconstructed altar sits nearby, and the temple is especially striking at sunset due to its eastern ridge position. Despite some erosion, it remains one of the most evocative Doric temples in Agrigento.

Built around 440 BC, the Temple of Concordia is the most iconic and well-preserved monument in the Valley of the Temples. Its nearly intact colonnade—34 sturdy Doric columns—stands as a testament to classical Greek engineering. Converted into a Christian basilica in the 6th century, it was later restored to its original form. The temple sits on a ridge with stunning views and is particularly striking at sunrise or sunset when bathed in golden light. Now a symbol of Agrigento, it gives the valley its most recognisable image.

Located in the former medieval monastery of San Nicola within the archaeological park’s area, this museum houses over 5,600 artefacts from prehistoric to Roman Sicily. Highlights include the massive Telamon statue from the Temple of Zeus, Greek ceramics, coins, sarcophagi, and scale models of the monuments. Excellent signage and a modern visitor route by architect Franco Minissi.

Believed to be the oldest temple in the Valley, this Doric temple was likely dedicated to Heracles (Hercules), one of the most venerated deities in Agrigento. Dating to the late 6th century BCE, it originally had 6×15 columns. Today, eight impressive columns still stand on the south side, partially reconstructed in the 20th century. The temple’s location near the ancient agora suggests it held civic and religious significance.

Located just outside the city walls to the south, this small temple was dedicated to the god of healing. It likely served as a sanctuary for pilgrims seeking cures and is referenced by ancient writers like Polybius. Today, only the foundation and base stones remain, but the site is peaceful and evocative, sitting away from the more crowded temples.

Begun after the Battle of Himera in 480 BC, this was intended to be the largest Doric temple ever built. Though never completed and now mostly collapsed, its immense base (56 × 113 m) hints at its original scale. The temple was unusual in having giant male figures, called telamones or atlases, integrated into its structure as support columns. Fragments of one 7.6 m-tall-figure lie nearby. Destroyed by earthquakes and later used as a stone quarry, it remains an impressive and evocative ruin.