Agrigento, Italian Capital of Culture 2025

Valley of the Temples (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park is the UNESCO site that bears witness to the greatness of ancient Akragas, among the most important cities of Magna Graecia in the Mediterranean. The experience of visiting the Valley of the Temples is immersive and takes in some of the best-preserved classical temples in southern Italy (Dioscuri, Olympian Zeus, Concordia, Heracles, Aesculapius, Theron, Vulcan and Juno) and the Regional Archaeological Museum.

Theatre and House of Pirandello

An illustrious son of Girgenti, the great playwright Luigi Pirandello left living traces of himself at the house where he was born in the countryside, in the district of Caos. His spirit still hovers among the rooms and papers, the photographic collections and the memorabilia of a life marked by masterpieces performed all over the world and a Nobel Prize for Literature (1934). A visit to the “Luigi Pirandello” House-Museum-Library is combined with a visit to the Theatre dedicated to him, a 19th-century building designed by Dionisio Sciascia and Giovan Battista Filippo Basile. The gem inside? The curtain by the Messina painter Luigi Queriau, representing the victorious athlete Esseneto at Elea.

Cathedral of San Gerlando and Old Town

A walk through the historical centre of Agrigento immediately reveals its iconic monuments. Above all, the ancient Cathedral of San Gerlando, founded in the late 11th century by the bishop to whom it is dedicated. We enter it from a wide flight of steps, observing the characteristic unfinished bell tower. Inside is the small chapel of San Gerlando, housing his relics, and other sepulchral monuments. Not to be missed is the Cathedral Treasury, which among the works houses the famous Sarcophagus of Phaedra, a work described by Grand Tour travellers.

Beaches of Agrigento

Those who love the sea will find beaches in Agrigento that stretch for kilometres, alternating between bathing establishments equipped with every comfort and stretches of deserted, unspoilt coastline: from Marina di Licata to Punta Bianca, up to the more fashionable San Leone, the lively centre of summer nightlife. Looking for a child-friendly beach? Porto Palo, in Menfi, flies the Green Flag that is a guarantee of safety, services and fun for the whole family.

Scala dei Turchi in Realmonte

The most iconic of the Sicilian “staircases”, an open-air film set (films such as Giuseppe Tornatore’s Malèna and Pif’s In guerra per amore were shot here), is the Scala dei Turchi, a true natural monument. A white marl cliff, along which the atmospheric agents have sculpted a staircase worthy of an “archistar”. The reason for the name? Apparently, in ancient times, Saracen (Turkish) pirates used to shelter their ships in this quiet bay.

Traditions and hospitality

A crossroads of peoples, Agrigento “pampers” its visitors with unique Mediterranean traditions and events. These include the Almond Blossom Festival, held every year between February and March, during the flowering period of this legendary tree. A week of celebration and encounter between different peoples and cultures, culminating in the evocative lighting of the “Tripod of Friendship” in front of the Temple of Concordia (in the Valley of the Temples).

Farm Cultural Park in Favara

Not to be missed in the surrounding area is Favara and the historic centre that hosts the Farm Cultural Park, a reference point for international contemporary art. The brainchild of two art enthusiasts, Florinda and Andrea, the artistic regeneration of the district is now one of the most successful expressions of urban regeneration through street art and forms of active citizenship: Favara’s old houses and courtyards host exhibitions, workshops and events all year round.