Walking tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento

The greatest testament to Sicily’s Greek golden age lies at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. This guided tour unveils the remains of seven Doric temples – characterised by colossal stone columns – built between 510 and 430 BC. Nicola, one of our local guides, says, ‘Step back in time to ancient Agrigento known as Akragas. Learn how temples were built, and why – as gifts to Greek divinities. By the end of the tour, you’ll have become an expert in Greek gods and goddesses.’ You’ll kick off your exploration of the honey-hued temples of this ridge-top UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern zone, at the Temple of Juno. A perfectly balanced structure facing east to dedicate Sicilian sunrises to the gods. Walk past ancient fortifications to reach the Temple of Concordia. ‘If it seems familiar to you, it’s because it was the model for UNESCO’s logo,’ says Nicola. With its 78 columns perfectly intact, it’s one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world. Snap some photos with the modern statue of Icarus and his broken wings at its feet.Admire the faded beauty of the site’s oldest temple, the Temple of Hercules, which was dedicated to the son of Zeus. In the western zone, you’ll see the temples of Olympian Zeus, Hephaistos and Dioscuri. Look out for the Temple of Vulcan in the distance. The sandy footpaths, lined with olive trees and boasting vistas of the Mediterranean only add to the magic of this archaeological wonder.