At Via Duomo, #94, you will find the Biblioteca Lucchesiana.  The library was founded in 1765, by the then bishop of Agrigento, Andrea Lucchesi Palli.  It contains more than 60,000 books, illuminated manuscripts, and pieces of art.  Unfortunately for us, it was closed at the time of our visit, but has since reopened to the…

The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso, also known as Badiola, can be found at Via San Girolamo, #1, and dates from 1529. As we made our way along Via San Girolamo, we passed what seemed to be the entrance to the Presepe del Centro Storico, or the Nativity Scene of the Old Town.  Unfortunately,…

After a nice breakfast in the apartment, we headed out to begin our last day in Agrigento. Just off the main road, leading into the city, you will find the Piazzetta San Calogero, and the Santuario di San Calogero.  The church dates from between the 13th and 14th centuries, and according to legend, it was…

The Temple of Olympian Zeus dates from 480 BC, and was built to celebrate Agrigento’s victory over the Carthaginians.  The temple is now mostly in ruins. A nearby display shows the visitors to the park how the columns were erected in ancient times. The remains of the Temple of the Dioscuri, also known as the…

As we made our way through the Valley of the Temples, the modern city of Agrigento seemed to get further and further away. After an approximately 20 to 30 minute walk, we came upon our first temple, the Temple of Concordia.  Built around 430 BC, the temple is a very beautiful sight, and is considered…

The archaeological park, known as the Valley of the Temples, is huge!  If you intend to visit this site, expect to walk a lot!  Also, plan realistically, and accordingly!  Do not attempt to see the entire park in one day!  See what you can at a leisurely pace, and then, when you have had enough,…

For me, one of the highlights of visiting the Archeological Museum was seeing the Olympian Telamon.  The Telamon is one of the colossal statues that adorned the Temple of Zeus, and dates back to between 480 and 470 BC.  It was discovered during excavations, and was reassembled in 1825.  The statue is the largest surviving…

Our second day in Agrigento was a complete washout.  A storm had come in from the sea and, in all honesty, we had never seen such rain and lightning.  We managed to run out for a brief walk between downpours, but we basically spent the day relaxing in the apartment.  Later, not long after we…

It was difficult to focus on the old radios that were on display at the Chiesa di San Lorenzo, when we were surrounded by such lovely paintings and stucco work.  Even though it is now deconsecrated, the church is still a place that is well worth visiting in Agrigento. The Palazzo della Camera di Commercio,…

On Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi, you will find the Basilica della Beata Maria Vergine Immacolata, which dates from before 1295.  This is one of the largest churches in the city, and is definitely worth a visit.  Badly damaged by bombings in World War II, the church has since been renovated, and has now been restored…

The charm of Agrigento’s old town becomes more and more apparent, the higher up its narrow streets you climb. Walking through the streets of the Centro Storico, the historical center of Agrigento, was like walking through an open air art museum.  It was a wonderful experience!  The best part of it was that we were…

Those arriving by bus to the city of Agrigento will disembark at Piazza Fratelli Rosselli, the site of the main bus station. A plaque, on a now deconsecrated and deserted church, commemorates the fact that Pope John Paul II celebrated three masses there. La Porta dei Venti, or the Gate of the Winds, is today…