Agrigento – Day 4 – Part 3 – The Diocesan Museum

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…

Agrigento – Day 4 – Part 2 – Climbing to the Top of the Town

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,…

Agrigento – Day 4 – Part 1 – Climbing Painted Stairs

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…

Agrigento – Day 3 – Part 4 – Ancient Temples

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…

Agrigento – Day 3 – Part 2 – A Colossal Telamon and More

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…

Agrigento – Day 1 – Part 6 – A Surprising End to A Fun Day

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,…

Agrigento – Day 1 – Part 5 – Exploring the Town

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…

Agrigento – Day 1 – Part 4 – An Outdoor Art Gallery

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…

Agrigento – Day 1 – Part 3 – Climbing the Old Town

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…