Discovering Agrigento’s Cultural Heart

Poised between sun and sea on Sicily’s southwest coast is Agrigento - a quiet guardian of ancient history. Located on a hill of tuff, the city gazes across the Valley of the Temples towards an endless stretch of blue horizon. The landscape is a study in contrasts: rugged cliffs, pale beaches, smooth stone, and resilient Mediterranean scrub. Only an hour’s drive from Verdura Resort, and two from Villa Igiea, Agrigento has been crowned Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2025. Here’s why:

Agrigento’s roots run as deep as the gnarled olive trees that dot its landscape, stretching back over 2,500 years to its founding as Akragas, one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world. Set against a breathtaking coastline, this once thriving cultural and political hub was praised by the Greek poet Pindar as “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Today, this splendour is immortalised in the Valley of the Temples.

Valley of the Temples

The temples rise from a hilltop, anchored by the Greeks on solid bedrock to support these colossal houses for their gods. The Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Doric temples outside of Greece, stands perfectly aligned with the sun’s path - a reflection of the Greeks’ deep connection to the divine and the natural world. As the sun sets, these ancient structures come alive, bathed in the golden light of dusk.

The Temple of Juno, perched on a rocky spur, captures attention with its lofty position and panoramic views. Further along, the Temple of Heracles, though partially in ruins, still conveys a sense of the immense power it once commanded. Walking through this UNESCO World Heritage site at night, with the temples lit up, is an otherworldly experience.

Regional Archaeological Museum

Situated near the Valley of the Temples, this museum houses one of Italy’s most significant collections of Greek artefacts, inviting you to delve into the civilisation behind the ruins. Highlights include the colossal Telamon, a massive statue that once supported the Temple of Zeus, and the Ephebe of Agrigento, a rare Greek bronze sculpture. Each artefact, from ancient vases to delicate coins, gives a glimpse into the lives and artistry of the ancient Akragas.

The Old Town

Wandering through Agrigento’s old town is like stepping back in time. The labyrinthine streets reveal a multicultural heritage, with Arab courtyards, Norman palaces, and Baroque churches. Along Via Atenea, the bustling main street, you’ll find a host of churches, including San Lorenzo and Santa Rosalia, and charming piazzas where locals gather for their evening passeggiata. The Cathedral of San Gerlando stands proudly at the town’s heart, while the Church of Santa Maria dei Greci, atop ancient Greek temple ruins, showcases the city’s layered past. As Italy’s Capital of Culture, the old town will host numerous cultural events, bringing its history to life.

The town’s vibrant atmosphere is punctuated by colourful staircases like the Via Atenea – a popular picture spot. Nearby, the Holy Spirit Monastery offers a moment to reflect amid inspiring Baroque interiors and peaceful cloisters. All of this unfolds with views of the Mediterranean in the distance.

Scala dei Turchi

A short drive from Agrigento, the famed Scala dei Turchi emerges like a dream - a natural marvel of white stone cliffs seemingly sliding into the sea. This dazzling formation, sculpted over millennia by wind and waves, cascades down to meet the water. Here, visitors can bask in the Sicilian sun or dive from these natural stairs into the inviting sea below. Its name, Stair of the Turks, evokes tales of Moorish pirates who once sought refuge here. As the sun sets, the cliffs glow with soft, ethereal light, transforming the Scala dei Turchi into a spectacle worthy of a postcard.

Though weathered by time, Agrigento has risen from the ashes, reclaiming its place as a culturally vibrant city. Whether you're enjoying gelato pecorino in a local café, strolling along golden beaches, or marvelling at ancient colossi, each experience here is an enriching one. 

After a day immersed in history, head along Sicily’s coast to Villa Igiea or Verdura Resort, where a meal with local ingredients and an evening in tranquil surroundings lead to a restful night’s sleep.