The Valley-Of-The-Temples....A True Archeological Wonder And A Must-See On Your Next Vacation

The Valley-of-the-Temples is one of the most important archeological sites in the world. The temples are located in Agrigento,Sicily. Agrigento started out as a Greek colony in the 6th century BC and pretty soon became a major cultural center.

All of the temples were constructed within a century. Each temple faces east. This was the standard rule for both Greek and Roman Temples. They did this so that the statue of the god in each temple would be lit up by the rising sun. I can't help but think this area must have been beautiful when the temples were complete and the city was in it's prime.

Temple of Concorde:

Of all the temples in the valley this is the only one that is still reasonably intact. It's considered one of the most well preserved in the Valley-of-the-Temples. Constructed around 430 BC, no one knows for sure which god this temple was built for. The temple got its name from a Latin inscription found nearby. Being converted to a Christian church in the 6th century helped this temple to remain in decent shape.

Temple of Castor and Pollux (Dioscuri):

Dedicated to Leda and Zeus's twins, this temple was built in the 5th century. From the 34 columns that used to make up this temple, only four are left. These four columns are the most photographed of all the temples. They've become the symbol of the Sicilian attraction "Agrigento.

Temple of Zeus (Jupiter):

They built this temple to thank Zeus for their victory against the Carthaginians in 480 BC. The temple was one of the largest, but was never finished partly because of the Carthaginian raid in 406 BC. If they had finished it, it would have been the biggest temple of all the Greek and Roman temples. One of my favorite features features is the telamons. These are giant human figures, placed between each column to hold up the building.

Temple of Hera Lacinia (Juno):

This temple was built around the 5th century BC. It was dedicated to the goddess of marriage and childbirth. Built on the highest point in the valley, it's located in the southeast corner. In 406 BC, the Carthaginians ransacked the city and set the temple on fire. Of it's original 34 columns, 30 remain standing.

Temple of Heracles (Hercules):

This was the first to be built in the Valley-Of-The-Temples. This temple was completed during the 6th century BC. Originally built with 38 columns, today only 8 remain. The temple was dedicated to the legendary Hercules, who is the national hero of Sicily.

Temple of Asclepius (Esculapius):

This temple was dedicated to the Greek god of medicine, who was Apollo's son. Many people who came to the Valley-of-The-Temples visited this one especially with hopes of being healed by Asclepius. They say he had the power to heal all those who were sick. Constructed during the 5th century BC, what's left of the temple can be found in the middle of the countryside.

Temple of Hephaistos (Vulcan):

This temple was dedicated to the god of fire, but not much is left of it. Legend says, this god had a forge underneath Mount Etna.

Temple of Demeter:

They built this temple in 480 BC. It was dedicated to the goddess of grain and harvest. The remains of the temple make up some of the structure of the little Medieval Church of San Biagio.

Tomb of Theron:

People first thought this was the tomb of the tyrant Theron. Later studies showed it was built to honor those who courageously fought and lost their lives during the Second Punic War.

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