Ancient Agrigento Private Guided Tour With Phd Archeologist

By Archeo Tours

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Free cancellation available
3h
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Overview

Embark on a 3-hour private tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, guided by an expert archaeological guide or PhD archaeologist. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, home to some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, and learn about their history, religious significance, and architectural brilliance. Visit iconic sites such as the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Juno, and the Temple of Hercules. Discover the ancient city walls and gates of Akragas, and explore the Sanctuary of the Chthonic Deities, where rituals dedicated to Demeter and Persephone took place. This personalised tour allows you to explore at your own pace while receiving in-depth insights from your guide, bringing ancient Agrigento’s cultural and historical importance to life. Ideal for history enthusiasts and travellers seeking an immersive experience through Sicily’s ancient past.

Activity location

Valley of the Temples
- 92100, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy

Meeting/Redemption Point

Valley of the Temples
- 92100, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy

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Ancient Agrigento Private Guided Tour With Phd Archeologist

3h
English

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time

Price details

NZ$880.43 x 1 AdultNZ$880.43

Total

Until Sun, 6 Apr

What's included, what's not

Private Walking Tour
Expert Archaeological Guide
Admission Tickets
Service charge

Know before you book

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transport options are available nearby
Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Valley of the Temples

15m
Admission ticket included

Your journey begins at the entrance to the Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you take in the stunning landscape, your guide will introduce you to the history of Agrigento, known in antiquity as Akragas. Founded by Greek settlers in the 6th century BCE, Akragas became one of the richest and most influential cities of Magna Graecia. This introduction will provide a historical framework, setting the stage for the architectural marvels you are about to explore.

Temple of Concordia

30m
Admission ticket included

Standing in near-perfect condition for over 2,400 years, the Temple of Concordia is one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world. Built around 440 BCE, it dominates the landscape with its majestic proportions and elegant symmetry. Originally dedicated to an unknown deity, it was later converted into a Christian basilica in the 6th century CE, which contributed to its preservation. As you walk around the temple, your guide will highlight its architectural features, including the 34 massive columns, the sturdy foundation, and the decorative elements that once adorned its pediment. You will also learn about the rediscovery and restoration efforts that have maintained its grandeur through the centuries.

Tempio di Giunone

20m
Admission ticket included

Perched on the highest point of the valley, the Temple of Juno (Hera) offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea. Built in the 5th century BCE, this temple was dedicated to the goddess of marriage and childbirth. Traces of fire damage on the stone bear witness to the temple’s turbulent past, likely linked to the Carthaginian sack of Akragas in 406 BCE. As you stand among the ruins, your guide will describe how ancient Greeks conducted religious ceremonies here, including offerings, sacrifices, and wedding rituals held in honour of Juno. The surviving fluted columns, still displaying their original entasis (slight curvature for optical refinement), provide a glimpse into the architectural sophistication of the time.

Tempio di Ercole

20m
Admission ticket included

The Temple of Hercules (Heracles) is the oldest of the temples in the Valley, dating back to the late 6th century BCE. Though much of it has collapsed over time, eight towering columns have been re-erected, giving visitors an impression of its former grandeur. Dedicated to the legendary hero Heracles, this temple was a place of devotion for those seeking strength, protection, and divine favour. Your guide will recount the myths associated with Heracles, including his famous Twelve Labours, and explain how this temple played a role in Akragas’ civic and religious life. You will also hear about the rediscovery of a colossal statue of Heracles that once stood here, emphasising the hero's enduring importance in Greek mythology.

Santuario delle Divinità Ctonie

20m
Admission ticket included

This sacred site, dedicated to Demeter and Persephone, the goddesses of fertility and the underworld, played a crucial role in ancient religious practices. The sanctuary was the centre of mysterious rites and rituals associated with the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Here, votive offerings such as terracotta figurines and libation vessels were placed in devotion to the deities. Your guide will discuss the significance of the Eleusinian Mysteries, secret religious ceremonies that honoured Demeter and Persephone and promised initiates a blessed afterlife. As you walk among the ancient altars and remains of ritual spaces, you will gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual beliefs that shaped Greek civilisation.

Location

Activity location

Valley of the Temples
- 92100, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy

Meeting/Redemption Point

Valley of the Temples
- 92100, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy

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