Today was the day for visiting the Valley of the Temples. Akragas, the ancient name of Agrigento, was one of the biggest of the Greek western colonies in the 5th century BC. Work started in about 580 BC. A huge walled city was built and with in it some of the greatest Greek temples.
It was forecast to reach the mid thirties so we were keen to get there early, so it was an early breakfast on the upper terrace
The main sites
The temple of Juno remains
The view from the temple
One of the oldest olive trees in the valley, approximately 500 years old
Looking back to the temple from an olive grove
Part of the old exterior protective wall including burial chambers cut into it.
The most important building in the valley, the Temple of Concordia, one of the best preserved ancient Greek temples in the world.
In front is a statue of the fallen Icarus. It was fascinating watching people getting photos in front of it. Most ladies wanted to touch his privates, but in mid 30s temperatures the metal was very hot so they got quite a shock, others put a hat over them
The was an extensive necropolis
There were some domestic goats by the walkway with amazing curled horns (unfortunately they too didn’t like the heat and wouldn’t pose properly
A beautiful swallowtail butterfly
Lots of scurrying lizards
One of several reconstructed building aids along the way
General scenery
The temple of Hercules
Who downed Hercules....
The view over the remaining structures, we abandoned ship and sent for an iced coffee.
By the way, in Italy DON,T ask for an iced latte, you will get a glass of milk with ice - we know from experience!
After leaving the Temples it was straight to the beach at San Leone. Not up to Manly standards, but it was great to dive in.
Walking back to the car we saw a gelateria and people with ice cream in buns. This had to be investigated and indeed they were selling very popular gelato in brioches. Believe it or not they were spectacular, or maybe the heat had got to us.
Another stroll around town in the early evening. Some lovely buildings
But the steps ultimately got to us
Diner was at the highly rated Kalos restaurant. Entrees of eggplant stuffed with cheese and a pork ragout and burrito with green prawns and asparagus
A nice Sicilian wine
Pistachio and sesame crusted seared tuna
Very happy diners
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