About  .  Contact  .  Donation The project was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) was founded around 580 BCE by settlers from Gela and Rhodes and came to be the largest Greek colony in Sicily The site is renowned for its Greek monumental architecture The latest discovery now confirms the importance of the city not only as a site of religious and civic architecture but also as an educational center At the heart of the discovery is a roofed semicircular auditorium—a sort of covered lecture hall or classroom—made up of eight stepped tiers of seating accommodating some 200 people. The structure, dated to the 2nd century BCE, predates its counterparts across the ancient Greek world by 300 years like the gymnasium auditorium at Pergamon in modern-day Turkey This lecture hall was part of a larger gymnasium complex which also included a 200-meter-long racetrack and a palaestra—an open-air courtyard for athletic training—on two terraces Archaeologists have also found a rectangular hall (11 by 23 meters) adjacent to the auditorium The research team believes that this room would have been used for intellectual training The excavation also revealed two inscribed blocks of limestone from the orchestra area of the auditorium—the semicircular part where speakers would have delivered their presentations and account for a roof renovation to the apodyterion (changing room) The renovation was privately sponsored by a local resident who dedicated the work to Hermes and Heracles—ancient patrons of Greek gymnasiums Although Agrigento was inhabited for more than a thousand years written records from daily life are scarce these inscriptions provide valuable information about the city’s social structure during the time of transition between Greek independence and Roman rule Archaeologists emphasize that while gymnasiums were common in the Greek world Agrigento’s complex is noteworthy for its size The complex was excavated as early as the 1950s but it wasn’t until recent years that geophysical surveys and redetermination uncovered the true scope of the gymnasium The research project began in 2020 and has since uncovered the palaestra and stamped roof tiles with the Greek abbreviation “ΓΥΜ”—confirming the function of the complex The team plans to resume their fieldwork in 2026 Among some of their goals are the discovery of additional areas committed to education and athletics and additional inscriptions that will potentially reveal new aspects of the organizational culture and traditions of ancient Akragas More information: Freie Universität Berlin / Excavations in Agrigento and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()) Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab) Leave empty if the image is purely decorative Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Levine is an award-winning travel and lifestyle journalist.Follow AuthorFeb 21 09:10am ESTShareSaveComment@font-face{font-family: "Schnyder"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders/schnyders-bold-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 700; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: "Merriweather"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/merriweather/merriweather-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/merriweather/merriweather-bold-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 700; 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.quote-embed.color-base #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .color-base{color: #000000;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.bg-base #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .bg-base{background-color: #000000;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.font-accent #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .font-accent{font-family: Schnyder,"Noto Sans","Droid Sans","Helvetica Neue",Corbel,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.font-size p #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .font-size p{font-size: 36px;}Greek temple of Concordia in the Valley of Temples This year, Agrigento was named the 2025 Italian Capital of Culture Cities across Italy participate in an annual juried competition to win the coveted title In addition to receiving a substantial monetary award from the state the winner garners international recognition which is expected to boost tourism and the local economy Agrigento will showcase its cultural and natural heritage through special events located in the park of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the southwest coast of Sicily is an archaeological park that is Agrigento's most popular attraction which features seven ancient Greek temples the Valley of the Temples is considered a prime example of Greek art and culture the temples suffered severe damage from conquerors It wasn't until the 18th and 19th centuries that restoration efforts began Walking amidst the ancient olive trees in this scenic hilltop park overlooking the sea provides a glimpse into the past and the enduring legacy of Greek civilization attracts tourists from nearby cities like Palermo (2 hours away) and Catania (2.5 hours) some continue to the Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps) a striking geological formation located in the seaside town of Realmonte The Turkish Steps are a natural formation of sedimentary rock resembling steps that descend from the white cliffs to the sea the site remains popular for taking pictures due to its striking natural beauty or four-hour guided tours and return to their accommodations exhausted The extensive walking and wealth of knowledge provided about the Valley of the Temples' art and archaeological history can be overwhelming restricting one’s time in the province to these two attractions means missing out on memorable experiences that await those who embrace a slower pace of travel A narrow street n the historic center of Agrigento Plan for at least two or three nights in the area The nearby city of Agrigento has approximately 59,000 residents and features Baroque buildings and Norman palaces in its historic center Begin your exploration of the city center on Via Atenea Wander through the maze of cobblestone streets stop at a pasticceria for a cannolo or arancina savor local foods at a traditional trattoria or unwind at a coffee bar at one of the piazzas notably the Cathedral of San Geraldo (constructed in 1301) Considered one of the greatest Italian writers of the last 20 years Camilleri was born in nearby Porto Empedocle you can take a photo beside the modern sculpture of Domenico Modugno who wrote the song “Volare.” The singer and actor who became a member of the Italian parliament a beautiful island off the coast of Sicily (that is part of the province of Agrigento) Once you’re away from the archaeological site you're more likely to encounter locals than fellow tourists View of Mediterranean Sea from San Leone Promenade If you want to explore some of the beaches south of Agrigento, consider a stay at the family-friendly, four-star Hotel Costazzura in the upscale seaside town of San Leone Located along the coast and only 30 to 45 minutes from Agrigento the province also features two newly built five-star waterfront resorts that are ideal for stays of two nights or more ADLER Spa Resort in Siculiana only eight miles west of the provincial capital is a magnificent contemporary resort adjacent to the unspoiled Torre Salsa Nature Reserve boasts Golf World's number one golf course in Italy Both of these luxury properties offer fine dining Guests can immerse themselves in Sicilian culture with bespoke culinary and cultural experiences Many other small towns and cities that dot the province are worth visiting Just two examples: The scenic port city of Sciacca is renowned for its exquisite ceramics and coral jewelry a small agricultural town with Slow City status The oranges are a Protectd Designation of Origin (PDO) product A road trip through Agrigento is a not-to-be-missed experience It offers rolling hillsides with breathtaking scenery world-class archeological and natural treasures and an authentic experience in Italy away from large Visit Sicily Italian Tourism Board LBV Magazine English Edition where the hills of Agrigento overlook the Mediterranean Sea an international team of archaeologists has brought to light an exceptional structure that offers an unprecedented window into the educational system of Ancient Greece It is an ancient classroom discovered in March 2025 by researchers from the Freie Universität Berlin under the direction of Professor Monika Trümper and Dr in collaboration with the Politecnico di Bari and the Parco Archeologico Valle dei Templi di Agrigento which is part of a vast and monumental Greek gymnasium confirms the high degree of sophistication reached in the comprehensive education of young citizens in the ancient city of Akragas—the original name of Agrigento—founded around 580 BCE as the largest Greek colony in Sicily the gymnasium was not merely a place for physical exercise but a multifunctional architectural complex in which body and intellect were educated simultaneously in a formative vision that combined physical health with civic virtue and critical thinking The excavation has revealed a roofed semicircular classroom or auditorium with eight stepped rows of seating that surrounded the performance space constitutes a unique case among known gymnasiums in the Greek world no other facility of this type included a comparable auditorium at such an early date the only similar example is found in Pergamon where a gymnasium with an auditorium is not documented until at least two and a half centuries later The Agrigento auditorium opens onto a rectangular hall measuring 11 by 23 meters The layout of these spaces suggests that the architects placed as much importance on cultivating the mind as on physical development reinforcing the notion that the gymnasium was a true educational institution The importance of the discovery is not limited to the architecture the central space where teachers and students presented their exercises before an audience the archaeological team found two blocks of white limestone carefully engraved with inscriptions in Ancient Greek mention the gymnasiarchos—the director of the gymnasium—and refer to the renovation of the roof of the apodyterion This project was privately funded by a local citizen deities traditionally associated with gymnasiums dated by the writing style to the late 1st century BCE is especially valuable as one of the few preserved examples of inscriptions in Agrigento Although the city remained inhabited for over a thousand years written records documenting everyday social life are extremely scarce The inscription also reveals the persistence of the Greek language and customs even after the city was incorporated into Roman rule continued to be a central hub in the education of the young preserving its function and cultural significance within a society that the gymnasium of Agrigento reinforces its status as a unique case in the western Mediterranean It was already known that this complex offered exceptional facilities such as a 200-meter running track and a large pool but the new discovery of the auditorium and the inscriptions significantly enriches the understanding of its operation and of the social environment that sustained it The research team plans to continue the work in 2026 with the goal of uncovering new rooms intended for teaching or training as well as more inscriptions that may shed light on daily life and the internal organization of this extraordinary Greek gymnasium Freie Universität Berlin Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email Archaeologists from universities in the United States and Denmark found deep within the Actun Uayazba Kab cave in Belize two small stone tools dated between 250 and 900 AD that… men and women gathered to play a game called Cuju A team of researchers has succeeded in recreating for the first time in a laboratory experiment a phenomenon that until now only existed as a theory in the realm of… the Cantonal Archaeology of Aargau carried out a rescue excavation between early May 2024 and the end of March 2025 The Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities announced the discovery of a group of defensive structures and a system of moats that could indicate… In the southeastern area of the city of Rome archaeologists excavating inside the Triton Baths within the monumental complex of the Villa di Sette… Why did some animals from ancient eras become fossils while others simply disappeared without a trace A recent study on the cave paintings of the Altamira Cave in Santillana del Mar Cantabria (Spain) has concluded that some of the artworks it contains could be much older… A team of paleontologists from the University of Leicester has managed to decipher one of the many enigmas of the dinosaur era—the exact moment when pterosaurs Rome achieved numerous military victories that allowed it to grow and dominate nearly the entire known world in Antiquity Receive our news and articles in your email for free You can also support us with a monthly subscription and receive exclusive content According to an April 9 press release from the Free University of Berlin discovery is the only one of its kind in the Western Mediterranean It is described as one of the earliest known educational facilities in the ancient world the largest ancient Greek settlement in Sicily thrived for over 1,000 years as a hub of Greek culture believed to be a pioneer in combining physical training with intellectual pursuits a similar combined gymnasium and lecture hall was built at Pergamon a prominent Greek city in modern-day Turkey highlighting Agrigento’s early innovation in Greek architectural and cultural design the Agrigento lecture hall features a covered theater with eight semicircular rows of seats includes 650-foot-long running tracks and a large swimming pool underscoring its significance in ancient Greek society where such spaces shaped young men’s physical and civic lives Two rare inscriptions were also found at the site: one identifying the gymnasium’s director and another indicating a citizen-funded renovation dedicated to Hermes and Heracles deities tied to athletic and intellectual pursuits in Greek culture Such inscriptions are uncommon at Agrigento known for its later advancements in Hellenistic architecture Agrigento’s facility offers a unique glimpse into the earlier evolution of Greek educational spaces The excavation was led by the Free University of Berlin in collaboration with Politecnico di Bari and Parco Archeologico Valle dei Templi di Agrigento with funding from the German Research Foundation You must be logged in to post a comment Wanted in RomeMagazine Italy's president Sergio Mattarella on Saturday will launch Agrigento as Capitale Italiana della Cultura 2025 with a ceremony in the hilltop Sicilian city hundreds of cultural events will take place in Agrigento which won the coveted culture capital status with its bid titled La natura della cultura Agrigento was founded as a Greek colony in the sixth century BC and is celebrated for its UNESCO archaeological area The archaeological area stetches from the Rupe Atenea to the acropolis of the original ancient city as well as the sacred hill with the main Doric temples and the extramural necropolis Full details of Agrigento's cultural programme for 2025 can be found on the official website the first Italian culture capitals were Cagliari The Italian title skipped a year in 2019 when Matera In 2020 it was the turn of Parma to receive Italy's culture capital status with the north Italian city retaining the title for a second year to make up for the negative effects of the covid lockdowns Procida, a small island in the Gulf of Naples, held the prestigious title in 2022 Bergamo and Brescia jointly held the 2023 Capital of Culture title after Italy bypassed the usual application process in a "symbol of rebirth" for the two northern cities devastated by the covid pandemic L'Aquila, the city devastated by the massive earthquake that struck the central Abruzzo region almost 15 years ago, will be Italian Capital of Culture 2026 On Friday the culture ministry announced the 10 finalists in the race for Italy's 2027 culture capital: Alberobello, Aliano, Brindisi, Gallipoli, La Spezia, Pompeii, Pordenone, Reggio Calabria, Sant’Andrea di Conza Wanted in Rome ™ is member of the Wanted World Wide Ltd network.Click here to find out more about our Network or Follow us on social networks © 2025 / 2026 Wanted World Wide LTD Network The dates displayed for an article provide information on when various publication milestones were reached at the journal that has published the article activities on preceding journals at which the article was previously under consideration are not shown (for instance submission All content on this site: Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V. and the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park will close for two days with a notice disseminated through its information channels the park let it be known that on the occasion of the two concerts to be held on August 31 and September 1 (Saturday and Sunday) all visits to the archaeological and landscape area “will be suspended for technical reasons.” They will resume regularly from September 2.This is a special event which is not officially part of the tour of the “three tenorini,” as the group that came out of the children’s talent show Ti lascio una canzone was called in the early days of its career: in fact it is a double show organized by the Region of Sicily and designed as a tribute to Agrigento in view of the year 2025 when the Sicilian city will be the Italian Capital of Culture 2025 So much so that the proceeds of the two concerts (1,600 spectators are expected) will be donated to charity for activities in the Agrigento area will be purchasable only on site: no online ticketing and this with the aim of encouraging ticket purchases by the local public (ticket price: 80 euros) Il Volo will perform at the Temple of Concord because the double show will be televised from December 2024) are wondering whether it was really necessary to spend this considerable amount of money but a part will also be paid by the Archaeological Park Lappi/Freie Universität BerlinThe ancient Greek gymnasium in Agrigento education wasn’t limited to the mind — it included the body as well Physical fitness and scholarly pursuits went hand-in-hand a principle reflected in the number of gymnasiums across the Greek world These institutions served as both schools and athletic centers shaping young citizens for both intellectual and civic life archaeologists from Freie Universität Berlin uncovered an auditorium inside a gymnasium and school complex that once stood in the ancient Greek colony of Agrigento This semicircular auditorium featured seating for 200 people that surrounded a large area for presentations Believed to be the oldest known Greek auditorium ever discovered this find provides scholars with an opportunity to understand the experiences of students and teachers in one of ancient Greece’s most important colonies Trümper/Freie Universität BerlinA map detailing each section of the site researchers Monika Trümper and Thomas Lappi from the Freie Universität Berlin initiated a large-scale excavation project in Agrigento supported by the Parco Archeologico e Paesaggistico della Valle dei Templi di Agrigento aimed at excavating unexplored areas of the ancient city and was the largest Greek colony in Sicily It is particularly famous for its temples and sanctuaries some of which are the best preserved Greek temples outside of Greece Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0A gigantic Atlantean statue from the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Agrigento With the aim of uncovering more of the city’s history researchers began surveying ruins long believed to be an ancient gymnasium at the center of the city The area had been briefly excavated between the 1950s and early 2000s turning up evidence of a 200-meter-long race track and a swimming pool gymnasiums were not only places for physical fitness archaeologists uncovered way more than an ancient fitness center turning up evidence of a large lecture hall — the oldest one yet found in the Greek world Kay/Freie Universität BerlinA researcher conducts a survey just south of the gymnasium researchers began a detailed survey of the gymnasium site After three years of excavation and analysis their efforts yielded a remarkable discovery in March 2025: the ruins of an ancient classroom This lecture hall featured eight semicircular rows of seating The classroom’s design facilitated classes Ancient Greek inscriptions on stone benches show that it was likely built between the 1st and 2nd centuries B.C.E. making it the oldest gymnasium auditorium of its kind that’s ever been found Institute of Classical ArchaeologyThe lecture hall’s eight rows of seats could hold up to 200 people “In the semicircular orchestra of the lecture hall…two large blocks bearing a Greek inscription were found The letters were engraved into the white-plastered soft limestone and highlighted with red paint and the renovation of the roof of the apodyterium (changing room) which a generous citizen financed from his own resources and dedicated to the gymnasium’s gods Hermes and Heracles,” researchers explained Sporleder/Freie Universität BerlinInscribed stones found at the ancient lecture hall Very few inscriptions have been discovered in Agrigento making this recent discovery especially important for illuminating the everyday lives of the teachers and donors who lived and worked in this ancient city Excavation efforts are set to continue in the coming year with researchers planning to explore areas north of the auditorium they may discover additional classrooms and inscriptions — hopefully uncovering more information about education in one of ancient Greece’s most important colonies After reading about the ancient Greek classroom in Sicily, dive into the legends of 12 ancient Greek gods and goddesses. Then, read about the legend of the Gordian Knot the ancient Greek puzzle that was deemed unsolvable until Alexander the Great conquered it 07-31-2024IMPACT human-caused climate change has made weather more erratic in Sicily and droughts can be longer and more frequent fill jerricans with water for daily use at the only public fountain in Agrigento BY Associated Press Lakes are dry and fields are scorched by heat in Sicily but water is still gushing copiously for tourists After an almost totally rain-free year on the Italian island fountains inside Agrigento’s famous archaeological park are still flowing people in Sicily are used to long spells without rain but human-caused climate change has made weather more erratic Islanders are surviving as they have for decades—they store as much as they can in cisterns and use tankers to deliver water—and do it so well that visitors don’t feel the difference the drought has gotten so bad that it’s putting residents at greater risk even as water still flows to hotels and tourist sites The local water basin authority has tightly rationed water for almost a million residents—they are allowed as little as two to four hours a week—to get through the summer the first Italian navy tanker ship arrived to supply 12 million liters (3.2 million gallons) of water to the most affected residents But Agrigento residents are among the most drought-resilient in Italy “Nobody can cope with water shortage better than southern Sicilians,” said Salvatore Cocina who has the hard task of coordinating what little water is left on the island Water scarcity is not new as southern Sicily’s terrain does not hold much water and the aqueducts are leaking Most residents own a private cistern that can hold at least 264 gallons of water The city’s rooftops are dotted with large plastic tanks and just as many are underground in gardens and basements tourists continue to flock to the beautiful beaches of southern Sicily and line up to admire the vestiges of ancient Greek colonies “I did not have any problem with water,” said New Zealand tourist Iain Topp as he sweated under the blazing sun during a visit to the 2,500-year-old temple of Concord But he added that he was “told to conserve water because there could be a shortage.” an Italian tourist from Lodi who didn’t give his last name said “there are no problems with drought” in his experience and “at my hotel which its director said drew more than a million visitors last year “We have water 24/7,” director Roberto Sciarratta said the valley is open also at night with theater plays water-scarce residents’ tactics are working reasonably well for now but they have been facing exceptionally difficult circumstances 2024 has been the worst year for rainfall in more than 20 years according to the civil protection regional department which supplies water to Agrigento province used to collect up to 18 million cubic meters of water during an average rainy season which normally runs from September to April But by April the lake’s water was already below 2 million cubic meters and is now almost completely dry the national government declared a state of emergency for drought and allocated 20 million euros ($21.7 million) to buy water tankers and dig new wells And temperatures in southern Sicily are currently 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) warmer than the 1991-2020 average we will have to start tapping critical reserves and wells and aquifers will also go below critical levels Salvatore Di Maria’s phone rarely stops ringing He is a driver and owner of one of the main water tanker fleets in the area Di Maria picked up his phone as he filled his gleaming blue tanker at a public water station to yet another customer “I need 12,000 liters of water,” said the voice on the other end “There is a waiting list of 10 to 15 days,” Di Maria answered Everyone wants to make sure they will not run out of water And tankers are the best way to deliver the precious water directly to residents without leaks Dozens of tanker drivers speed along the winding roads delivering water to priority areas as determined by the local water company Higher priority groups are sick or elderly people Our aqueduct leaks 50 to 60 percent of its water,” explained Settimio Cantone and reactivating a desalination plant with the emergency funds This will make our province more independent.” scientific director of the Euro-Mediterranean center on climate change “Sicily is so vulnerable due to leaky pipes and obsolete and undersized infrastructures several Agrigento residents make frequent trips to the only public fountain left open in town to fill their jerricans on the way home filling up jerricans from the Bonamorone fountain two or three times a day “In my house we receive water every 15 days and the pressure is very low and those who live on the upper floors cannot fill the cisterns,” he said Climate scientist Boccaletti fears for the future although he noted that fixing water infrastructure and investing to adapt agriculture and engineering as AICA hopes to do could offset some concerns The Mediterranean basin “will experience higher temperatures and continued sea level rise during the coming decades,” according to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change The group dubbed the region a climate change hot spot due to the vulnerability of human society and ecosystems Said Boccaletti: ”What used to be extraordinary is the new normal.” The Associated Press’s climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org The final deadline for Fast Company’s Brands That Matter Awards is Friday, May 30, at 11:59 p.m. PT. 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Learn More a historic city perched on a hill in Sicily is now grappling with severe water shortages The ancient and modern aqueduct systems that once reliably supplied water are now running dry forcing small hotels and  guesthouses to turn tourists away These establishments cannot guarantee basic amenities like functioning toilets and showers due to the water crisis Sicily declared a state of emergency and began enforcing water restrictions amid a relentless drought aging infrastructure has exacerbated the problem Over one million residents across 93 communities are now subject to water rationing with some required to cut water usage by up to 45 percent taps run dry according to a strict schedule and the water supply is shut off completely overnight Tourists are now questioning whether to visit affected areas with travel forums and review sites reflecting concerns about water shortages Hotels are preemptively warning clients and assisting them in rebooking to less affected parts of the island The Sicilian regional government has requested subsidies from Rome to import water from the mainland storica città della Sicilia nota per la Valle dei Templi Gli acquedotti che forniscono acqua alla città si stanno prosciugando tanto che molti piccoli alberghi e pensioni devono chiudere Questi luoghi non possono garantire il funzionamento dei bagni la Sicilia ha dichiarato lo stato di emergenza e ha obbligato le restrizioni sull’uso dell’acqua perché la siccità è molto grave non ha le infrastrutture per resistere alla siccità che sono i due fattori più importanti dell'economia siciliana Più di un milione di residenti in 93 comunità in tutta la Sicilia devono razionare il loro consumo di acqua la razione d'acqua deve essere almeno il 45% inferiore al normale È diventato obbligatorio che durante la notte l'acqua è completamente chiusa Alcune comunità richiedono anche di acqua chiusa durante il giorno secondo orari specifici questo è diventato un problema perché la carenza d’acqua non può sostenere l’arrivo di più persone sull’isola I turisti scrivono recensioni dei loro viaggi menzionando la carenza e come questa ha influenzato i loro viaggi in Sicilia Le recensioni anche avvisano di non andare Gli hotel stanno avvertendo le prenotazioni che c'è questa carenza d'acqua e suggeriscono altri hotel nelle aree meno effetti Il governo ha chiesto a Roma di importare acqua ma ancora non c'è un piano Discover all our subscription plans and become a member “I am leaving my post with the knowledge that I have guaranteed the conditions for the implementation of the program and the extraordinary work of the artists involved,” said Albergoni who spoke of a decision made some time ago (well-informed people in fact speak of a resignation ventilated several times).This is the latest episode in a media ooze that has been affecting Agrigento 2025 basically since the proclamation foundation president Giacomo Minio had resigned He was leaving at the mayor’s request “to favor an exquisitely political turnover.” Minio a Confindustriale profile and professor of cultural heritage economics to whom Regional President Renato Schifani renewed confidence throwing rather obvious stylistics at the resigning officials “I wish to express my full confidence in the president of the Agrigento Capital of Culture 2025 Foundation she has worked with determination to put on track a structure that has lagged behind in program implementation,” he said after Albergoni’s resignation and we are in March-Agrigento 2025 is representing a political-media disaster taken care of by the Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples the streets of Agrigento still to be bitumed for the arrival of institutional delegations (hence the now topical closing of manholes resulting in a metal detector stombinamento) the president of the Region Renato Schifani not even present at the presentation of the program in Rome it is imperative to make up for the serious delays that have accumulated in project implementation.” The Sicilian city has plenty of time to have at least a late spring and summer dense with culture It must be said that Agrigento 2025 is dealing with a unique situation: it is the first Italian capital of culture to coexist (probably for the last time) with a European capital of culture (a much more structured and well-known title that has been around since 1985) located in the same national territory all Mafia-related souvenirs will be removed Agrigento will become Italy's capital of culture it wants to be remembered by tourists for its many spectacular and culturally relevant traits rather than the infamous Mafia activity on the island of Sicily the Mafia is still active and prominent in the region and its criminal activity (including extortion among many other practices) has often been romanticized by tourists However, Agrigento isn't having it. In an effort to "clean up" and promote the city's positive image and culture, Francesco Miccichè, the mayor of Agrigento, issued a ban on the sale of souvenirs featuring the Mafia, Euronews reports "Considering that the sale of such products in the territory of Agrigento humiliates the local community which has been committed to spreading the culture of legality for years," Miccichè told the Italian press "I order a ban on the sale of any type of object that praises As a result, the local police are now allowed to inspect gift shops around the city, and those caught still selling Mafia merch will receive a fine.This is not the first time a city wants to ban a specific kind of souvenir to protect its image. Earlier in June, a group of Barcelona's politicians proposed a ban on offensive souvenirs that could promote homophobic and sexist jokes "[They] devalue the most visited streets in Barcelona," Councillor Jordi Coronas which degrades the image of Barcelona as a tourist destination." your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt In souvenir shops around the Italian island of Sicily you’ll often find Mafia-themed merchandise from magnets and t-shirts to bottle openers and shot glasses The Sicilian mafia continues to operate on the island engaging in criminal activities like extortion Agrigento is a town in southern Sicily still struggling with Mafia control - and it is also set to be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2025 In a bid to change its international image and crack down on the glamourisation of the criminal organisation the town has decided to ban the sale of Mafia-themed souvenirs has brought in a ban on the sale of souvenirs that feature the Mafia It is common to find images and symbols of the underworld organisation on merchandise, including Sicilians in traditional dress holding a sawn-off shotgun known as a ‘lupara’ The ordinance hopes to change the way tourists see the town and send a clear message that the activities of the criminal organisation are not condoned by local authorities which has been committed to spreading the culture of legality for years I order a ban on the sale of any type of object that praises to the mafia and organised crime," the mayor told Italian press The local police force has been given powers to inspect gift shops in the town and issue fines if prohibited products are found How much businesses will have to pay has not yet been confirmed The ban comes as Agrigento readies itself to be Italy’s capital of culture next year and aims to shine the spotlight on its cultural riches rather than Mafia heritage The city council says the cultural programme will include 44 new projects which explore humans’ relationship with nature One of the most important events will be a concert by the Italian operatic pop trio Il Volo at the Valley of the Temples Tourists already flock to this UNESCO heritage site with archaeological remains that date back to when the island was an Ancient Greek colony in the 6th and 5th centuries BC The city proper is a palimpsest of ancient Baroque and modern architecture and there is a noteworthy archaeological museum The World Heritage Centre is at the forefront of the international community’s efforts to protect and preserve World Heritage partnerships for conservation Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in today’s complex world where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development Our Partners Donate Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C. Agrigento became one of the leading cities in the Mediterranean world Its supremacy and pride are demonstrated by the remains of the magnificent Doric temples that dominate the ancient town much of which still lies intact under today's fields and orchards Selected excavated areas throw light on the later Hellenistic and Roman town and the burial practices of its early Christian inhabitants Agrigente est devenue l'une des principales cités du monde méditerranéen Les vestiges des magnifiques temples doriques qui dominaient la cité antique dont une grande partie demeure intacte sous les champs et les vergers d'aujourd'hui témoignent de sa suprématie et de sa fierté Une sélection de zones de fouilles apporte des éclaircissements sur la cité hellénistique et romaine et sur les pratiques funéraires de ses habitants paléochrétiens أغريجنتو هي مستعمرة إغريقية تأسست في القرن السادس ق.م وأصبحت إحدى المدن الأساسية في العالم المتوسطي فآثار المعابد الدوريّة التي كانت تشرف على المدينة القديمة والتي ما زال جزء كبير منها سليمًا تحت الحقول والبساتين اليوم، تشهد على تفوقها وفخرها ويمكن استخلاص إيضاحات من نخبة من مناطق التنقيب حول المدينة الهِلّينية والرومانية وحول الممارسات الجنائزية التي اعتمدها سكانها من المسيحيين الأوائل 自公元前6世纪被作为希腊的殖民地以来，阿克里真托便成为地中海地区的重要城市之一。阿克里真托的至高地位和无尚荣耀也体现在主宰这个古城的壮丽的陶立克式庙宇中。直到今天，古城的大部分还完好地躺在农田或果园的地下。对考古区域进行有选择的发掘，有助于了解后来的古希腊和古罗马城市，还有助于了解古基督教居民的殡葬仪式。 Агридженто стал одним из крупнейших городов в Средиземноморье О его величии и могуществе можно судить по руинам величественных дорических храмов однако многое все еще покоится под современными полями и садами Выборочные раскопки проливают свет на позднейшие эллинистический и древнеримский периоды развития города а также на обычаи захоронения в раннехристианский период Colonia griega fundada en el siglo VI a.C. Agrigento llegó a ser una de las ciudades más importantes del mundo mediterráneo Su altanera supremacía la patentizan los restos de los magníficos templos dóricos que dominan la ciudad antigua Muchos vestigios de la ciudad permanecen aún intactos bajo los campos y huertos de nuestros días Algunas de las zonas excavadas han arrojado luz sobre la última época de la ciudad helenística así como sobre la ciudad romana y las prácticas funerarias de los agrigentinos de la época paleocristiana is on the southern coast of Sicily and covers the vast territory of the ancient polis from the Rupe Atenea to the acropolis of the original ancient city as well as to the sacred hill on which stand the main Doric temples and up to the extramural necropolis Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century BCE Agrigento became one of the leading cities in the Mediterranean region Selected excavated areas reveal the late Hellenistic and Roman town and the burial practices of its early Christian inhabitants Agrigento has a special place among classical sites in the history of the ancient world because of the way in which its original site as well as the substantial remains of a group of buildings from an early period that were not overlain by later structures or converted to suit later tastes and cults.Criterion (i): The great row of Doric temples is one of the most outstanding monuments of Greek art and culture.Criterion (ii): The archaeological area of Agrigento exhibits an important interchange of human values being undoubtedly one of the leading cities in the Mediterranean region with its outstanding evidence of Greek influence Criterion (iii): As one of the greatest cities of the ancient Mediterranean region Agrigento is an extraordinary testament of Greek civilization in its exceptionally preserved condition Criterion (iv): The temples in the area exemplify Greek architecture and are considered to be among the most extraordinary representations of Doric architecture in the world The archaeological area of Agrigento includes all the essential elements that contribute to the justification of its Outstanding Universal Value The site boundary includes the entire territory of the ancient polis including the extramural area of the necropolis the substantial excavated areas of the residential area of Hellenistic and Roman Agrigento the complex network of underground aqueducts and a wide portion of land where there are still unexcavated archaeological structures The archaeological structures have been preserved in good condition The authenticity of the archaeological sites of Agrigento is outstanding Although some restoration work carried out in the late 18th and 19th centuries CE did not follow the principles of modern conservation as set out in the 1964 Venice Charter subsequent restoration works have resolved the problems of previous restoration methods and have compensated for past mistakes Recent works have been conducted in full compliance with the principles of modern restoration  Protection and management requirements                The site is protected by the national law for protection of cultural heritage and is subject to a safeguarding measure which ensures any activity must be authorized by the relevant Soprintendenza The Valley of the Temples of Agrigento was declared a Zone of National Interest under the Law of 28 September 1966 Decrees issued by the Ministries of Public Works (6 May 1968) and National Education (7 October 1971) defined the boundary and constraints on use of the site The boundary was further confirmed legally by the President of the Sicilian Region in Decree No 91 (13 June 1991) This group of statutory instruments imposes an absolute ban on any form of construction within the prescribed area The regional Law n.20/2000 has founded the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento which aims not only to protect the landscape and historical heritage of the site The park enjoys financial administrative autonomy Therefore the Council of the Park can plan and carry out any intervention of preservation and improvement of the site This will create and organize visitor itineraries with the objective to extend the length of visits and benefit the local economy The Park Plan aims to demonstrate the ancient urban organization to tourists with its system of streets and roads (in part still to be excavated) Some street lines and entrances to the city have stayed in use since medieval times The Park Plan provides various types of protection of monuments and archaeological sites that are tailored as necessary and allow for greater access by tourists Expanding such security allows for the creation of new thematic routes and points of interest easier accessibility and movement within the park as well as alternative means of transportation such as a railway and electric buses Flanked by pedestrian paths and equestrian trails (green ways) green corridors and patches of natural vegetation will be constructed to improve functional relationships between the coast and recreational landscapes as well as between agricultural land and cities Traditional methods of production regarding agriculture and the production of artefacts of value will be preserved This provides support for the return of biological farming methods The Park Plan provides active conservation and development of the housing stock which has dropped in value and is under-used or otherwise available This is relevant to the Park for the creation of services and cultural facilities exhibition and educational-informational as well as non-hotel accommodation An Action Plan for ecotourism has been prepared that includes nature and art in a complete “sea-river-mountain” tour which opens the Valley of the Temples to new categories of users and expands the tourist season Mission Statement: to assist the integration of foreign residents living in Spain and this is never more accurate than when you establish yourself as a foreign resident in a new country Being able to quickly familiarise yourself with the culture and customs can help ease the transition during a challenging time This is why Euro Weekly News makes it our mission to provide you with a free news resource in English that covers both regional and national Spanish news – anything that we feel you will benefit from knowing as you integrate into your new community and live your best life in Spain you can forget about translating articles from Spanish into awkward English that probably don’t make much sense Let us be your convenient and essential guide to all things that will likely affect you as a foreign resident living in Spain Agrigento has been crowned the 2025 Capital of Culture despite its heavy influence from the Italian Mafia which local authorities work hard to suppress As Agrigento prepares to become Italy´s culture capital in 2025 local authorities have banned the sale of Mafia-related souvenirs to highlight archaeological and architectural riches instead The Sicilian countryside is known for its Mafia heritage; the latest case has been the police detainment of seven people connected to organised crimes and it has for years it´s set to become the 2025 Italian Culture Capital Shifting the focus away from the controversy Agrigento police have now been authorised to inspect gift and tourist shops and issue fines (currently unreported in price) to shop sellers who offer products related to the Mafia Local souvenir shops typically show a wide range of Mafia-themed items from magnets and t-shirts to shot glasses and images of Sicilians in traditional dress holding the “lupara” (a sawn-off shotgun) Agrigento mayor Francesco Micciche stated his target was to cancel the glamorisation of the Mafia despite its heavy influence on local society “Considering that the sale of such products in the territory of Agrigento humiliates the local community to the mafia and organised crime,” said Micciche to the local Press Agrigento city council emphasised that the town´s diverse heritage has often been discredited due to the bad reputation of organised crime; leaving out the fact that the town has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1997 and holds archaeological remains that date back to the 5th and 6th centuries BC when the island was part of an Ancient Greek colony and modern architecture and an archaeological museum the local authorities are committed to shining the light on the more inspiring part of Agrigento featuring a cultural programme of 44 new projects which explore the relationship between nature and humanity One of the prominent events will be a live performance by the Italian operatic pop trio II Volo at the Valley of the Temples taking residents and visitors back to the time when Agrigento was a place of honour and beauty grants recognition to towns across the country which show efforts in improving their cultural heritage and touristic development bringing together not only the visitors but also the residents to reshape the future of their home Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain by delivering news with a social conscience we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP) Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall) All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE Download our media pack in either English or Spanish Cities on the Italian island are struggling with a severe drought The ancient city of Agrigento on the island of Sicily is a popular tourist destination it’s asking tourists not to visit because it’s running out of water Small hotels and guest houses can’t guarantee a consistent water supply to their guests amidst a severe drought that has hit Sicily Agrigento was expecting an uptick in tourism Its biggest draw is the majestic Valley of Temples—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that illustrates the story of this city But the water crisis has become a worry for travelers Giovanni Lopez, owner of Le Cinque Novelle, a bed and breakfast in Agrigento, told CNN that guests complain about the filters on showers and sinks “The situation is quickly impacting the entire tourist accommodation sector given that tourism is a sector almost everyone in this part of Sicily relies on.” Although drought is a primary reason for this problem locals also blame leaks and ineffective governance but smaller hotels and B&Bs don’t have storage capacity so they can’t guarantee water for their guests Hotels are not only warning travelers about water shortages but also helping them book their holidays on other parts of the island where restrictions are not as severe Related: So ‘The White Lotus’ Brought You to Sicily This Summer … Now What? In August 2021, Sicily recorded the highest temperature in Europe at 119.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Last year, heatwaves scorched the island, and wildfires forced evacuations of residents and tourists Now Sicily’s Lake Pergusa has also nearly dried up The only natural lake on the island is located in the town of Enna It is a resting place for migrating birds journeying between Africa and Europe But a lack of rain and scorching temperatures have shriveled it up climate change has also contributed to the situation Europe is the fastest-heating continent on Earth warming twice as fast as the global average This isn’t the only worry for Sicily this summer. Last week, the active volcano Mount Etna started spewing ash If you’re planning to travel to Sicily this summer keep an eye on local news about the eruptions and contact your hotels about water supplies The Local Europe ABVästmannagatan 43113 25 StockholmSweden Agrigento is Italy's Capital of Culture in 2025 The Capital of Culture scheme is an annual recognition awarded by Italy’s Culture Ministry which aims to spotlight the outstanding cultural and artistic heritage of a selected Italian city through a host of special events taking place throughout the year talks and food festivals will be held in multiple locations across the Sicilian city in the coming weeks and months These include a highly anticipated live performance from Italian piano virtuoso Giovanni Allevi at the Pirandello Theatre on February 8th, international literature and cinema festival Efebo d’Oro (Golden Ephebus) in June and November, and special evening openings of sites managed by Italy’s National Trust during the summer months. (You can find the full event calendar here.) But the chance to attend a wealth of one-off cultural experiences is not the only reason why Agrigento should be on your travel list this year The Valley of the Temples is Agrigento’s crown jewel As one of the best-preserved ancient Greek archaeological sites in the world it offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to explore the grandeur of classical civilisation which is widely regarded as one of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece itself READ ALSO: 9 must-visit towns in Italy you've probably never heard of you’ll encounter the monumental Temple of Juno each telling a different chapter of Agrigento's past with olive trees and almond groves stretching out across rolling hills Whether you're an archaeology enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys stunning views this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see Agrigento might be best known for its ancient ruins but its coastline is also a major attraction many of which are perfect for families or anyone looking to relax by the Mediterranean offers everything from beach clubs to quieter spots where you can enjoy the clear blue waters a stunning white limestone cliff that rises above the sea creating a dramatic backdrop for beachgoers make for an unforgettable experience and are an excellent place to explore Whether you're looking to soak up the sun or take a leisurely swim Agrigento’s beaches offer something for every type of traveller For those interested in learning more about the history of the Valley of the Temples and its surrounding area the Museo Archeologico Regionale di Agrigento is the place to go the museum houses a wealth of archaeological artifacts that span centuries of history from prehistoric times to the Greek and Roman periods Highlights include the Ephebus of Agrigento one of Sicily’s finest examples of Roman sculpture READ ALSO: Five tips to discover Italy’s most authentic towns and villages The museum is a great way to deepen your understanding of Agrigento’s historical significance and the ancient civilizations that once called it home the Giardino della Kolymbethra is a stunning Mediterranean garden that offers visitors a peaceful escape from the ruins The garden is an example of ancient engineering as it was built using water systems dating back to the 5th century BC Originally used by the tyrant Theron to irrigate the valley the garden is now a haven of citrus groves thanks to the ancient aqueducts that still supply water to the plants today Managed by the Italian National Trust (FAI) the garden is an ideal spot to take a leisurely walk enjoy a picnic or simply relax among the stunning flora One of the highlights of Agrigento's annual calendar is the Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore (Almond Blossom Festival) Celebrating the arrival of spring and the blooming of almond trees the festival brings together local culture The centrepiece of the festival is the lighting of the Tripod of Friendship in the Valley of the Temples – a symbolic act that highlights unity between different cultures there are performances of traditional folk dances making it a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and heritage It’s also an excellent chance to sample almond-based sweets and pastries which are an integral part of Agrigento’s culinary traditions Agrigento is the birthplace of Luigi Pirandello one of Italy's greatest novelists and playwrights located in the countryside outside the city is now a museum dedicated to his life and works which is set against a picturesque backdrop of olive trees and rolling hills allows you to connect with the life of the author first editions of his works and personal items that offer insight into Pirandello’s creative genius The house is also a part of the Strada degli Scrittori (Writers' Route) a literary trail that takes visitors on a journey through Sicily’s most significant literary locations Whether you're a fan of Pirandello’s work or simply interested in the connection between place and creativity the Casa di Pirandello is a fascinating stop the town of Favara is home to the Farm Cultural Park a contemporary art space that has transformed the town into a vibrant cultural hub which occupies seven interconnected courtyards with modern art installations and exhibitions set against a backdrop of traditional Sicilian architecture Artists from around the world leave their mark on Favara with the park’s exhibitions covering a wide range of mediums and its galleries host cutting-edge art events Please log in here to leave a comment Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon The best of Time Out straight to your inbox We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling 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Worldwide the Mayor is keen to polish the city’s image Sicily is world-famous for lots of reasons – seafood attractions such as Mount Etna and the Valley of the Temples recently it’s been making an effort to shake that last association as one particular destination enters the spotlight.  Agrigento, a city founded in 582 BC by the Greeks, is located on the southeast side of the island and in 2025, will be Italy’s capital of culture it has plenty to offer – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site after all – and that’s why a ban has been placed on mafia-themed souvenirs.  The mob is still active in Sicily and in Agrigento you won’t have to wander into too many gift shops before you find mafia-themed magnets now that there’s special focus on the town authorities are keen to crack down on the glamourisation of the group.  has brought in a ban on souvenir shops selling anything which is considered mafia-related to send a clear message that the gang’s operations are not condoned.  According to euronews he told Italian press: ‘Considering that the sale of such products in the territory of Agrigento humiliates the local community Local police now have powers to inspect Agrigento’s gift shops but it’s not yet clear how much offending businesses will be fined.  And being named the capital of culture is pretty exciting – with 44 new projects for the city in the works as well as a concert at the Valley of the Temples by Italian operatic pop trio Il Volo you can see why Agrigento wants to polish up its image.  Did you see that these are the best budget-friendly autumn getaways Plus: You will soon have to start paying to visit the EU Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.  Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktokfacebooktwitteryoutubeAbout us Contact us One million euros of public money and Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples closed for two days (a Saturday and a Sunday in high season 1) for a concert by “Il Volo.” This the reaction of the usually somnolent world of cultural heritage which during the week of Ferragosto was willing to let the rotisserie already ready on the grill cool for a moment to lash out against Madonna’s birthday in Pompeii dared to tread the ground of the ancient Vesuvian city moreover during the hours when it was closed to the public spending 250,000 euros out of his own pocket over the million euros that the Sicilian Region and the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park will spend on the two-day concert event which will result in the park being closed to the public for two full days.Just as preparations were underway in Pompeii for the Feast of Our Lady (which involved no cost to the Archaeological Park: we may blame it for the less-than-stellar management of communication before the event but certainly not for burdening visitors and taxpayers theAgrigento Archaeological and Landscape Park Authority of the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento published a determination with the economic commitment for the realization of the event “Il Volo live at the Temple of Concordia,” a project in the total amount of 1.249,976.62 euros of which 800,000 is for the concert alone (and 200,000 in cachet for the “three tenorini,” as the three singers were called the first times they were illuminated by the limelight since they were little more than children) to which other expense items must be added The determination explains that the concert “expects” to be broadcast “on Rai 1 or Mediaset” and “on U.S public television,” starting in December 2024 with continuation into 2025 and “with widespread coverage equal to 97 percent of the vast American territory” (which does not mean that all Americans will watch the concert: it just means that the PBS signal reaches almost everywhere) So there is talk of “forecasts,” but for now all we know is that the event will be broadcast on Christmas Eve so much so that today a communiqué from the Sicilian Region asked the August 31 audience (600 people) to “wear appropriate clothing for the period when the show will be aired”: solidarity to those who will have to go up to the Temple of Concordia in their coats in the middle of the Sicilian summer which has no reputation for being particularly cool we do not know what channels the show will be broadcast on and we do not know whether news about the Archaeological Park will also be broadcast during the airing or whether the Temple of Concordia will be reduced to a mere setting despite the note from the Sicilian Regionwanted to make it clear that the Temple “will not just be a backdrop but will be transformed into a central scenic element enhanced by a refined play of light” and that “on stage creating an immersive experience that will give new life and visibility to one of Sicily’s most iconic places” (whatever that means: it now borders on unconstitutional to have a statement that does not contain the phrase “immersive experience”).We then know that it will all be borne by Sicilian taxpayers and visitors to the Archaeological Park 500,000 euros will be covered by the Sicilian Region with an expenditure under the title of “contribution for the promotion and organization of initiatives related to the event Agrigento capitale della cultura italiana 2025,” and 300,000 euros will instead be committed to the Park’s budget the best edition of the Italian capital since the title has existed) had a budget for marketing and communication activities alone So we are talking about a concert that will cost half of what Bergamo and Brescia budgeted last year for communication (ending up attracting over 11 million visitors in the end) this is not the first time that concerts have been organized at the Valley of the Temples: there is a facility in the Valley of the Temples which is suitable for concerts of four thousand spectators (instead of the one thousand six hundred planned in front of the Temple of Concordia where the Il Volo concert will be held: visitors will pay a ticket the cost of which will most likely be 80 euros and the proceeds will be donated to charity but it has not yet been specified to whom) whether it would have been more virtuous to gear up to prepare a concert together with a private organizer and to collaborate by paying only the rights for television reproduction in the face of closing the Park for two consecutive days on a summer weekend: in addition to the costs should therefore be calculated also the shortfall of the takings of the two days and the poor figure towards international tourists who may have booked months in advance their vacation in Sicily and find themselves forced to give up visiting the Valley of the Temples in the face of a communication arrived a week in advance (the notice on the social of the Valley of the Temples was published yesterday at 16:00 on August 22 still does not appear) and so on) is best suited to represent the image of Agrigento (and of Italy as next year Agrigento will be the Italian capital of culture) in the world Verona comes to mind with its opera and theater season at the Arena and let’s also throw in the Puccini festival in Torre del Lago and the I-Days of rock that attract audiences from all over Europe Does the city of Agrigento really want to introduce itself to Italy and the United States with a Volo concert What target audience does Agrigento intend to address Perhaps the same audience that then leads us to write alarmed articles about overtourism Important archaeological discoveries in the Valley of the Temples offer new pieces for reconstructing the history of Agrigento which holds the title of Italian Capital of Culture in 2025 which is presumed to have had the function of both auditorium and dressing room These elements will allow further investigation into the history of the structure which is the largest and most relevant in the Western Mediterranean both in size and chronology.“Archaeological research is a priority for the region both with a view to the enhancement and protection of our cultural and monumental heritage,” said Councillor for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity Francesco Paolo Scarpinato “These new discoveries confirm what role the city had in antiquity and how much there is still to bring to light so that it is a heritage shared with future generations.” The area of the gymnasium had already been investigated during several campaigns between 1960 and 2005 Research resumed in 2020 thanks to a collaboration between the Freie Universität Berlin the Technical University of Bari and the Valley of the Temples Archaeological and Landscape Park The project is led by archaeologists Monika Trümper with local coordination by Maria Concetta Parello After an initial phase of geophysical investigations three excavation campaigns took place between 2022 and 2024 which led to the identification of a monumental gymnasium thanks in part to the discovery of five tiles marked with the vignette “ΓΥΜ” (short for “γυμνασίου,” gymnasium) fourth excavation campaign uncovered a rectangular room with radially arranged seating the largest in the gymnasium (23 x 11 meters) equipped with perimeter benches and an earthen floor It is believed to be theapodyterion-the ancient locker room-that also served as an auditorium for intellectual training an interpretation corroborated by two marble blocks with Greek inscriptions reading “(Τ)ΟΥ ΑΠΟΔΥΤΗ(ΡΙΟΥ)” (from theapodyterion) found in the semicircular part of the auditorium also bear a reference to a gymnasiarch-a prominent figure in the management of the gymnasium-who is said to have financed the renovation of the structure’s roof and dedicated the work to Hermes and Heracles the patron deities of gymnasiums in Greek culture The area where they were found was formerly intended for educational and public performances suggesting an integrated use between physical and cultural training which can be dated to the second century B.C.E and was renovated during the Augustan age (between 31 B.C.E anticipates similar structures such as the one at Pergamum in Asia Minor by about two centuries This makes the Agrigento example one of the most advanced models of educational architecture in the Greco-Roman world “These discoveries,” said Valley of the Temples Archaeological and Landscape Park director Roberto Sciarratta “are making a significant contribution to redefining our knowledge of the Agrigento gymnasium highlighting its breadth and complexity and raising new hypotheses about the role this place played in the cultural and social life of the ancient city Research will continue to further investigate the structure and functions of the complex.” You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed Inserra Chair News and Announcements The delegation (see photo on top) that Teresa Fiore was part of included: the mayor of Agrigento Francesco Micciché; the President of the University Consortium of Agrigento Roberto Albergoni; the project manager Margherita Orlando; the director of Farm Cultural Park Florinda Saieva; the President of the Opera Cardinal Ferrari Pasquale Seddio; City rep Costantino Ciulla; General Director of Coop Culture Marco Magnifico was not able to be present while the President of the Sicilian Regional Assembly Gaetano Galvagno attended As Roberto Albergoni has remarked: “The proclamation of Agrigento as Italian Capital of Culture 2025 commits us to carry out the participatory project approved by the Ministry focusing on art and culture in dialogue with the local communities as well as the international one which includes university faculty and students with their scholarly contributions on the topical themes of environment digital communication and new mobility.” “It was a great honor and joy to be part of a delegation that worked as a well-integrated team.” Teresa Fiore added “This project is giving me the chance to ‘return’ to my hometown in a unique way leveraging my professional experience in cultural and migration studies while remaining in tune with the very personal emotions that this special opportunity elicits I look forward to connecting the academic and artistic world of the Tri-State area with Agrigento and its province as an extension of the work I have done at Montclair State University for over a decade in line with the internationalization of its educational and cultural offer.” Read the full presentation by Teresa Fiore in English and in Italian Watch the proclamation of Agrigento (at 30’40”): Montclair State University Policies Return to Top Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations 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beauty and history Sicily has to offer with these amazing experiences Turquoise cove to ridgetop temple. Byzantine mosaics to chubby-cheeked baroque putti (cherubs). Windswept olive and lemon groves and dry, parched gardens planted with pomegranate, fig and carob trees. Traveling around Sicily might feel like extreme sensory overload but it exudes Sicilian dolce far niente (sweetness of doing nothing) July and August are the busiest months, but every month has its own beauty The very real temptation of simply eating and drinking your way around Sicily aside here are nine top things to see and do on the island a Roman patrician's palatial country pad a couple of hours' drive inland a tempestuous environment ruled by Mother Nature alone From the smaller volcano's Sciara del Fucco viewpoint at 400m watch red-hot rocks roll down the lava-charred mountainside into the sea On Sicily's southern Mediterranean coast, Agrigento's Valley of the Temples makes an impression like no other ruins on the island Strung out along a long rocky promontory where the ancient Greeks built sacred temples as holy beacons for sailors 2500 years ago the vast archaeological site is prized by UNESCO as one of the world's "most outstanding monuments of Greek art and culture." The magic peaks on summer evenings when the moon casts the ruins in a celestial and the wind plucks tunes on the columns of ghostly Doric temples Planning tip: Sicily's flush of ancient Greek ruins runs deep. Add hilltop Segesta and sea-facing Selinunte to your long weekend itinerary to bag the hat trick but a deliciously scenic train journey peppered with sumptuous villa-wineries along the lower slopes of Europe's largest active volcano Planning tip: The Strada's wine trains depart twice weekly from Riposto, an hour's drive from Catania on the Ionian Coast. Tickets include a guide and bus transfers to wineries for degustazione (tasting) Vintage glamour queen Taormina is the springboard for chic sea dips and snorkeling forays in the crystal water that laps the pebble beach on Isola Bella – as bella (beautiful) as its name suggests linked by cable car to Taormina (which is perched dramatically on a cliff high above) lured Europe's aristocracy during the days of the Grand Tour and the literati likes of DH Lawrence in the 1920s Glitzy views of smoking Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea vie for the spotlight during summertime theater performances in its resplendent ancient Greek amphitheater Planning tip: Taormina gets packed to bursting in July and August and all but shuts down between November and Easter where the iconic mafia shooting scene from Francis Ford Coppola's Godfather trilogy was filmed When you tire of beach-hopping by bicycle on the Egadi island of Favignana, swap wheels for water and catch a ferry to pin-prick Levanzo. From its tiny port, motorboats whip along the wave-lashed coast to Grotta del Genovese a cave hidden high in the hillside that shelters Upper Paleolithic and Neolithic rock art dolphins and donkeys reflect farming practices some 12,000 years ago when a vast plain linked to the two islands Bookend the torch-lit cave visit with huge Planning tip: Cave visits must be booked online at least 48 hours in advance. Ditto in July and August for Liberty Lines hydrofoils to/from Trapani on "mainland'" Sicily and also Favignana. To continue the rock art theme, stay the night on Favignana in rooms at Giardino dell'Impossible botanical gardens hewn in labyrinthine rock Planning tip: Bag a golden ticket for theater beneath the stars at Syracuse's supremely well-preserved Greek amphitheater during May-June's Festival del Teatro Greco. Discoveries of new structures in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento Sicily Archaeological excavations can unearth valuable insights into ancient civilizations and risks damaging undiscovered artifacts or structures geophysical techniques provide archaeologists with non-invasive tools to investigate sites beneath the surface A recent study applied soil-penetration geophysical methods in the renowned ancient Greek city of Akragas subsequently confirmed through excavations This multidisciplinary approach optimized resource utilization leading to new and exciting discoveries that enhance our understanding of architecture and religious practices in ancient Akragas Akragas quickly grew into a prosperous metropolis and luxurious lifestyle supported by abundant farmland the city faced invasions and destruction before ultimately falling under Roman rule in 262 B.C tourists visit the archaeological park of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to admire the impressive stone columns and pediments of the surviving temples especially in unexplored areas outside the valley One such site north of an ancient street called Plateia I-L holds enormous potential given the city’s richness and importance archaeologists lacked knowledge of buried remains that could reveal new insights researchers from the University of Bordeaux-Montaigne collaborated with Italian authorities to conduct geophysical studies in a 3,000-square-meter study area The goal was to non-invasively map subsurface features before excavating specific areas optimizing resources and minimizing damage The team divided the site into four sectors and employed two primary geophysical techniques: electromagnetic surveys and electrical resistivity tomography Electromagnetic surveys use induced electrical currents in the soil to detect physical anomalies related to buried objects Electrical resistivity tomography more precisely determines buried elements by measuring subsurface resistivity variations Both techniques identify remains through contrasts in physical properties compared to surrounding soils and rocks Previous geophysical archaeological studies informed the team’s analysis Common anomalies related to walls and structures exhibited distinctive resistivity profiles compared to natural terrain Features like hearths or furnaces also stood out variable factors such as vegetation or geology required consideration researchers meticulously measured all sectors first using the electromagnetic method for an overview and then applying electrical resistivity tomography in selected areas of interest for higher-resolution data Processing and interpreting the geophysical results revealed numerous subsurface anomalies characterized by significant resistivity variations and locations in relation to known structures the team attributed many anomalies to buried walls and related human features Two particular areas in the northwestern and central parts exhibited extensive vegetation interfering with resistivity profiles patterns supported large underground structures These findings informed the decision to conduct initial test excavations in an area identified by electrical resistivity tomography Digging confirmed the presence of an extensive buried wall over 3.5 meters long constructed with large limestone blocks matching the geophysical resistivity profile Additional excavations determined that the wall overlapped with an earlier wall of similar orientation built using large stone blocks still measuring over a meter in length after exposure to degradation Analysis of ceramics associated with the walls indicates probable construction dating between the 4th and 2nd centuries B.C. with the earlier segment possibly from the 6th to 4th centuries B.C. Given the monument’s features and location near an entrance to an ancient sanctuary with circular altars researchers believe it had religious significance within Akragas additional excavations will help determine the wall’s function and establish its relationship with nearby structures Sharing knowledge from this successful integrated study-excavation campaign will support refining geophysical archaeological applications in Italy and benefit future research in Akragas as exploration continues in unmapped areas harboring undisclosed secrets of this renowned ancient city Sebastiano Imposa, Sabrina Grassi, et al., New discovery of an ancient building in Akragas (Valley of Temples, Agrigento, Italy) through the integration of geophysical surveys. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, Volume 53, February 2024, 104368. doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2023.104368 the “stone giant” of ancient Akragas has been resurrected one of the colossal anthropomorphic statues supporting the entablature of the Temple of Olympian Zeus is supported by a 12-meter steel structure to which supports are anchored holding the individual pieces of the reassembled monument in place which after many years of study and research we can now observe in its natural position is the heart of an important project to musealize the entire area of the Zeus temple The entire musealization project of the Olympeion area which has so far cost 500,000 euros from the Park’s funds includes the upcoming reconstruction on-site of part of the entablature and cornice of the temple to give a more concrete idea of the colossal dimensions and uniqueness of the monument the Valley of the Temples Park launched an extensive study and research campaign on the Olympeion entrusted to the German Archaeological Institute of Rome and led by Heinz-Jürgen Beste in addition to providing new insights into the monument led to the precise cataloging of the elements still in situ over 90 fragments were identified belonging to at least eight different telamons nearly two-thirds of the original elements composing it were preserved This homogeneous core of blocks was used for the reconstruction of the telamon a “brother” to the one already reconstructed in the late 19th century which is currently housed in the Archaeological Museum “Pietro Griffo” The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Agrigento (Sicily) stood south of the ancient city It was erected as a sign of gratitude for Akragas’ victory over the Carthaginians after 480 BC to celebrate the prestige of the tyrant Theron Architectural solutions never seen before were devised such as the extremely high fluted semi-columns each of which comfortably accommodated a man it measured approximately 112 x 56 meters (the Parthenon in Athens measures 69.54 x 30.87 meters) and was built with blocks of local limestone 7 Doric semi-columns on the short sides and 14 on the long sides) In the spaces between the columns (intercolumniations) there were monumental statues (telamons) holding a heavy load with their arms The temple suffered irreparable damage from an earthquake in 1401 and its blocks were used to build the Porto Empedocle pier Along with the Temple of Concordia and the temples of Paestum the Olympeion fascinated travelers and scholars from the 18th and 19th centuries who highlighted its enormous dimensions by comparing its columns to those of St With the contribution of engravings and watercolors by Jean Houel and Philipp Hackert the myth of the mysterious Olympeion was born Archaeologists wondered about its size and structure who first identified the existence of the telamons – he recognized a head found during Bourbon excavations mistakenly attributed to the pediment – and combined them into a preliminary figure who unearthed the various findings that are now part of the current museum project; and it was the then superintendent Pietro Griffo who placed the first reconstructed telamon in the newly founded Archaeological Museum (which bears his name) the growing interest in the remains of the mysterious colossi never mentioned in Diodorus’s description of the temple led to a heated international debate among archaeologists Parco Archeologico e Paesaggistico della Valle dei Templi Explore more guides to help you find what you need This Marks the 31st Anniversary of the Agreement The City of Tampa is proud to honor the 31st anniversary of our Sister City Agreement with Agrigento Italy by lighting up the skyline in the national colors of Italy: green This will take place beginning at sunset on February 5 and 7 as a symbol of our deep friendship and cultural exchange between our two cities Agrigento and Tampa have had a Sister City Agreement since 1990 and the relationship has only grown stronger over the years The two cities have shared cultural exchange programs "Agrigento is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture and our sister city relationship with them allows Tampa to not only share in that beauty but also to learn and grow from it," Mayor Jane Castor said "This special lighting tribute is a reminder of the strong bond we share with our Agrigento and our appreciation for their continued friendship and support." For more information about the Sister City Agreement between Tampa and Agrigento, please visit the City of Tampa's website L’Unione Italiana (The Italian Club of Tampa Inc.) formed the Tampa-Agrigento Sister Cities Committee in 1987 The Committee selected the City of Agrigento as its Italian Sister City due to it being the capital of the Sicilian Province of Agrigento where approximately 90% of Tampa’s Italian Americans trace their roots The official affiliation was approved by both cities in August 1991 with the signing of international documents by Tampa Mayor Sandy Freedman and Agrigento Sindaco (Mayor) Roberto DiMauro in Tampa Sindaco DiMauro arrived in Tampa with a 28-member delegation consisting of other Agrigento officials and the Sicilian folkloric dance group Vecchia Gergenti The visiting delegation met with Tampa and Hillsborough County officials The Italian American community opened their homes to host each member of the delegation The Vecchia Gergenti group conducted several performances in Tampa and taught local schools and dance groups authentic Sicilian dances Mayor Freedman and a 19-member delegation from Tampa visited Agrigento Sindaco Leandro Bonaccolta graciously hosted the delegation for 3 days The delegation visited local museums and temples exchanged gifts with the Agrigento Council Several delegations have exchanged visits since that time and performers from the province have visited Tampa Delegations from Tampa have included members of Tampa City Council in May 1996 Tampa Mayor Dick Greco led a 20-member delegation to Agrigento The group met not only with Agrigento Sindaco Calogero Sodano but also with the President of the Province of Agrigento and the mayors of Alessandria della Rocca and Santo Stefano Quisquina This visit initiated a dialogue that resulted in the National Museum in Agrigento agreeing to loan major Sicilian antiquities to the Tampa Museum of Art Antiquities that had previously never left Sicily Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn led a delegation that met with four mayors in the Province of Agrigento Discussions centered primarily around initiating positive economic development initiatives 2021 marked the 30-year anniversary of our Sister Cities' relationship Tampa Sister Cities partnered with Piazze D’ Italia and La Nuova Sicilia Unita Lodge of the Sons of Italy to display the products of Sicily in Tampa The Italy Expo 2021 hosted Sicilian chefs and artisans that exposed Sicilian cuisine and products to the citizens and business owners in Tampa and throughout Florida to create ongoing business opportunities General Question? contact us Eight-metre statue dating from fifth century BC restored and assembled piece-by-piece to be displayed in Valley of the Temples A colossal statue of Atlas that lay buried for centuries among ancient ruins has been reconstructed to take its rightful place among the Greek temples of Agrigento in Sicily, after a 20-year research and restoration project standing at 8 metres (26ft) tall and dating back to the fifth century BC was one of nearly 38 that adorned the Temple of Zeus considered the largest Doric temple ever built despite never being completed “The Atlas will become one of the highlights of the Valley of the Temples,” said Francesco Paolo Scarpinato in a joint statement with the Sicilian governor “We can finally introduce this imposing work to the international community.” The statues were discovered in 1812 by Charles R Cockerell a young British architect who was visiting Agrigento to study the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas Cockerell was one of the first people to realise that a massive piece of sandstone near the old Temple of Zeus was not a part of the sanctuary’s pediment but instead the head of a statue of Atlas who was forced to bear the sky on his shoulders after being defeated by Zeus one of the next generation of gods called Olympians Cockerell later identified other pieces of the statues the Atlases were located on the outer part of the Temple of Zeus frozen in the act of supporting the temple and helping to sustain the entire entablature of the sanctuary which was never completed because it was still lacking a roof when Akragas was conquered by the Carthaginians View image in fullscreenThe statue was reconstructed by taking blocks of sandstone and stacking each piece on shelves attached to a metal structure Photograph: Giuseppe GrecoOver time the temple was toppled by earthquakes and in the 18th century it was quarried to provide building materials for Agrigento and Porto Empedocle The statue was reconstructed by taking blocks of sandstone and stacking each piece on shelves attached to a metal structure the archaeologist Pirro Marconi unearthed various artefacts that led to the reconstruction of the first Atlas which is preserved inside the Archaeological Museum of Agrigento the Valley of the Temples park launched an extensive research campaign led by the German Archaeological Institute of Rome and overseen by Heinz-Jürgen Beste apart from providing new insights into the monument led to the meticulous cataloguing of 90 more fragments belonging to at least eight different Atlases and the decision to assemble a new Atlas and place it upright in front of the Temple of Zeus the director of the Valley of the Temples park said: “The idea was to reposition one of these Atlases in front of the temple so that it may serve as a guardian of the structure dedicated to the father of the gods.” The Valley of the Temples is now a Unesco world heritage site and the largest archaeological park in the world covering 1,600 hectares (3,950 acres) and featuring the ruins of seven temples The nearby city-state of Akragas was one of the leading population centres in the region during the golden age of ancient Greece Built on a high ridge over a span of 100 years the seven temples remain among the most magnificent examples of Greek architecture they would “party as if they’ll die tomorrow The city was destroyed in 406BC by the Carthaginians and its prosperity did not return until the rise of Timoleon in the late third century BC the Carthaginians defended the settlement against the Romans the city – renamed Agrigentum (subsequently known as Girgenti) – underwent a period of monumental urban redevelopment with new public buildings The statue stands over what remains of the temple itself – a broad stone platform heaped with tumbled pillars and blocks of stone “The work we have carried out on the Atlas and the Olympian area is part of our mission to protect and enhance the Valley of the Temples,” said Sciarratta “Bringing these stone colossi back to light has always been one of our primary objectives.” The Sicilian city of Agrigento, famed for its rich archaeological heritage will be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2025 the culture ministry announced in Rome on Friday Shortlisted towns and cities vying for the 2025 title presented their bids to a jury last week with the winning candidate for the prestigious recognition chosen by Italian culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano Agrigento saw off competition from the other nine finalists in the running for the coveted title: Aosta, Assisi, Astia, Bagnoregio, Monte S. Angelo, Orvieto Agrigento is best known for its archaeological area which has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Tangible Heritage site since 1997 Founded as a Greek colony in the sixth century BC The archaeological area covers the vast territory of the ancient polis Italy's previous culture capitals include Cagliari with the northern Italian city retaining the title for a second year to make up for the negative effects of the covid lockdowns Pesaro, on the Adriatic coast, will be Italy's Capital of Culture 2024