Tag: agrigento
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Today’s Trip Highlight: Agrakas’ Valley of the Temples
This is a scene I was thrilled to see again today! The four remaining columns of the Temple of Castor and Pollux, built in the 5th century BC and reconstructed in the 19th century. We walked the full 2 kilometers of Valley of the Temples that sits on a ridge with sweeping views of the…
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Temple on the Ridge: Enchanting Sicily, Day 4
Agrigento’s archaeological site Valley of the Temples is 13 square kilometers. It contains eight different archaeological finds–five of which are temples. Pictured on this ridge is the outstanding Tempio della Concordia. Come tour this UNESCO World Heritage site with me this September on Day 4 of Experience Sicily’s Enchanting Sicily tour. Contact me at experience_sicily@yahoo.com…
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The Magnificent Temple of Concord at Agrigento
The Temple of Concord in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples is one of the best preserved Doric temples in the world. Built in c. 430 B.C. by Greek colonists, it has 34 enormous columns. It owes its relatively excellent state to a 4th century A.D. conversion to a Christian basilica. It’s unclear to whom the…
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The Bread Arches of San Biagio Platani
In the mountain town of San Biagio Platani (Agrigento), they are currently celebrating their Easter feast, “Archi di Pane,” or “Bread Arches.” Annually during this feast, which started on Easter Sunday and lasts until May 3, 2015, artisans and townspeople create elaborate archways using river reeds, willow, asparagus, bay leaf, rosemary, cereals, dates, and bread…
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View from the Valley
View of Agrigento, near the Valley of the Temples.
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Let’s Go Swimming… Here
These white limestone and clay cliffs are called la Scala dei Turchi–the Stairs of the Turks. They are near Agrigento, and in June, during Experience Sicily’s Soulful and Sunny Sicily experiential tour, I’ll be bringing a small group to swim here after we explore the UNESCO Heritage Site Valley of the Temples. Perhaps we’ll find…
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Temple of Hera, Goddess of Marriage
The Temple of Hera (which in the Roman era was known as the Temple of Juno) is a 5th century BC temple dedicated to the Greek goddess of marriage, childbirth, and families. One of the many magnificent ruins at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Valley of the Temples, the Temple of Hera possesses an altar…
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Bloom and Song
From February 12-22, 2015 the city of Agrigento celebrates the 70th Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore (The Festival of the Blooming Almond Trees) and the 60th International Festival of Folklore. The “in Fiore” festival marks that spring is arriving and the almond trees are in bloom, while the folklore festival features performances of not only…
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Come Let Us Adore Him
“The Adoration,” a painting in Agrigento’s Church of the Holy Spirit at Il Monastero di Santo Spirito.