Agrigento

The city of Agrigento – located in the south-west of Sicily – is a city rich in history and culture.

History

The city was built in 581 B.C. and different populations have left a trace of their domination upon it: the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans.

When thinking about the city of Agrigento one cannot but think about the archaeological site Valley of the Temples, proof of the Greeks dominion. The many temples (such as the Temple of Concordia) were built in Doric style and are the symbols of the ancient Hellenistic civilisation.

After being destroyed by the Carthaginians, the city was rebuilt by the following dominant populations. The Arabs have, in fact, built a new city which now became the old town. This is an extraordinary example of Arab-Norman architecture; some of the most representative places are San Gerlando Cathedral, Steri Palace and the Castle.

The name of city was also influenced by the different dominations. The Greeks called it Akragas; for the Arabs it was Kerkent and later Girgenti for the Normans. In 1927 the name was changed into the Italian version of the Roman Agrigentum.

Cultural events

Agrigento hosts the colourful Almond Blossom Festival, an International Folklore Festival attended by hundreds of people from around the world.

The Festival takes place at the beginning of March to celebrate the upcoming springtime; recently, it has become a symbol for peace among peoples.

The Sestival begins with the lighting of the Friendship Torch in front of the Concordia; one of the most salient moments is the final parade of the folkloric carts.

There are plenty of reasons to visit this charming city and breath its magic atmosphere.