Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
site. Especially noteworthy are the dazzling displays of Greek painted ceramics and the
aweinspiring reconstructed
telamone
, a colossal statue recovered from the nearby Tempio
di Giove.
Medieval Agrigento
Roaming the town's lively, winding streets is relaxing after a day among the temples.
Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Greci
MAP
CHURCH
GOOGLE MAP
(Salita Santa Maria dei Greci; 9am-12.30pm & 4-6pm Mon-Sat)
This 11th-century Norman church is
built on the site of a 5th-century BC temple to Athena. Glass floor panels reveal the
temple's foundations, while a narrow passageway left of the church allows you to see the
ancient Greek columns.
Monastero del Santo Spirito
This hillside convent was founded by Cistercian nuns at the end of the 13th century. Ring
the buzzer at the door marked No 8, and their modern-day counterparts will sell you a tray
of delicious cakes and pastries (€11), including
dolci di mandorla
(almond pastries)
, cus-
cusu
(almond and pistachio 'couscous') and - at Christmas time -
bucellati
(rolled sweet
dough with figs).
CONVENT
Tours
The tourist office maintains a list of multilingual guides. The official rate is €140 for a
half-day tour, although discounts can be negotiated.
Festivals & Events
Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore
A huge folk festival held on the first Sunday in February, when the Valley of the Temples
is cloaked in almond blossom.
CULTURE
Sleeping
