AGRIGENTO “ The most beautiful among the mortal towns ”
We want to introduce you to our amazing city of Agrigento with this awesome definition by the Greek poet Pindar . Agrigento is on the southern coast of Sicily , and is renowned as the site of the ancient city of Akragas , founded by Greek settlers .
Agrigento has all the ingredients that make Sicily a famous land worldwide : history , sea and nature . Today it is the capital of the province of Agrigento . The town lies on a hill , 230 metres above sea level , and overlooks the surrounding green hills , with their almond and olive trees . The old town , crossed by the ancient Via Atenea , is a maze which reminds of the North African towns . But Agrigento , like many Sicilian cities , is a mixture of Roman , Greek , Norman and Arabic elements that make this city awesome and unique .
The best way to witness this multi-cultural aspect is to walk its strees and live what this city offers . You will walk through elegant buildings and amazing churches , symbols of its culture and history . Among the religious buildings , you cannot miss the Cathedral of San Gerlando , the Patron saint . Agrigento is also known as the City of Temples . The Valley of Temples is the most fascinating trace of the Greek presence in Sicily , and it has just been awarded as “ the best Italian landscape ” by the Italian Department of Culture and Tourism .
Many treasures are kept in the inner area of Agrigento . But the coastline is famous for its beauty . It is in fact one of the most popular beach resorts in Sicily . The symbol of this area is the spectacular Scala Dei Turchi called ( the Turks ’ Stairway ). There are also several beautiful sandy beaches , like Porto Palo , San Leo and Eraclea Minoa . We can also mention the Natural Reserve of Torre Salsa , a WWF site where it is possible to admire one of the few surviving examples of dune environment in Sicily , nesting site of the rare Caretta Caretta sea turtle . ( Sara Sanfilippo )
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