June 6, 2024
Today we leave the west coast of Sicily and make the long journey inland toward Sicily’s center.
To break up our drive, we’stoped at the UNESCO-protected site of the Valley of Temples, situated just outside the city of Agrigento. Agrigento was once the Greek city of Akragas, one of the most culturally advanced cities of the ancient world. We set off by foot with a local guide to explore the archaeological remains of the Greek temples, each built between 510 and 430 BC.
In addition to the honey-colored architecture, the area provides sweeping views of the neighboring hills.
Due to its good state of preservation, the Temple of Concordia is ranked amongst the most notable edifices of the Greek civilization existing today.
The Temple of Heracles temple, with its three remaining columns is delicate to the classical hero. The red that exists on the stone is from when the Roman’s set fire to temples.
The beautiful bronze statue depicting the fallen Icarus, who flew too close to the sun.
There are unique goat at the temples believed to have been brought here’re by the Greeks. The breed is called Capra Girgentana, after the Sicilian name for Agrigento, Girgenti; and you will find these goats nowhere else.
After walking around temples in the hot sun we were hungry so we went to a locals home for an organic vegetarian lunch. All the food was prepared from the family’s garden. The food was so yummy. There is a real differance when food is missing all of those chemicals!
After lunch we were treated to s showing of wooden horse cart that were created by the father. The intricate carving and painting of these cart is craftsmanship that is a dying art.
We continued our journey deep into the Sicilian hinterlands to Piazza Armerina, reaching our agriturismo in the late afternoon. We sat outside enjoying the beaautiful property having a drink and chatting until it was time for dinner.
Dinner was outside on the patio where we enjoyed great food (all locally grown), interesting conversation and a beautiful evening except for a few pesky mosquitos!!
