Things to see in Agrigento

Agrigento (Sicilian: Girgenti or Giurgenti) rises on a ridge above the sea, its honey-hued buildings unfolding across the hills like a sunlit amphitheatre. Behind it, vineyards and almond groves stretch inland; below it, the ancient Valley of the Temples spills toward the coast in a sweep of Doric grandeur.

Once one of the great cities of Magna Graecia, Agrigento (ancient Akragas) still bears the layered marks of its history — Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman — all wrapped within a town that manages to feel both timeless and lived-in. Narrow alleyways wind through the historic centre of Girgenti, revealing Baroque churches, tucked-away trattorias, and glimpses of blue horizon between rooftops.

Today, Agrigento balances the weight of its past with a quietly modern rhythm.

Agrigento is rich in history, from its days as the powerful Greek city of Akragas to its later Roman, medieval, and Baroque incarnations. While the Valley of the Temples is its most iconic attraction, the city itself holds a wealth of lesser-known treasures, including archaeological remains, historic churches, and libraries nestled in the old town. Here’s where to begin exploring.

Museums: Agrigento’s main museum and archaeological collection is housed halfway between the city centre and the Valley of the Temples. It's an essential stop to understand the cultural and historical context of ancient Akragas — and a cool refuge on hot days.

Museo Archeologico Regionale "Pietro Griffo" (Regional Archaeological Museum). This modern museum sits halfway between the city and the Valley of the Temples. Museo Diocesano di Agrigento (Diocesan Museum). Located beside the cathedral, this museum showcases sacred art, liturgical vestments, silverware, and documents spanning centuries of ecclesiastical history. Casa Natale di Luigi Pirandello (Luigi Pirandello’s Birthplace and Museum).