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Archaeological Area of Agrigento

Italy
Date of Inscription: 1997
Criteria: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)
Core zone: 934 ha
Buffer zone: 1869 ha
Province of Agrigento, Sicily
N37 17 23 E13 35 36
Ref: 831

Brief Description

Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., Agrigento became one of the leading cities in the Mediterranean world. Its supremacy and pride are demonstrated by the remains of the magnificent Doric temples that dominate the ancient town, much of which still lies intact under today's fields and orchards. Selected excavated areas throw light on the later Hellenistic and Roman town and the burial practices of its early Christian inhabitants.

Justification for Inscription

The Committee decided to inscribe this site on the basis of criteria (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), considering that Agrigento was one of the greatest cities of the ancient Mediterranean world, and it has been preserved in an exceptionally intact condition. Its great row of Doric temples is one of the most outstanding monuments of Greek art and culture.

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