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AGRIGENTO
Agrigento lies along the south coast of Sicily, connected to the rest of the island by an extensive road network and by rail. The Doric Temple ruins from the Greek Epoch, is the real reason to be in Agrigento. The temple is one of the most beautiful gifts left to us by the ancients. The Greek poet Pindar denoted this city as "the most beautiful city of mortals."
The attractions of the city, Agrigento are:-
Valley of the Temples
This is the most renowned attraction in Agrigento. This is a large archeological site containing the remains of various Doric temples dating from the 5th century B.C.
The Cathedral
The cathedral can be reached by going up the alleys from Piazza Pirandello. The way to the building has got a spectacular grand staircase. Its construction dates from the 11th century, but it has undergone many alterations through the centuries. It also holds an unfinished bell tower, which is embellished by a richly decorated balcony. Do check out the wood ceiling which is richly adorned so that it appears to be a hanging garden.
Regional Archaeological Museum
Located between the modern city and the Valley of the Temples, the museum is situated in the center of the Hellenistic-Roman quarter. This 18-room museum holds numerous interesting findings from Agrigento and the surrounding region, arranged by expository theme. The museum contains an outstanding collection of Attic vases, including the famous Crater of Dionysus, as well as the marble statue of Ephebus of Agrigento, a young athlete who lived in the 5th century B.C.
Church of San Nicola
The Church of San Nicola lies near to the Archeological Museum. This church was constructed in the 13th century. The church is made of volcanic rock taken from ruins of the Temple of Zeus. To the left of the church lies the Roman sarcophagus of Hippolitus and Phaedra. The sarcophagus is decorated with bas-reliefs telling the tragic story of Phaedra and her stepson Hippolitus, who was killed on the order of Phaedra because he did not return her love.
EVENTS - Listed below are the popular events taking place in Agrigento:-
The Almond Blossom Festival (February)
Celebrated in the first half of February, this event emphasizes the breathtaking beauty of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The celebrations include costumed parades, shows, and concerts. The festival also hosts many competitions between the folklore groups.
The Carnival of Sciacca (February)
The main event of the Carnival is the parade of allegorical wagons, which takes place every day from Saturday to Tuesday. The most unique part of the Carnival is the wagon of "Peppe Nappa", the King of the Carnival of Sciacca. The celebrated wagon holds the traditional distribution of candies, wine, and sausage to the crowd, prepared in the back end of the wagon. The evening of Fat Tuesday, the end of the event, the pyre of Peppe Nappa is started.
The Festival of San Calogero (July)
San Calogero, means the "Black Saint". The festivities last for 8 days, from the first to the second Sunday in July.
The festival culminates with the procession of sacred figures of the Saint, accompanied by the sounds of the tambourine. One of the features of the festival is the preparation of typical bread loafs, with sesame seeds and fennel, which are thrown before the saint's cart in the procession, according to the tradition.
Blues & Wine Soul Festival (July)
This big wine and music event is celebrated for three phenomenal days dedicated to the biggest stars from abroad, in the heart of the Valley of the Temples archeological park.
Pirandello Week (December)
International convention of Pirandello studies. An event articulated by themes ranging from literature to cinema to theatre, and with a unique structure employing schools from 30 provinces. Students assemble in Agrigento for the conference, with time to make visits to the places Pirandello lived, worked, and visited. This event is organized by the National Center for the Study of Pirandello.