In the heart of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, in a small valley stands the Garden of Kolymbethra. It’s an intriguing archaeological area where history and nature blend together seamlessly. This makes it perfect for visitors to take in authentic Greek and Roman archeology.
It takes its name from the Greek word kolymbethra, which is a pool created by the water that comes out of porous stone.
The Kolymbethra Garden is an archaeological site of great naturalistic and landscape importance. The space was born as a vacation spot for the residents of Akgragas and was also a meeting place for citizens.
Restoration of the Kolymbetra Garden
In 1999, the Sicilian Region entrusted it as a free concession to the Italian Environment Fund (FAI) for a period of 25 years. This action put an end to the state of abandonment that it had fallen into over the last decades of the twentieth century.
As a result of this, it has become one of the places of great archaeological and naturalistic interest and importance at both a territorial and national level.
The vegetation and structural restoration organized by the FAI allows a visit to the Temple of Hephaestus, as well as the discovery of underground chambers, known as hypogea.
A Diverse Beauty Waiting to be Discovered
The Garden of Kolymbethra extends for just over five hectares. Here it is possible to find a rich agricultural variety typical of the Valley of the Temples. In the valley floor, there are various species including citrus fruits, carob trees, pistachios, mulberries, walnuts, pomegranates and banana trees.
Along the riverbank at the foot of the limestone walls there are also a wide selection of traditional Greek trees such as almond and olive, accompanied by Mediterranean scrub, myrtles and laurels.
Now restored, the Kolymbethra Garden complements the nearby Archaeological Park which is a total delight for the senses. From the scents of orange blossoms to the flavor of almonds, from the silver shimmer of olive trees leaves to the trickling of the water flowing steadily nearby.
To experience the area at its finest it is advisable to visit in the late morning after visiting the nearby temples to rest in the shade of its shrubs.
Many of our pre-designed tours incorporate tours of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento such as our luxury trip Sicily 12-night tour and Essential Sicily 8-night tour, among others. Or inquire with us today about how to design your own tour incorporating sites such as these.
