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Southern Sicily is famous for its beautiful plateaus and gulfs, exquisite cuisine and unique handcrafts. It is also largely known for its remnants of ancient peoples such as the Romans, the Greeks and the Byzantines. The historic wealth of Southern Sicily is equally important as all other parts of the island, which is exactly what enables an eclectic journey through wonderful marvels.

On a plateau located near the southern coast there lays a town named Agrigento, a charming Romanesque Gothic and Greek center. The present name of the town was only patented in 1927. Until then, the title had varied from 582 BC Akragas to the Roman name Agrigentum followed by Girgenti, a name christened by the Saracens. The town enjoyed its heyday during 570 and 554 BC under the Phalaris occupation but further development was initiated by Theron between 488 and 471 BC.

The Punic Wars brought several destructions to the city but particular extreme damage was caused by the Romans in 261 BC. What is notable is that subsequent to all these decimations the city was consecutively rebuilt. Due to its flourishing, the great poet Pindar characterized the city by turning to superlatives: “The most beautiful city of the mortals”.

What is terrific about it is that in present time the city succeeds in perpetuating the overwhelming of its beauty and complexity. Despite its rich legacy and the sulphur and potash mines that have gotten attention since ancient times, the local economy remains unbalanced situating the city amongst the poorest of Sicily.

Locals may not enjoy a wealthy life, but they do enjoy historic marvels. Tourists should not go round the notorious Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) which is a gathering of seven imposing Greek temples built during the 6th and the 5th centuries BCE in the Doric specific style. The excellent preservation and importance of the monuments got the area on the World Heritage Sites list as one of the largest ancient Greek cities outside of Greece.

Greek features join the Norman-style churches that adorn the surroundings of the city. Roman characteristics are also part of the inheritance although in a smaller amount. A few kilometers away the ruins of a Roman edifice complete the archaeological realm.

Philosophy and literature meet in Agrigento as this is the city that sheltered the great Greek philosopher Empedocles and Nobel Prize winner for literature Luigi Pirandelo. Olive groves and almond orchards coagulate in a natural environment that in February offers a great venue for the Almond Blossom Festival.

This is one city that can satisfy all kinds of desires: explorations for historians, almond scents for nature’s lovers, unique dishes for food tasters and the clear blue sea for swimmers. This is one kind of diversity that should not be missed.