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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
Alternatively, check out some of our holiday offers below.
- Destinations
- Europe
- Italy
- Sicily
- Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi)
Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi)
Although not technically a 'valley' and rather a ridge located
just outside the Sicilian town of Agrigento, the Valley of the
Temples (Valle dei Templi) is one of Italy's oldest and most
interesting archaeological sites. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 1997, the Valley of the Temples is filled with some of the
most outstanding examples of Magna Graecia architecture in the
whole world. The Doric-styled structures, built in the 5th century
BC, are dedicated to gods and other mythological characters -
including, quite rarely, an imposing structure dedicated to Vulcan;
and there are also some fascinating commemorative structures, built
in celebration of Rome's victory over Carthage, and in memory of
Roman soldiers who were killed in the Second Punic War. In the
tradition of Greco-Roman architecture of the period, all the
structures face east to be illuminated by the rising sun. A
must-see tourist attraction in Sicily, the site of the Valley of
the Temples commands great views of Agrigento and makes for a
wonderful half-day adventure.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is
understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of
the country.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into
100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain
Euros through any bank, ATM or bureaux de change. ATMs are
widespread. Travellers cheques can be exchanged with ease in the
large cities, not so in the smaller towns. Credit cards are
accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities.
Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than
casas de cambios.