Today, we explore all of Agrigento’s map so that you know everything necessary before your trip. Agrigento, the ancient Girgenti, was once considered “the most beautiful city of mortals.” Located four kilometers from the sea, it sprawls over the Girgenti hill and the Athenian Cliff.
Its millennia-old origins have led to its name changing three times: the Romans called it Agrigentum, the Arabs called it Kerkent, and the Normans called it Girgenti. The history of Agrigento can be read in the streets and alleys of the old city, filled with Greek and Roman testimonies, gathered around S. Maria dei Greci, the tiny medieval church.
Agrigento is a city rich in museums, admired by tourists from all over the world. One of these is the Museo Casa di Pirandello, the house where the great writer was born, now transformed into a fascinating museum that collects photographs, paintings dedicated to Pirandello, reviews, and even first editions with autographed dedications.
The library next to his house periodically hosts exhibitions dedicated to him. Moreover, by taking a small path that starts directly from the house, you can reach the famous centuries-old “solitary pine” that the writer loved so much during his life, where he wrote and painted, and where he was eventually buried.
Another interesting museum is the Archaeological Museum, the largest in central-southern Sicily, offering tourists the extensive history of ancient Agrigento and its territory from prehistory onwards. There is also the Civic Museum, located inside the old Augustinian Convent, which houses a rich art gallery with paintings from the Sicilian school and typical images.
Let’s Get to Know Agrigento’s Map Better
Agrigento is also rich in ancient palaces and churches that tell its centuries-old history, the most famous being the Cathedral of S. Gerlando. It was built between 1093 and 1099 on the ruins of a pre-existing Greek temple and underwent multiple structural transformations over the centuries. It was first expanded, then reduced, and later shortened when an earthquake caused severe damage to the nave.
This explains why the bell tower is now a bit forward from the façade and was frescoed and enriched with 17th-century decorations, which were later removed. Observing the wooden ceiling of the nave reveals it belongs to three different eras, creating an apparent dissonance that gives the cathedral a unique and singular aura.
Regarding nightlife, Agrigento becomes a magical city where colors, sounds, scents, music, and voices blend perfectly with the buildings and streets, bringing everything to life. Agrigento is a city that, by day, conveys history and art, while at night, it transforms into a place that satisfies diverse tastes and desires for fun.
For those who love to relax in the evening, a stroll along Viale della Vittoria is ideal for families and couples. Along Via Atena, you can admire the buildings at night and refresh yourself with a delicious gelato or drink, enjoying a refreshing cocktail.
