Agrigento 2025 – Capital of Culture: Journey through time among temples, words and landscapes

In 2025, Agrigento wears the garb of the Italian Capital of Culture and transforms itself into a living stage where millennial history meets the challenges of the present. A city founded by the Greeks and the cradle of classical thought, the “city of temples” today becomes a symbol of welcome, beauty and dialogue between cultures.

This 4-day cultural itinerary is designed for those who wish to discover Agrigento not only as a tourist, but as a curious and knowledgeable traveler. From the majestic Valley of the Temples to the birthplace of Luigi Pirandello, from villages regenerated by art to white marble cliffs overlooking the sea, each stop tells a piece of Sicilian identity intertwined with the Mediterranean.

Between performances, exhibitions and meetings celebrating the title of Capital of Culture, Agrigento is revealed in all its richness: not only archaeological heritage, but a living land of voices, visions and communities.

Day 1 – The Valley of the Temples and the Ancient Heart

• Morning

  • Guided tour of the Valley of the Temples (UNESCO site): Temple of Concord, Temple of Hercules, Temple of Juno, etc.

  • Walk in the Garden of Kolymbethra, a green oasis in the heart of the archaeological park.

• Afternoon

  • “Pietro Griffo” Regional Archaeological Museum: houses extraordinary artifacts from Akragas.

  • Aperitif with a view of the temples at sunset, one of the most striking views of Sicily.

• Evening

  • Cultural event/concert related to the official Capital of Culture 2025 program (check the updated schedule).

Day 2 – Baroque and Pirandellian Agrigento

• Morning

  • Walk through the historic center of Agrigento: Via Atenea, Church of Santa Maria dei Greci (built on a Doric temple), Cathedral of San Gerlando.

  • Visit Luigi Pirandello’s Birthplace: a museum dedicated to the Nobel Prize winner and his connection to Sicily.

• Afternoon

  • Free time to explore craft workshops, independent art galleries or literary cafes downtown.

  • Opportunity to participate in local cultural initiatives, such as temporary exhibitions, narrative walks or thematic guided tours.

• Evening

  • Dinner at a restaurant in the historic center, followed by possible participation in one of the events on the official Agrigento 2025 calendar.

Giorno 3 – Cultura diffusa: dai borghi alla costa

• Morning

  • Excursion to Favara: visit to the Farm Cultural Park, one of the most innovative contemporary art centers in southern Italy.

  • Visit the Chiaramontano Castle and traditional bakeries.

• Afternoon

  • Stop in Realmonte: Scala dei Turchi, a white cliff overlooking the sea, ideal for a scenic break.

  • Possible visit to the Realmonte Salt Mine (access by reservation only).

• Evening

  • Seafood dinner in San Leone, seaside village of Agrigento, with cultural events on the waterfront.

Day 4 – Cultural experiences and spirituality

• Morning

  • Visit the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, with its cloister and convent cakes.

• Afternoon

  • Visit to the Diocesan Museum and walk to the Belvedere for a final view of the Valley of the Temples.

  • Craft workshop or cooking class on Sicilian cuisine, perhaps related to Greek-Arabic culture.

• Evening

  • Participation in a closing event of your stay (music, screening or literary reading).

Useful tips

• Displacement: rental car recommended for excursions in the surrounding area.
• Reservations: many cultural events will be by reservation, check the official Capital of Culture 2025 website.
• Ideal time: spring and early fall (mild climate, fewer crowds).
• Typical food to try: fish cous cous, arancine, minne di Sant’Agata, cannoli, pasta with sardines.