VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES...
by SirRichard
VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES (AGRIGENTO)
Agrigento is a small town located in the south coast of Sicily. It's world famous by its many greek temples, at the Valley of Temples. The most famous of them is the Temple of Concord (Tempio della Concordia, built from 450 to 440 BC), best preserved, because it was used by the Christians after the pagan civilization fell.
This is an archaeological site (just south of the city) of great religious importance and incredible beauty, whose ten temples were built between the 6th and 5th century BC. The dry air of Agrigento has conserved these temples for posterity.
From other Italian cities:...
by princesss
From other Italian cities: bus/train/plane. If you catch a train from the Italian mainland you might have to change train in Messina. Trains are cheap. Rome-Palermo is about 12 hours and 30$ ('97).
In the centre: by feet. Outside the centre by bus. The public transportation is ok.
The Chinese Palace was under...
by ucbwalker
The Chinese Palace was under extensive renovation when we visited. It's located in Parco della Favorita, most of which is not a park at all but a giant swath of unkempt wasteland with a big shantytown in the middle of it. Stay out of this park.
Quattro Canti
by ruki
This square is in the center of Palermo and it divide city in four parts. On the square theer are four buildings with fountains which simbolized four seasons.
Also there are are statues of the four Spanis monarchs and at the top there the four saints protecting the four quarters: St.Cristina, St.Oliva, St.Ninfa and St.Agata. It is very interesting square.
Orto Botanico - Botanical Gareden
by Paisleypaul
"Botanical Garden / Orto Botanico"
On Via Lincoln, it is about 400 M on your right if you walk from where the Piazza Giulio Cesare at Stazione Centrale meets the foot of Via Roma.
Botany was first taught here in Palermo, upgraded in 1795 to science from hobby.
Tel. 091 6238234 ; www.ortobotanico,palermo.it
The tariff stated entry about Eu3.50 but was free on the Sunday we went
"Alien world? Root system of Ficus magnolioides"
Appears to stand like a dog with two sets of legs (trunks) and a body...?
"No man is an island"
The sculpture of Paride is on your right almost immediately on entering, in the pond afront the Queen Maria Carolina glass house
"Visitors in all colours"
Paride's pond, and the unusual fauna, attracts some colourful characters.....
"Lounge Lizard"
Of course, red and green should never be seen, but this camera shy character was not quite hidden
"Orto botanico or bust"
A welcome change of pace, some quiet and fresh air minutes from Stazione Centrale
"Bio Diversity"
See papaya and cotton, bamboo and banana, avocado and sugar cane among rusty figs and mandarins
"And farewell from your hosts"
The entrance was originally to Villa Giulia, which means the remarkable entrance looks nothing from Via Abraham Lincoln...until it's time to go....
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The Cathedral of Palermo
Christ Pantocrator in the dome
Pete, Chris and Barry
La Vucciria runners
