Just over an hour's drive from Verdura Resort is Valle dei Templi. This is a historical site located on the ridge outside the town of Agrigento, which covers an area of 1,300 hectares and is the largest archaeological park in Europe. It is also one of the most outstanding examples of ancient Greek art and Greater Greek architecture, and since 1997 the entire complex has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it one of the best places to visit in Sicily.
The picture comes from the Internet
The whole Temple Valley is very large, which also led to a small episode: we didn't think much about it when we came, and only entered its name in the navigation, and the navigation sent us directly to the middle of the Temple Valley, leaving us at a loss to look at the guardrail that could not be seen at a glance. Later, I learned that the ticket office was at both ends of the Valley of the Temples, so that visitors could go up from the bottom of the mountain or down from the top of the mountain.
The Valley of the Temples can be said to be the origin of Agrigento, as it was the ancient city of Akragas, the predecessor of Agrigento. In the 6th century BC, Greek colonists from Gela settled here, making it one of the major cities of the Golden Age of Ancient Greece. After more than a hundred years of development, and under the leadership of the tyrant Theron, it was filled with a large number of ambitious public works and temple buildings, which are the architectural predecessors of the Valley of the Temples that can be seen today. Of course, for this reason, the famous Greek lyric poet Pindaro praised it as "La più bella città dei mortali", which means "the most beautiful city in the world".
However, the popularity and special location attracted the Carthaginians, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans, and it was constantly destroyed and rebuilt, and its inhabitants gradually moved to live on the top of the hills next door to escape the war.
After a while, we finally entered through the east gate, and the first thing we saw was the temple of Hera at the easternmost end of the ridge, which was built in the 5th century BC but was destroyed in a fire when the Carthaginians sacked the city a few decades later. It is a simple and classic Doric style building, as can be distinguished from the columns, like the other temples in the Valley of the Temples.
Temple of Hera
We didn't stay long before we were attracted by the more well-preserved temple in the distance and hurried towards it. Probably because the sun is shining brightly and the tourists are scarce, it stands quietly there, looking particularly majestic. While admiring, we watched in circles and took pictures from all angles.
Temple of Harmony
Although it is impossible to verify who the main deity is enshrined in, it is known as the Temple of Harmony because of the Latin inscription found near it with the name of Concordia, the goddess of harmony. It was also built in the 5th century BC and later used as a Christian church, with the idols and friars of the interior built, although in 1785 the church was partially demolished to restore it to its original Greek temple. It is one of the best-preserved temples in the world and is therefore one of the most famous buildings in Greek civilization. And interestingly, the UNESCO emblem also alludes to the six-pillar façade of the façade of this temple.
Originally, I just thought it was very magnificent, but when my companion suddenly mentioned that it was in the same era as our Warring States, I was particularly shocked, and I began to be inexplicably moved, as if I was talking to the humans of the past, as if I could feel the amazing willpower and vigorous vitality of the ancients. They spend their lives just to express their inner thoughts and create their own culture. After leaving, I saw the bronze statue of Icarus created by Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj for this place in 2011, and I felt the continuation of these ideas and cultures. In particular, the touching story of Icarus, the winged angel, adds a touch of tragedy and poignancy to this place.
There were originally seven ruins of seven temples in the Valley of the Temples, all of whom faced east, like giants from the Great Kingdom, guarding the inhabitants of the city-state, and poets and writers of different eras were also captivated by them, offering all kinds of unstinting praise. However, after all, it is difficult to escape the erosion of time, and various natural and man-made disasters have befallen you, and other temples are now basically in ruins.
The Temple of Hercules, which dates back to the 6th century BC, is the oldest temple in the Valley of the Temples, as only eight pillars remain today due to the earthquake; The Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest temple in Sicily, was built to celebrate the victory over the Carthaginians, and was not only destroyed by an earthquake, but later used as a quarry, and now only a stone platform and some stones remain; The temple of Dioscuri, dedicated to the twin gods, has only four pillars, which were barely cobbled together by later generations based on nearby stones.
Temple of Hercules
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Temple of Dioscuri
In addition to the temple, there are also the remains of a number of dwellings and tombs, where the aforementioned tyrant Theron is buried. There are also monuments to the Punic Wars and a historical museum with some artifacts from ancient Greek clay pots. It took us most of the day to walk around the Valley of the Temples, and when we left, we saw the modern buildings and asphalt roads and we were still a little in a trance, and we couldn't help but imagine what our time could leave for future generations.
Wandering around the Valley of the Temples is like experiencing a time travel, the soul is baptized, and the body is hollowed out. Once we got out of the car and got in the car, we hurried to Taormina to the northeast to experience the San Domenico Palace, where Four Seasons has created a luxury retreat.
The San Domenico Palace Hotel stands on a rocky headland by the Ionian Sea. In addition to the beautiful cliffs of the sea, there is also a panoramic view of the Etna volcano and the town of Taormina, which is really a timely gift of happiness for us who have just "crossed".
Converted from a 14th-century convent, the hotel's walls and signage show that Four Seasons has sought to preserve its historic appearance while maintaining the standards of a luxury hotel. If the morning trip to the Valley of the Temples was a physical journey, here it is even more immersive.
Due to the renovation of the monastery, the lobby of the hotel is inconspicuous and even a little cramped, but it is unique when you walk in. The lounge area of the hotel is elegantly and comfortably, and the pink flower display adds a lot of romantic atmosphere. The surrounding walls are covered with the treasures of the hotel owner, making it look like a small museum. I couldn't help but stop in front of the different paintings, as if the air was filled with the smell of classics from centuries ago.
The collection is truly a feature, with stunning paintings, fine porcelain and delicate sculptures that can be found everywhere, and you can be impressed by the hotel's distinctive artistic taste in the elevator waiting area, in the promenade leading to the room, or even at a casual corner.
As soon as I entered the San Domenico Palace Hotel, I felt an indescribable comfort, and when I saw the white phalaenopsis orchid in the room, I suddenly understood that the San Domenico Palace Hotel was as elegant and indifferent as this flower. Look at the ingenious doorbell, the gentle lighting, the elegant and comfortable furniture, and the just right décor...... It doesn't tell you how beautiful you are, but in a quiet way that makes you happy.
In addition to the regular rooms, the hotel has deliberately converted some of the monks' residences into guest rooms in order to bring a different experience to the guests. The hotel lady said that this type of room is popular with European and American guests, generally the fastest to book, I went to the day is also full, so there is no way to go in to visit, but just outside to enjoy already can feel very interesting, the door of these rooms is relatively low, above the door are monks according to their own beliefs painted saint statues.
Another reason why hotels are often full is that the hit American drama "The White Lotus 2" in the previous two years was filmed here, and a large number of American tourists are attracted to check in here. "The White Lotus 2" itself is about the vacation life of travelers at the San Domenico Palace Hotel, and it is no wonder that this place can be favored by the director and can be popular for so long. If nothing else, just looking at the complete variety of bars here and the invincible sea view, you can't pull your legs.
Grand Cloister
Ancient Cloister
The two secluded courtyards that often appear in the show – the Grand Cloister and the Ancient Cloister – are also the social hubs of the hotel. With more than 800 square meters of space and an ancient well in the center, the Grand Cloister is surrounded by exotic plants and flowers, and is often used as a welcome spot for the first arrival, giving guests an instant change of mood. The Ancient Cloister is a bit smaller and more secluded, making it ideal for photo shoots during the day and dinner parties at night.
Chiesa Ballroom
Sagrestia Foyer
After renovating and reopening in 2021, the hotel took it to the next level with The White Lotus, but before that, it was also very popular. As early as 1896, it became the first choice of European princes and aristocrats, including the well-known writer Oscar Wilde, stars Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren. The ballrooms between the two courtyards are connected by a variety of staircases, including the Sagrestia Foyer Ballroom, which still retains its frescoes, and which leads to the cloister of the monastery's most secret collection room, where the sacristy is kept.
The best place to encounter is the hotel's secret garden and infinity pool, when I went there it was close to sunset, looking at the afterglow in the distance I unconsciously let go for a long time, although I have encountered such pure beauty many times, but every time I will indulge in it. I want to have a volcano and the sea as a backdrop, and no one can resist taking a leisurely walk in an exotic garden or swimming in a pool at the top of a cliff.