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Garden · Agrigento, Sicília
Giardino della Kolymbethra
Garden in a small valley within the Valle dei Templi, with orange trees, almond trees and ancient olive trees, and underground water galleries dating to the Greek period. Managed by the FAI.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Giardino della Kolymbethra
The Giardino della Kolymbethra occupies a small valley between the Tempio dei Dioscuri and the Tempio di Vulcano, inside the Valle dei Templi area. In the time of Akragas, the place received water from a network of aqueducts cut into the rock, the so-called Phaeacian aqueducts, and it was a large pool or reservoir — the kolymbethra of the Greek name.
Over the centuries the valley became an irrigated vegetable garden and orchard. After decades of abandonment, the garden was restored by the FAI, the Italian heritage fund, which manages it in agreement with the archaeological park. Today there are orange trees, lemon trees, tangerine trees, almond trees, pistachio trees and ancient olive trees, with the traditional irrigation system.
Dirt paths lead to the bottom of the valley, offering shade and silence, and you can see up close the entrances to the underground water galleries. It is a break between the temples, especially in the heat.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
At midday, when the shade of the trees is much appreciated, or in spring, when the orange trees bloom.
How to get there
The entrance is inside the Valle dei Templi area, near the Tempio dei Dioscuri, on the west side of the park.
Tip
The garden has its own ticketing and opening hours: check in advance. Wear closed shoes, because the paths are dirt and include steps.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Giardino della Kolymbethra
Is the Giardino della Kolymbethra included in the Valle dei Templi ticket?
Usually not: it has its own ticket, charged at the garden entrance. Check the rules before you go.
What is there to see in the garden?
Orchard of citrus trees, almond trees and ancient olive trees, and the underground water galleries from the Greek period.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. It's a short, shady outing, good to combine with a visit to the temples.