Valle di Templi

In simple English, it means Valley of the Temples, and it is located in old Sicily. The archaeological splendor of Italy is beautifully reflected in the vale or valley where you can find the remains of several stupendous Greek temples that were mostly built during 5th century BC and have survived the ravages of war, religious hatred and natural calamities.

History often plays amazing games, especially when millenniums cover events, as had happened in the case of these colossal monuments. Rivalry between the Carthaginians and Romans had once reached to such heights that most of the temples were set ablaze by the former, only to be restored to their former glory by the latter a century later. The subsequent state of disrepair was mostly due to seismic disorder and apathy on part of the local administration but had eventually received adequate preservation facilities at a much later date. The only edifice that somehow stands in its former glory is the Temple of Concord that was unceremoniously converted into a Christian Church at a later date.

All the temples in the valley or whatever remains of them face the rising sun (East facing) with the sole idea that the earliest rays of the golden orbit will worship the images of God in no uncertain manner. Constructed mostly in limestone, the edifices tend to provide exceptionally impressive sight to visitors who drive down to the precincts. At sunset, the picture turns more dramatic with a warm golden hue spreading all over them.

A half-day walking tour of the Valley of the temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site will easily cover most of the temples that include that of Hera, Concordia, Herakles, Zeus and the sanctuary of Chtonian deities. On your next trip to Italy do not forget to visit the Valley of Temples.