The Temple of Concordia: Jewel of Sicily’s Valley of the Temples
A masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture, remarkably preserved through centuries, standing as Sicily’s most iconic archaeological wonder.
The Temple of Concordia: Introduction
Rising high on the ‘hill of the temples’ in Sicily’s sun-baked landscape, the Temple of Concordia is celebrated as one of the world’s best-preserved examples of Doric temple architecture. Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, this ancient sanctuary stands both as a stunning architectural feat and as a testament to the complex layers of history that have shaped the Mediterranean world.
Historical Context: Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples is a vast archaeological area encompassing the remnants of Akragas—once one of the most powerful cities of Magna Graecia, the term for Greek colonies in southern Italy and Sicily. Founded in the 6th century BCE by Greek settlers, Akragas flourished, and its skyline was soon crowned with majestic temples dedicated to ancient gods. The religious, cultural, and political importance of the city is embodied in its grand sanctuaries, with the Temple of Concordia as its centerpiece.
The construction of the main temples began in the 5th century BCE, at a time when Akragas reached its greatest extent and prosperity. The city’s wealth—and its pride in Hellenic identity—found its ultimate expression in monuments like the Temple of Concordia and its neighbors.
Origins and Naming of the Temple of Concordia
The Temple of Concordia (Italian: Tempio della Concordia) was erected between 440 and 430 BCE. Interestingly, the temple’s current name is a Renaissance attribution. It derives from a nearby Latin inscription from the 1st century AD, which honored the goddess Concordia (the Roman personification of harmony). There is no definitive evidence of the original Greek dedication, and the true deity to whom the temple was devoted remains unknown. However, the name “Concordia” has persisted through the centuries and has become inseparable from the monument’s identity.
Architectural Features
The Temple of Concordia is renowned for its striking execution of Doric architecture, the dominant style for Greek temples of the era. Its harmonious proportions, symmetry, and robust construction have contributed to its remarkable preserved state.
- Layout: The temple is a classic peripteros—surrounded on all four sides by a colonnade. It features 6 columns on the front and rear facades (hexastyle), and 13 on each flank for a total of 34 columns.
- Dimensions: The temple stands on a base measuring approximately 39 meters long and 17 meters wide, with a total height (including pediment) of roughly 13 meters.
- Columns: Each column rises to about 6 meters (nearly 20 feet), with 20 flutes and a slight entasis (a subtle bulge to counteract optical illusions).
- Material: Constructed primarily from local tufa limestone, the edifice was originally covered in stucco and painted in vibrant colors typical of ancient Greek temples.
- Structure: The temple houses a naos (main cella), pronaos (front porch), and opisthodomos (rear chamber), all following the standard layout of Greek sanctuaries.
- Base: The temple stands on a four-stepped platform (crepidoma), providing structural stability on the undulating Sicilian terrain and visual elevation against the horizon.
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Order | Doric |
| Columns | 6 (front/rear) × 13 (sides), total 34 columns |
| Column Height | ~6 meters (20 feet) |
| Base Size | 39 x 17 meters |
| Total Height | Over 13 meters |
| Material | Local tufa limestone |
| Notable Features | Entasis; 20 grooves per column; four-stepped platform |
Geometric and Spatial Design
The temple exemplifies classical geometric principles of symmetry and proportionality. The careful arrangement and equal spacing of columns address both aesthetic harmony and weight distribution. The temple’s rectangular form ensures unity and clarity, and interior steps for roof access—a unique Akragantine feature—demonstrate attention to maintenance and long-term preservation.
Transformation and Preservation
Over its long history, the Temple of Concordia has experienced profound transformations that contributed to its survival:
- Conversion to a Christian Church: In the 6th century AD, during the decline of the Western Roman Empire, Bishop Gregory II converted the temple into a Christian basilica, dedicating it to Saints Peter and Paul. This adaptation involved significant changes:
- The spaces between the columns were walled up.
- Arches were cut into the walls of the naos, dividing the interior into three naves.
- The opisthodomos was demolished to create a new western entrance aligned with Christian liturgical orientation.
- Restoration: The temple was restored during various periods. The Roman-era modifications included replacing the original terracotta roof with a marble one of steeper pitch on the eastern face. Twentieth-century restoration efforts focused on anastylosis—reassembling columns and revealing architectural details such as the internal staircase.
The conversion to a church paradoxically protected the temple from the destruction and repurposing that many pagan sanctuaries suffered, and thus accounts for the building’s exceptional state of preservation.
Religious and Cultural Significance
The Temple of Concordia was a focal point of ancient Akragas’s religious life. While its original Greek dedication is uncertain, the subsequent Christian use and persistent survival through varied epochs have imbued it with layers of spiritual and cultural meaning.
- Its prime location atop the valley’s ridge made it a landmark visible for miles, symbolizing the might and devotion of the Akragas citizenry.
- Archaeological traces of a large altar on the temple’s east side offer insight into ancient cult practices, such as animal sacrifice.
- The structure embodies the blend of Greek, Roman, and Christian influences that characterize Sicilian heritage.
State of Preservation and Restoration Efforts
Among all the temples at Agrigento and indeed throughout the Greek world, the Temple of Concordia stands as a paragon of preservation. Its completeness and clarity offer invaluable testimony to the ancient art of temple building and the cultural continuity of the region.
- Recognition: The Valley of the Temples, with Concordia at its heart, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, honoring its exceptional value as a representation of classical Greek architecture.
- Modern Protection: The temple is legally protected, regularly maintained, and monitored by Italian cultural authorities as part of the region’s archaeological park.
- Restoration: Key restorations include the reintegration of collapsed columns, stabilization of foundations, and conservation of ancient masonry while preserving original elements wherever possible.
Visiting the Temple of Concordia
Today, visitors to the Valley of the Temples are greeted first and foremost by the imposing silhouette of the Temple of Concordia against the Sicilian sky. The site is open year-round and offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of ancient priests, Roman citizens, early Christians, and countless travelers drawn over millennia by the majesty of its columns.
- Access: The temple is easily reached by foot from the park’s main entrances. Clear signage, abundant walkways, and guided tours are available for deeper insight.
- Surroundings: Concordia stands near other notable temples (Hera and Heracles), remains of ancient city walls, and the lush olive groves that encircle the site.
- Photography: The temple’s photogenic beauty is particularly pronounced at sunrise and sunset, with the warm Sicilian light enhancing its honey-colored stone.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Location: Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park, Agrigento, Sicily
- Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours for the temple and its environs; half-day for the entire site
- Facilities: On-site visitor centers, bathrooms, and informational panels
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and lush scenery
Quick Facts and Highlights
- Architectural Style: Doric, peripteral hexastyle
- Era: Built between 440–430 BCE
- Dimensions: 39 × 17 m base; columns 6 m high
- Preservation: Near-intact structure, thanks in part to its conversion into a church
- UNESCO Listing: Part of the Valley of the Temples World Heritage Site
- Symbolism: Representative of the prosperity of ancient Akragas and the architectural prowess of Magna Graecia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where is the Temple of Concordia located?
A: The temple is located in the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, on Sicily’s southern coast, Italy.
Q: Why is it called the Temple of Concordia?
A: The name comes from a nearby Latin inscription honoring the Roman goddess Concordia; the original ancient Greek dedication is unknown.
Q: What makes the Temple of Concordia special among Greek temples?
A: It is one of the most well-preserved Doric temples in the world, rivaled only by the Parthenon in Athens, and serves as an exemplary model of classical architecture.
Q: Can visitors enter the temple?
A: Access to the temple’s immediate precinct is allowed, but entering the actual cella is typically restricted to aid preservation efforts.
Q: How did the temple survive for so long?
A: Its conversion into a Christian church in the 6th century AD protected it from widespread destruction that befell many pagan monuments.
What to See Around the Temple of Concordia
The Valley of the Temples is home to other magnificent ancient structures. Notable sites within walking distance of Concordia:
- Temple of Hera: Located on the eastern end, this sanctuary offers striking views over both the valley and the sea.
- Temple of Heracles: Recognized by its distinctive standing columns and ancient association with the legendary Greek hero.
- Villa Aurea: A historic residence situated just beyond the temple, offering panoramic overlooks.
- Ancient City Walls and Necropolis: Evocative ruins that provide further insight into daily life and burial customs of Akragas.
For archaeology enthusiasts, art lovers, or anyone fascinated by the ancient world, the Temple of Concordia is a must-see—an enduring symbol of Sicily’s unique blend of civilizations, faiths, and artistry.
