Temple of Olympian Zeus, Agrigento

The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Agrigento was an ambitious project that aimed to surpass all other Greek temples in size. Construction began around 480 BC to celebrate the Greek victory over Carthage, but it was never completed. The temple would have measured 112 meters long and 56 meters wide, with columns 20 meters high. Unlike typical Greek temples, it featured a unique design with massive stone figures (telamones) standing between the columns, supporting the entablature. Today, only the foundation and a few scattered elements remain, including a reclining telamon that has been reassembled. The site is a powerful reminder of the scale and ambition of ancient Akragas. Visitors can walk among the fallen drums and capitals, imagining the temple's intended grandeur. The nearby garden contains fragments of other temples and offers a peaceful spot for reflection.

Don't miss

• See the enormous fallen columns, some still with their fluting visible.
• View the reconstructed telamon (giant stone figure) lying on its side, which gives a sense of the temple's scale.
• Walk the length of the foundation to appreciate the temple's massive footprint.
• Visit the nearby Garden of Kolymbetra, a lush valley with citrus trees and ancient irrigation channels.
• Imagine the temple's intended appearance by studying the models and information panels on site.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Temple of Olympian Zeus, Agrigento

Cheapest way inAgrigento: Valley of the Temples Tour – Small Group or Private4.7★ · 109 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$34 per personSee dates →Most bookedAgrigento : dinner and immersive show in the Valley of the Temples4.6★ · 29 travelers~3 hoursFrom$69 per personSee dates →