Temple of Heracles
Nine columns stand in a rough row against the Sicilian sky — all that remains upright of what was once a temple with thirty-eight. The Temple of Heracles is the oldest structure in the Valley of the Temples, raised around 510 BC, and its scale still registers even in ruin: the platform alone runs nearly 74 metres long.
The attribution to Heracles comes from Cicero, who mentioned the temple in his prosecution of the corrupt governor Verres, noting that a statue of the hero stood inside. The Romans later divided the interior into three rooms, adding a chamber that held a statue of Asklepios — evidence that the building's purpose shifted across centuries, as temples here often did.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who return tend to come back at the edges of the day. The nine columns catch low morning light differently than midday sun — shadows lengthen across the stone platform and the texture of the drums becomes legible in a way it isn't at noon. The Roman mausoleum below the temple, misnamed the Tomb of Theron, is easy to walk past; it rewards a second look.
The story behind Temple of Heracles
Construction began around 510 BC, making this the oldest of Agrigento's temples. Who commissioned it remains unsettled — scholars including Ross Holloway have proposed the tyrant Theron, though other evidence suggests the foundations predate his rule. The temple introduced angle contraction to Sicilian architecture, a refinement in column spacing that later became standard, and contains the earliest known stairs cut into a cella leading to the roof.
The Carthaginian siege of 406 BC damaged much of the city, the temple among it. Under Roman rule the interior was remodelled and apparently rededicated. The nine columns standing today were re-erected in 1923 by Alexander Hardcastle, an English captain and amateur archaeologist who devoted considerable resources to the Valley of the Temples during the early twentieth century.
Good to know
Bus Line 1 from Agrigento runs every 30 minutes and costs €1.70; the eastern entrance is a 3 km walk from town. Arrive before 10 AM or after 5 PM in summer. A combo ticket with the Regional Archaeological Museum is worth taking. Evening opening runs weekday nights in summer until 11 PM.
Summer days regularly reach 31°C and July brings almost no rain — early morning or late evening visits make a real difference to comfort. Winter is mild, around 15°C, with alternating sun and rain; the site is far less crowded and the light is softer.
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What travellers say about Temple of Heracles
I opted to start at this end of the Valley of Temples by taking the taxi from the parking lot. Its an easier walk going downhill, but this is a fairly easy walk by Sicily standards. A unique temple, not as fully developed as the other.
Oldest temple in the valley dating back to 6th century BC. There used to be 38 columns, all that remains is 8. You'll see pieces of the fallen columns right next to the temple. An amazing site to visit.
The Temple of Heracles is breathtaking — even though it’s partly in ruins, the atmosphere is powerful. You can almost feel the weight of history standing among the massive columns (8 still standing tall after thousands of years!). It’s less crowded than the more famous Temple of Concordia, which makes it easier to really take it in. The whole Valley of the Temples is huge, so wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and be ready to walk. The views during sunset are stunning, with the golden light hitting the stone — it feels timeless. If you love history, archaeology, or just unique travel experiences, this is a must-see.
Great place to visit! If going during summer it is hot and not huge amounts of shade. There was paid parking and no queue to enter. There is a paid bus when in side to zip you a long a long walk way! The bus kid €4 per per each way - great if you are hot! The temples are great and pictures do no justice. Was very fascinating with lots of information you can read.
Impressive temple remains amongst a series of similar archaeological sites within this park. While the columns here are evocative and add to the visual beauty of these remains it is nonetheless difficult to imagine the full structure as it once was.
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