Botanical Garden

About two thousand plants and more than three hundred different varieties of Mediterranean vegetation flourish in the Botanical Garden. This marvellous ‘green treasure’ covers an area of approximately seven hectares and is situated not far from the Valley of the Temples. It may be considered an ‘open air museum’ because, besides the rich variety of indigenous plants, it also contains numerous fossils and archaeologically interesting features such as aqueducts and caves used for different purposes by various populations over the centuries. The Garden is crisscrossed by numerous paths which conduct the visitors to shady spots and hidden corners, enabling them to admire the various species, each clearly illustrated and classified. Rest points with a view over the Valley of the Temples are conveniently situated at various levels of the sandstone terraces. The origins of the Garden are rather peculiar: initially it was conceived as an agricultural colony and destined to be used for socio-therapeutic purposes by the ‘guests’ of the nearby psychiatric hospital. After the closure of the mental institute, the area was reorganized for public fruition by the Libero Consorzio di Agrigento and the FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano. Visitors are offered guided tours of the Garden and the possibility to participate in seasonal events such as the harvesting of the olives; the olive oil produced is donated to charity organizations. Last but not least, visitors may also direct.