Temple of Concordia

At a glance. The true symbol of the Valley of the Temples, this masterpiece is among the best-preserved Doric monuments in the world. Did you know that in Byzantine era, this pagan temple became a Christian basilica after an exorcism? Find it on the map and read the origin of its name!

Good to know. The Valley of the Temples stands among the most precious architectural complexes bestowed upon humanity by ancient Greek civilization, and the Temple of Concordia is its brightest jewel. The sight of this monument is truly breathtaking. Standing before its harmonious lines, one begins to grasp the sense of wonder that captivated Grand Tour travelers in their pursuit of “classical perfection.” Indeed, alongside the “Theseion” of Athens and the “Temple of Neptune” (or Hera) in Paestum, the Temple of Concordia in Agrigento is among the best-preserved Doric temples in the world.

At the end of the 4th century AD, during the Byzantine era, the temple was adapted into a Christian church by Bishop Gregory, a conversion that effectively secured its remarkable state of preservation. By opening arches along the sides of the inner cella, the bishop transformed the structure into a three-nave basilica, which he dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul after exorcising the demons Eber and Raps from the site. This dual dedication has led some scholars to hypothesize that the temple may originally have been consecrated to the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux.

In truth, the monument was conventionally named the “Temple of Concordia” due to an Imperial-era Latin inscription discovered on-site – now housed in the Regional Archaeological Museum – which actually bears no historical relation to the temple itself. Nevertheless, true to its modern name, this sanctuary serves as the heart of the evocative lighting of the Tripod of Friendship during the Almond Blossom Festival: an international celebration of folklore and peace among nations that unites the ancient and modern city in a shared, harmonious embrace.