Two surviving columns and the base of the Temple of Vulcan (or Hephaestus) can be found just beyond the Kolymbethra. This temple, which dates back to the late 5th century BC, is the last temple to be built in the valley and seems to have ‘swallowed up’ an older temple which was incorporated in the inner cella. Even though the temple is in Doric style, it has some Ionic characteristics. Its name derives from a Latin text which refers to the area as “Collis Vulcanius”, possibly due to the presence of sulphur deposits on the hill. Vulcan is a God with a contradictory nature: both constructive and destructive. As the God of Fire he was attributed the power to consume and destroy, thus his forces were invoked to conquer the enemy; according to Plutarch (1st century AD) this explains why Vulcan’s temples were always erected along the fortified walls of the cities. On the other hand, the God Vulcan is identified with the positive strength of a blacksmith, ‘deus faber’: with his creative force he forges metals and therefore guarantees the manufacture of weapons for the defence of the city and of utensils, jewels, statues and coins for the prosperity of its citizens. The temple is accessible by foot walking trough of Kolymbethra’s garden or by means of the historic train of the Temple Valley by Fondazione FS Italiane, which goes from Agrigento to Porto Empedocle.
The Temple of Vulcan is only accessible passing through the Garden of Kolymbethra: then, to visit the Temple of Vulcan it is necessary to buy combo ticket: Valley of the Temples + Garden of the Kolymbethra.
We are waiting for you for a visit in total safety in compliance with the anti-Covid regulations in force.
You can visit the Temple of Vulcan in the same months and normal opening hours of the Garden of the Kolymbethra:
Open daily 10:00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. (November, December, January, February)
10:00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (March, April, May, June and October)
10:00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (July August and September)
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing.
Reservation and purchase of tickets through the Call center or on CoopCulture website is recommended.
Combo Ticket: Valley of the Temples + Garden of the Kolymbethra= € 16
Valley of the Temples: contacts for institutional information
Tel. +39 0922621611
Garden of the Kolymbethra: contacts for information and booking guided tours
tel. +39 3351229042
CoopCulture – Call center: contacts for reservations, tickets and information
tel. +39 09221839996
The following coordinates indicate the point of interest
GPS
N 37° 17' 34.48''
E 13° 34' 43.68''
Google maps
37.29291, 13.57880
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