Dioscuri Bay Palace

Set in an attractive bay, the htl boasts a view of the historical and monumental heart of Agrigento, at the foot of which lies the enchanting Valley of temples.[more]

Set in an attractive bay, the htl boasts a view of the historical and monumental heart of Agrigento, at the foot of which lies the enchanting Valley of temples. Ideal for both the businessman and the tourist, it has 102 rooms incl 2 junior suites, furnished in an elegant and subdued colour. All the bedrms have balconies from which to admire the view over the sea or inland and all have air-conditioning and soundproofing. To the highest level of comfort, the rms offer modern technology with outgoing fax capability, automatic alarm and the use of personal computers on request. Enclosed between the wings of the hotel are a covered gdn and an American bar to enliven guest's evenings.

Founded in 581 BC by colonists from neighbouring Gela who named it Akragas, it rapidly grew in economic, civil and military importance, so much so that in league with Syracuse it vanquished the Carthaginian army at Imera in 480 BC and scaled down its expansionist ambitions. From this era the most imposing and important architectural remains, which put the city on the same artistic level as the most important Greek cities.The city is divided into two areas; the modern urban centre and the 'Valley of the Temples', the ancient sacred territory which today has become a focus of historical and architectural interest. Without doubt the most spectacular surviving trace of ancient Akragas is the temple of Concordia. Built towards the middle of the 5th century and dedicated to the Dioscuri, the construction stands out imposingly in an amazing state of preservation; "in comparison with the temples of Paestum, it stands like the figure of God before that of a giant" noted Goethe during his journey of 1787. The temple of the Dioscuri and that of Juno date from the same period. The modern part of Agrigento too preserves glories and remains of the past in a curious mixture of Arabic, Roman and Baroque architecture; the little church of San Calogero; the Cathedral and the Abbey of the Holy Spirit.[less]