Agrigento Slow Tour: Valley of the Temples and Scala dei Turchi

Let’s try a different route from the usual tourist trail

Slow Tour in the area of Agrigento: ready for a tour through the Valley of the Temples?

We’re heading for the temples, taking a different route from the usual tourist trail. The view is amazing and it’s been standing here since the 5th century BC! Anyone coming from the sea could see the temples lined up on the hilltop.

Next stop at the Scala dei Turchi: the white marl has shaped these step-like formations that stretch down to the sea. Closed off to people, to keep it safe.

Video full text: MAMMA… LOOK OUT, THE TURKS ARE COMING!

Welcome! Ready for a tour through the Valley of the Temples?
Absolutely!
We’re heading for the temples, taking a different route from the usual tourist trail
I’d never seen a pistachio tree before!
This route cuts through the countryside of Agrigento
It’s spectacular! And it’s been standing here since the 5th century BC!
Let’s go and take a look. Hurry up, Zoe!
Wait, I’m coming
It’s marvellous
The whole temple was originally coloured
Anyone coming from the sea could see the temples lined up on the hilltop
What a view…
Hey mum…
Oh, you made it!
Did you film it all?
Yes, but it’s nothing compared to seeing it with your own eyes!
The video really doesn’t do it justice!
So you’ve got to come and see for yourselves
Here you can admire the temples just as they should be seen
What’s it like? It’s incredible!
It’s important to safeguard the landscape, because it’s a precious resource
It’s time to rediscover the sense of beauty that existed in ancient times
What can be done for Italy as regards tourism?
We need to promote responsible tourism that doesn’t ruin the landscape, encouraging tourists to really experience the area and to respect what it has to offer
The Scala dei Turchi!
What a wonderful sight!
The white marl has shaped these step-like formations that stretch down to the sea
Why are they called the “Scala dei Turchi”, the Stairs of the Turks?
Is it a reference to the arrival of the Turks, or the Ottomans?
They probably landed here with their ships and hid, waiting for the right moment to head up these steps and raid the area
“Mamma… Look out, the Turks are coming”!
Today’s “invaders” are the tourists, who clamber up the cliff like Sunday climbers, injuring themselves, damaging the rock and getting burnt to a frazzle in the process.
This is why it’s been closed off.
Better just to admire it from a distance and take a photo or two.
Get the right light…oooh, that’s a good one!
We’ve seen the Scala dei Turchi, taken the photos…
All we need now is the t-shirt!