Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Greci
Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Greci
Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Greci
4.5
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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4.5
294 reviews
Excellent
190
Very good
87
Average
16
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Vadim
Murmansk, Russia34,995 contributions
Jul 2019
This Church was built in 1200 AD. It is called "dei Greci" because the service here was conducted according to the Greek, Byzantine rite. But before when Agrigento was Akragas, there was the ancient Greek temple of Athena. Its Foundation has been preserved. it can be seen through a glass floor and a side mini-tunnel. It's a bit like the Church of San Clemente in Rome. Church-manual of archaeology. The only one in Agrigento.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Appoline
Toulouse, France139 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
A very hard to find ancient Temple of Athena, which is referenced thankfully and can push you to find it, especially after a visit to the Valley of the Temples.
The fact that the glass floor can still let you see the crypt underneath with that Chtonian (Greek gods of the underworld) pit is fascinating. Like others said the place is strangely peaceful and also very rooted.
I was mesmerized by such a beautiful sacred place, where the Greek and Christian energies collide. Plus it allowed me to say a prayer to Goddess Athena whom I worship and honor her ancient culture there.
The fact that the glass floor can still let you see the crypt underneath with that Chtonian (Greek gods of the underworld) pit is fascinating. Like others said the place is strangely peaceful and also very rooted.
I was mesmerized by such a beautiful sacred place, where the Greek and Christian energies collide. Plus it allowed me to say a prayer to Goddess Athena whom I worship and honor her ancient culture there.
Written 15 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
niki101
London, UK763 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
The history of the building starts in the 5th century BC when on the same site was built a Greek temple dedicated to Athena. It was pretty emotional to see the survived columns from the Greek temple incorporated into the walls through the glass floor, and even to touch them in the underground tunnel in the flower-filled courtyard.
At one point, during the Norman times, the church became the cathedral of the city, while at the same time the Normans were building San Gerlando’s Cathedral not far away. The frescoes go back to 15th century and show images of Mary’s life. Despite being damaged they are still beautiful.
A young woman was there to give me some information about the church in English. She also explained about the entrances: the current entrance of the church is on the west side but as a temple, the entrance was on the east side. Thank you!
To reach the church was an amazing experience itself. Tucked away in the old top part of Agrigento, we had to stroll in the charming maze of narrow streets with hundred steep steps and courtyards. I didn’t mind to get lost around for hours. During our visit, meeting some of the locals was a rare event but it was a great joy walking among some of their old charming houses and colourful streets. After seeing so much rubbish everywhere in Agrigento, people here really deserve some respect for trying to keep their streets clean and fresh.
The church has opening hours so I had to return to be able to visit. Enjoy it!
At one point, during the Norman times, the church became the cathedral of the city, while at the same time the Normans were building San Gerlando’s Cathedral not far away. The frescoes go back to 15th century and show images of Mary’s life. Despite being damaged they are still beautiful.
A young woman was there to give me some information about the church in English. She also explained about the entrances: the current entrance of the church is on the west side but as a temple, the entrance was on the east side. Thank you!
To reach the church was an amazing experience itself. Tucked away in the old top part of Agrigento, we had to stroll in the charming maze of narrow streets with hundred steep steps and courtyards. I didn’t mind to get lost around for hours. During our visit, meeting some of the locals was a rare event but it was a great joy walking among some of their old charming houses and colourful streets. After seeing so much rubbish everywhere in Agrigento, people here really deserve some respect for trying to keep their streets clean and fresh.
The church has opening hours so I had to return to be able to visit. Enjoy it!
Written 3 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kinnie0001
London, UK208 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
Amazing to consider its history. It’s incredible to see the Greek pillars as part of the walls and the Greek remains under the floor - which can be seen as they’re covered in transparent plastic.
Written 7 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ton249
Island of Malta, Malta47 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
the remains of the old temple underneath the church are interesting. plus the entrance to the church is pretty cute
Written 15 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
malende
Montevideo, Uruguay23 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
The church was built on top of an ancient temple. You can see the crepidome and part of the columns at the side of the church.The floor of the altar and part of the central nave are made of glass so you can see the temple below. The neighbourhood is also interesting, with streets made of stairs going up and down and children running.
Written 12 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dandls402
Leicester, UK38 contributions
Oct 2019
We eventually found this small, peaceful church at the end of a tiring day visiting the Valley of the Temples. It is hard to find, and a very steep climb up hundreds of steps through a labrynth of backstreets. But it is well worth it when you get there.
The Norman church was built around a 5th century BC temple, and the columns in the nave are really recycled Doric columns. Amazing. The actual visit was short, but stayed with me for a long time afterwards.
The Norman church was built around a 5th century BC temple, and the columns in the nave are really recycled Doric columns. Amazing. The actual visit was short, but stayed with me for a long time afterwards.
Written 21 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
haohuangpianist
Claremont, CA228 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
This is one of the most special ancient churches I've ever visited, and I've been to many all over the world. We had the added bonus of hearing a service with ACCORDION! Only in Sicily. The view from the terrace is mind-boggling.
Written 9 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tarquinvi
vancouver, bc87 contributions
May 2018
This little church is reached by walking up narrow streets and many steps. The route is well marked, and the effor tis worthwhile. Not all the ancient temples in 5th century Akragas were on the ridge in the Valley of Temples, This was a small 5th century temple, converted into a Christian Church by filling in the peristyle and piercing the cella walls with arches. The present church is medieval, Norman one would guess, with the usual workmanlike Norman stonework (stone no doubt pilfered from other ancient buildings), and a lovely timber ceiling. I agree with the reviewers who call this church a gem and magical. There is still a sense of the sacred in this church, as well as a clear view into layers of the history of Sicily.
Written 29 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel B
NEW YORK179 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
The Catholic Church of Santa Maria dei Greci is a beautiful Little Gem that you should try to see when in Agrigento seeing the Greek Ruins .. This lovely little church was built of an Ancient Greek Temple, was begun around 1200 AC and is a mixture of Greek and Byzantine styles. Yes you are most likely in Agrigento to see The Valley of The Temples which is an absolute must do with the Cathedral San Gerlando of Agrigento would be 2nd on your list, and I would say along with the Pirandello Theater being 3rd, Id make this church your number 4 most important stop.
When anywhere in Italy, especially the South & Sicily seeing as many beautiful churches is near the top of my list after the Food, and other major sights. I love a big beautiful cathedral but for some reason it's the small little Gem Churches like this one that move me most, and if you go there I'm sure you'll agree.
If going there I would highly recommend one of the best places to eat in all of Agrigento. It's a small little rosticceria tavola calda called PALUMBO and it's right at the PIAZZA SINATRA which is on the way to this church. This place is great for lunch or dinner. Trust me, they make one of the best Roast Chicken with Potatoes you're ever likely to eat in your life, and at just 3.5 Euros its an absolute steal. Everything is great here including : Pasta, ARANCINI (Rice Balls) and Frittata. So make it a great double header of lunch or dinner at PALUMBO before or after going to the lovely little church fo Santa Maria d Greci. Enjoy !
When anywhere in Italy, especially the South & Sicily seeing as many beautiful churches is near the top of my list after the Food, and other major sights. I love a big beautiful cathedral but for some reason it's the small little Gem Churches like this one that move me most, and if you go there I'm sure you'll agree.
If going there I would highly recommend one of the best places to eat in all of Agrigento. It's a small little rosticceria tavola calda called PALUMBO and it's right at the PIAZZA SINATRA which is on the way to this church. This place is great for lunch or dinner. Trust me, they make one of the best Roast Chicken with Potatoes you're ever likely to eat in your life, and at just 3.5 Euros its an absolute steal. Everything is great here including : Pasta, ARANCINI (Rice Balls) and Frittata. So make it a great double header of lunch or dinner at PALUMBO before or after going to the lovely little church fo Santa Maria d Greci. Enjoy !
Written 7 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Si paga per visitare la chiesa? Il giorno 2 novembre potrebbe essere aperta di pomeriggio?
Written 1 August 2018
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