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A journey into history in the Valley of the Temples – Agrigento, Sicily

by katerina | Jul 5,2025 | Around the world, europe

We arrived in Acragantas (its Greek name), Agrigento (a super musical name!), crossing the island from north (Palermo) to south, having the opportunity to get to know the inland with its endless fields of grain. Countless bales of straw scattered over vast expanses. A very artistic sight! Our visit had the sole purpose of touring the archaeological site, the “Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples”. We left the modern city for another visit!

So let’s meet Acragantas, in southern Sicily, one of the most brilliant cities of Magna Grecia. It was founded in 582 BC by colonists from Gela. The “most beautiful city of mortals”, as the poet Pindar called it, was a rich city with great power, home to artists, philosophers and important men of history. So, the number one reason of your visit is the “Valley of the Temples” (La Valle dei Templi). You will be impressed! Take note on the the temperatures and if it’s too hot, make sure you are properly equipped! You will need considerable time to explore the vast area amidst the olive and almond trees, between the sea and the modern city of Agrigento. Here people really struggled to save the large number of surviving temples. You will see memorial plaques with the names of those who fought for it. Since 1997 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 1,300-hectare archaeological site includes 10 Doric temples, 3 sanctuaries, a necropolis, hydraulic works, fortifications …… and many more. What do we suggest you do?

Start from the top of the archaeological site and go down the hill. First, stop at the Temple of Hera Lacinia (Tempio di Hera Lacinia), standing at an impressive location, at the top of the hill, with 24 surviving columns and obvious traces of the fire of 406 BC, when it was destroyed by the Carthaginians. Further down, with the ruins of the Greek Walls (Mura Greche) on your left, walk along the Via Sacra to the famous Temple of Concordia (Tempio della Concordia), one of the best preserved in the world. It was adopted as the logo for the UNESCO emblem. Its peristyle consists of 34 columns, on a base with 4 steps instead of the 3 that the temples in Greece had. Continue in front of the Villa Aurea to the Temple of Hercules (Tempio di Ercole), the oldest of all (6th century BC) with 8 of the 38!!! original columns standing today. To the east of the temple you can see the ruins of a large altar. In Sicily, Hercules was worshipped as a god and not as a demigod!

Enter the area of the Temple of Olympian Zeus (Tempio di Zeus Olimpico) (5th century). It was the largest in the entire West (113x56m). On its façade, instead of columns, stood Telamons, naked giants 7.60 meters high, who like Atlases held the roof on their shoulders. One of them in life size was in the space in front of us standing upright so that we could get a sense of its enormous size.

In a large area below is the complex of sanctuaries of the Chthonian Deities (Demeter and Persephone) and within it the Temple of the Dioscuri (Tempio dei Dioscuri) with its 4 remaining columns (it has become a symbol of the city).

You need two hours for this tour. However, there’s much more to see at the archaeological park on the side below the hill with the temples. It is the ancient city of Akragantas, with the Agora and the Vouleuterion, the Regional Archaeological Museum, the Necropolis and temples outside the walls, but also the Garden of Kolymbetra.

Organize yourself according to the time you have to spend and enjoy your experience on an immersive journey through history!

¬ There are 2 entrances. Porta V (east) and Porta Giunone (west) with more parking spaces. We started from there! In between them there a 2 km. distance.

¬ The best time is early in the morning. Fewer people, less heat. Minimal shade in the area!

¬ The ticket costs €17 (general admission). We got in for free with a Greek free-entry teacher ID!

¬ See here a useful digital map of the area as well as updated information about tickets and opening hours of the area:

https://www.lavalledeitempli.it/en/itineraries/temples-valley/archaeological-itinerary/

¬ Valley of the Temples Archaeological and Landscape Park itinerary

https://www.visitsicily.info/en/itinerario/landscape-and-archaeological-park-of-the-valley-of-the-temples/

https://www.orangesmile.com/travelguide/agrigento/high-resolution-maps.htm

A day in Palermo!

by katerina | Jul 4,2025 | Around the world, europe

In the largest port of Sicily, you will feel at first sight the rich history, the authenticity of the place with the impressive architectural buildings that combine unique architectural motifs of different eras! Quite a few conquerors passed through this land!

Start the tour by walking through Porta Nuova, a 15th-century gate with impressive sculptures, a monument to the victory against the Tunisians. It is located next to the Palace of the Normans (Palazzo dei Normanni) which you will see later, making a stop in the beautiful park in front of it. An Arab building of the 9th century, characteristic of the cultural diversity of Sicily that was expanded and decorated by the Normans in the later years. Byzantines and Spaniards also overran the area. Visit the Capella Palatina chapel for the unique Byzantine mosaics.

Head to the Palermo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Palermo), another example of a mix of architectural styles. What about Gothic, Norman, Byzantine and Arabic influences? You will discover them in this magnificent building outside and inside. Take some time to explore all its corners, see the unique mosaics, wood carvings, royal tombs and the underground crypt with the sarcophagi. Don’t miss the heliometer on the floor! Before leaving, “climb” to the roof for a panoramic view of Palermo!

Next, make your way to Quattro Canti (Piazza Vigliena), the landmark square in the heart of Palermo’s historic center. An excellent example of Baroque architecture, the “Four Corners” as its name suggests, are perfectly symmetrical, defining the corners of four ancient districts at the intersection of two main streets. The rich symbolism in its design makes it unique. Each of the four facades is divided into four levels, each with its own representation of the cultural and religious life of Palermo. At each base, you can see one of the four seasons symbolizing the cyclical nature of life, as well as a figure for each element of nature (earth, water, fire and air). On the middle tier, sit each of the four Spanish kings who ruled Palermo during the 17th century and on the upper tier the 4 female patron saints of the four historic districts of Palermo. Above them all, the royal coats of arms! We were staring up and around for a while… speechless!

Next stop at the Teatro Massimo square, one of the largest opera houses in Europe. A meeting point for many, the impressive building with its imposing size is known for the high-level performances it hosts. If you’re interested, you can also visit its interior or possibly watch a performance. Horse carriages are waiting in the square for a stroll around the city in a different style.

That’s all fine but you will also find Sicilian cuisine at its best in Palermo. Great choices of street food like “arancini” and “cannoli” and many more as well as traditional dishes like “pasta alla norma” with tomato sauce, eggplant, basil and ricotta or an authentic “caponata”. The pasta here (be careful not to ask for macaroni as we Greeks refer to all kinds of pasta – it will be remarked!) is often handmade and in any case cooked al dente). Pizza will be super wherever you eat it, as well as seafood dishes.

There is still much more to see and do depending on your interests. Do some exploring for the joy of being a traveler!

TIPS

Many restaurants are usually closed for siesta (usually 3:00 PM-6:00 PM)! This is an issue. And some attractions too! So, see that you plan your schedule and check the hours!
Most locals don’t speak English. However, you will surely find a way to communicate. Everyone is very willing and helpful!
All the products of the land (vegetables, citrus fruits, etc.) are extra tasty here since they are grown in the fertile volcanic soils of the island.

The church is a co-cathedral to the Eparchy of Piana degli Albanesi

Alberobello – the city of trulli

by katerina | Jul 2,2025 | Around the world, europe

In the city of trulli, Alberobello, a fairytale open-air museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, you will fill your photographic memory! Approximately 1,500 round houses with conical roofs, in gray and white, compose a unique setting. The history making your tour even more interesting. They are the Trulli, stone dwellings, remarkable examples of dry-stone construction, unique in the Puglia region!

It is said that the inhabitants of the region, in the mid-15th century, in order to avoid a harsh law of the kingdom of Naples that taxed constructions with binder material, chose to build these houses like beehives, with limestone slabs and without any connection between them, while on the roofs they placed thinner slabs in circular rings. This way they could easily dismantle them when the tax collectors came and reassemble them when they left!

On the roofs you will see painted symbols in white that bring luck or protect against the evil eye. In the shops you will buy local products and souvenirs, you will taste the focaccia delicacies at the square, in the narrow streets you will see Trullo Siamese and the Trullo Sovrano (a rare example of a two-storey building) which operates as a museum and at the Vista Panoramica de Trulli point (next to the church of Santa Lucia, as you reach the square on the upper right) you will admire the panoramic view. Stroll around seeking for the perfect photo! Quite challenging!!!

At the base of each roof there was a specific stone that if you pulled it out, the house would be dismantled! They say that within half an hour the whole village could be demolished.
Alberobello means “beautiful tree”. The area was overgrown with oak trees and generally very forested.
You can feel the unique experience of staying in a dome, since most domes are used as tourist accommodations and shops rather than for residences.
We ate very delicious focaccia in various versions at Focacceria La Lira (https://www.instagram.com/lalirafocacceria/ ) at the square!

painted symbols in white that bring luck or protect against the evil eye

All information about events and other updated information here: https://www.alberobello.com/en

Ghent – In a fairy tale scenery

by katerina | Jun 8,2024 | Around the world, europe

Discover the most compact historical center on foot or by bike, relaxed and calm in medieval Ghent, with the largest low traffic pedestrian zone in Europe. You can always take a tram of course! A pedestrian friendly city, supporting sustainable, environmentally friendly activities with the smallest possible ecological footprint.

By doing so, cars are not allowed to enter in the historic center unless they are electric or at least hybrid vehicles. Ours was a hybrid and we parked it at Parking Ramen as close as possible to the center, two blocks from Saint Michael’s Bridge.

Well, start on foot! On the right before the bridge, you see Saint Michael’s Church and as soon as you step foot on the homonymous bridge you have a 360-degree field of view in a magical setting. From this point you can see all 3 towers of the city in a row, the river Lys and the Graslei and Korenlei quays along the canal with many restaurants and small shops, people strolling or sitting and enjoying the wonderful view of the historic buildings. And of course, taking pictures of every corner of the impressive houses on the banks! Here you can book for a the water route with various types of boats if you choose to see the highlights of Ghent by boat on a guided tour.

Continue straight. On your left there’s a magnificent building, The Post. Once the city’s historic post office, today hosts a shopping center and a luxury hotel on the upper floors. We are talking about masterpiece facades, decorated with about 100 statues and coats of arms along with the 51-meter tower with the unobstructed view.

In front of you is the Church of St. Nicholas (Sint-Niklaaskerk) with its tall bell tower – a trademark of the city on Korenmarkt Square, opposite The Post. Built of Tournai blue stone, it is considered one of the most beautiful examples of the Scheldt Gothic style with unique works of art (paintings, stained glass…) inside. Admission is free, open until 4:00 PM. Proceed with the church on your left, take a rest maybe at the little park behind it.

Now you tell me where to look first! Straight ahead is the Belfry of Ghent (Belfry), on the left is the futuristic Stadshal or Market Hall and if you look further into the square is the City Hall (Ghent City Hall). You are at Sint-Baafplein Square. The Stadshal is a clear example of a peculiar combination of modern architecture in a medieval environment that caused, no need to say, reactions. We loved it. It proves that the city is alive! Climb up the Belfry, with the 1913 manual mechanism and the dragon guarding the city, for a panoramic view of the city. (There is also an elevator from the 1st floor). During peak periods, register and secure your entry HERE https://tickets1belfort.gent.be/Exhibitions/Register

Just behind Belfry is the Cathedral of St. Bavo (Sint Baafskathedraal) with its 40 bells. It is considered a world-famous masterpiece of Gothic architecture. There you will see: the Ghent Altarpiece (or: “The Pilgrimage of the Secret Lamb”), a multi-faceted work by the Hubert and Jan van Eyck brothers (15th century). Take your time to observe the 12 separate panels and the story they tell! Explore the impressive interior, the stained glass windows and sculptures. For the complete experience you will need a ticket. See here: https://www.sintbaafskathedraal.be/en/buy-tickets/ There are also stairs here for the brave ones (444 steps for a view). Next to it is the very beautiful building of the Royal Dutch Theatre. Walk along and take the road behind the City Hall (Hoogpoost str.). As you head back towards the bridges, take a look at the alley with the graffiti (Graffiti Street). Cool graffiti in a narrow alley. Every inch an explosion of colors. All its walls are free for artistic expression!

You have walked in a circle around the centre and you find yourself on the Grasbrug bridge. As soon as you cross the river, turn right. Stop for coffee/beer/snack at Et Alors café just opposite the Design Museum. And after that off to Gravensteen Castle, a symbol of the power of the Flemish comets, the only one with a moat around it. Visiting the castle takes time. Inside, each room tells a different story, from the ancient weapon displays to the dark, dramatic dungeon. The view from the top is amazing. If you don’t have time, take a walk around it. There are nice shops area as well. Try the local delicacy, cuberdon, (conical, purple sweets) in one of them.

The city is very well organized. Check their website for information and don’t take anything for granted https://visit.gent.be/en
Make sure you have the right to drive your vehicle in Ghent before you go! SEE HERE: https://visit.gent.be/en/low-emission-zone-ghent
For your visit to Gravensteen Castle you will need to make a reservation for the time of visit. There are terms and restrictions. https://tickets1gravensteen.stad.gent/Exhibitions/Register
You will find many options for activities/tours HERE: https://www.getyourguide.com/el-gr/belfry-of-ghent-l123440/
Apart from visiting the castle, the entire tour we described in the Historic centre of Ghent was done in one day, comfortably and without rushing, since everything is very close to each other.
If you want some museums and other attractions in your tour, there’s a great choice for all tastes.

Salzburg of Mozart and salt

by katerina | Jan 12,2018 | Around the world, europe

“Rome of the Alps”, the fairy-tale Salzburg, takes you back to the times when the new musical compositions of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart resonated everywhere in his beautiful birthplace. It’s the most touristic part of Austria after Vienna.

The city of Mozart and salt (the economic power of the region in Roman times relied on mineral salt, the “white gold”), with its well-preserved baroque- style old quarter and the easy access to the Alps, is one of the most important Austrian tourist destinations, full of history, beautiful places and finesse.

The Salzach River is flowing through the old town, with its impressive castle at the top of the hill and the snow-capped mountains around! It is an attraction for visitors, who include it in their journey despite the three hours’ drive you need to reach it!

It’s the old town you have to visit, with the main street full of shops, selling clothes, souvenirs (most of course in the person of Mozart), food… everything! Buy Mozartkugel chocolate. After all, they were first made here! Visit impressive churches and of course the castle at the top of the hill for panoramic views over the city!

Have your coffee at Tomaselli, (http://www.tomaselli.at/) the famous coffee shop, with people queuing to take turns at the tables. Try one of the sweets they bring you to choose from on a huge tray and taste Café mélange or hot chocolate with whipped cream! But if you don’t like the buzzing, choose any smaller café and enjoy coffee without the fuss of the world on your head!

As tempting as it may seem to spend endless hours in this picturesque old town, Salzburg has a lot more to offer to those who have decided to explore every part of it. It is a city with an amazing art scene, great food, manicured parks and concert halls that support the musical tradition of the city 365 days a year.

Most important sights

Old Town (Altstadt) and Residenzplatz square
Dom zu Salzburg – The Salzburg Cathedral with a long history and impressive architecture. A must!
The house where Mozart was born (Getreidegasse 9)
Schloss Mirabell. Just before heading to the Old Town, it is worth making a stop at Mirabell Palace and its gardens! Several scenes of the movie “The Melody of Happiness” were shot there!
On your way to the old town you will cross the pedestrian bridge Makartsteg bridge with thousands of padlocks on its sides! Locked loves with dates and initials! The incredibly beautiful view from the river invites you for photos at this point! Especially at night when the bridge forms a golden arch over the river!
Hohensalzburg Castle – Built in white, on top of the small Festungsberg mountain, it offers stunning views of the Alps, the river and the whole city. Built in 1077 by order of the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, it is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Take the Festungsbahn cable car and drink your coffee up there!

TIPS

If you plan to visit several sights in the city, it is in your best interest to issue a Salzburg Card. It provides free admission to city museums, free use of the cable car, ferry services and public transport. Benefit from a range of discounts at concerts, theatrical performances and excursions to various destinations in the Salzburg area. Run the numbers and see!

There are also Hop on-hop off city tour buses (starting from Mirabellplatz) as well as carriages outside the cathedral!

All the information with details, such as tickets, visiting hours, etc., here: https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg

Discovering Vienna in New Year’s Holidays!

by katerina | Jan 9,2018 | Around the world, europe

New Year’s Eve in Vienna! The city is glowing more than ever! And then it’s music! We have experienced it and we present you with our impressions and tips that will help you enjoy your journey without sudden setbacks! We traveled with a group but didn’t follow their full program. Whatever you do, be equipped with warm clothes, an umbrella and comfortable shoes! Navigate through the highly organized public transport system (Metro, Trolleybus, Buses – all the information you will need at the end of this article) and on foot!!! If you do not walk, you will not feel the Viennese atmosphere!

Must see!

Start at the Kärntnerstrasse, (just walk from the Karlsplatz Underground stop) right after the “Opera House” and the “Ring” that forms the historic center. Take the pedestrian street that starts at the corner of Café “Sacher Eck” (there was a long queue outside, every time we were passing by! Taste the traditional Viennese “Sacher torte” that serves!). A uniquely decorated street, full of shops and many Imbiss’s – small canteens with stools, where you can try sausages (bratwurst) sandwiches and hot dogs. Right after Stephansplatz, on your left, is Grabe Street, photographed for its exquisite chandelier decoration! These two streets and the square nearby, o, turn into a huge refectory on the night of New Year’s Eve! Thousands of people from all over the world enjoy the turn of the year, drinking and dancing with music accompaniment! Every here and there a band with live music or DJs and rhythms for all tastes! At the end of Grabe, you reach “Kohlmarkt”, the street of luxury! All brand name stores such as Gucci, Prada and more …

The Kärntnerstrasse leads to St. Stephen’s Square (Stephansplatz) with its homonymous temple of Gothic architecture, with its imposing dimensions and the bell, Pummerin as the Viennese call it, that only strikes at special festive moments like Christmas, Easter, New Year’s Eve and in the celebrations of Saint Stephen. Here you can take a wagon that drives you around the historic center. It is a good choice if you want to get a general picture of the centre and rest at the same time! Prices vary depending on the duration of the ride (20-minute ride -55 € / 40-minute-80 €). On your way you will pass by the Vienna City Hall, the Twin museums of Natural History and Art History, between them is the Monument of the Empress Maria Theresa and directly opposite them the National Library, the Winter Palace of Hofburg (now the seat of the Austrian government), the highly publicized Spanish Imperial School of Riding (Spanische Hofreitschule) and finally the National Opera. The fortunate thing is that everything is either in Hofburg or very close to the area!

The city brims with palaces and parks! Here we go … and estimate at least a 2 hours’ visit in each one of them, excluding queuing time! Must visit: Schloss Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs , resembling the Versailles in France, with its imperial gardens and numerous statues beautifully lit at night. We visited it with the group and with a good guide and did not regret it! We combined the visit with that to the Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn), the oldest zoo in the world, a part of the Schönbrunn “garden”. The Belvedere palace and park, in Baroque style, is scheduled for another day. In its botanical garden see thousands, home and exotic, flowers and plants. The palace area functions as a museum and hosts seasonal exhibitions but its pride is the largest collection of Klimt projects worldwide.

Over 90 Museums to choose from, according to the available time, courage and wallet capacities… the ticket is in most of them quite pricy. However, if you are interested in the arts you have come to paradise: Museum of Art History, hosting the imperial collection of artworks, one of the largest in the world. Major works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Tizian and others are housed here. Right across is the Twin Museum of Natural History. If you have never visited a natural history museum before, do not miss it. – Albertina with important paintings by Dürer and Klimt. The most modern projects include Monet and Picasso. – In the old imperial stables, the Museumsquartier (the neighborhood of art) hosts many exhibitions and other artistic events. Here is the Museum of Contemporary Art, known as MUMOK, dedicated to the revolutionary era of the 60s. Next to it is the Leopoldsmuseum, a host of expressionist works. It is worth honoring the Museumsquartier café and the Architecture Center housed there as well as the Kindermuseum if you have children with you!

Discover the Christmas Markets (Christkindlmarkt) in many corners of the city. Among the most famous are the City Hall (Rathouse), Schönbrunn and Maria Theresien Platz. There, we drank the hot Glühwein (cinnamon wine), ate hot dogs and salty pretzels and bought souvenirs. In the large square of Rathouse we welcomed the New Year’s arrival, along with thousands of people from every corner of the world. There was a live orchestra, a giant screen and infinite fireworks! Dancing, too!

Austria is Mozart’s homeland and the city echoes with waltzes! Everywhere you look, you see the portrait of the great musician, either in memorabilia or in the famous Mirabell’s Genuine Salzburger Mozartkugeln. Dozens of other souvenirs are sold everywhere, along with the favorite pig “gluckschwein” (“lucky pig”) that they buy for good luck!

Have a relaxed day in the colorful “Hundertwasserhaus” neighborhood, designed by the homonym architect. Combine it with a visit at the Prater (an amusement park with a giant wheel) or a coffee break next to the Danube. All are in the same direction.

When food is the question: we tasted Viennese cuisine dishes such as juicy schnitzel and other chicken dishes, at really good prices, at the Wienerwald (Goldschmiedgasse 6) very close to St. Stephen’s. We ate (more modest, though) at the Kaiserpavillion Restaurant in the Zoo. Very convenient for a rest, as it is located in the center of the garden, housed in a pavilion with impressive decoration, roof paintings and very good service!

These and other things you will discover for yourself, make up the Vienna that everyone wishes to see! In any case, it will be great!

Suggestions for food and coffee

The Figlmuller restaurant is known for its schnitzel. Cafe Altwien (Bäckerstraße 9) in the heart of the city center, a few minutes far from St. Stephen is one of the renowned coffee shops of the Viennese culture that is highly recommended for its cuisine, with snacks, such as sausages and goulash.

In Vienna coffee has a hand-made flavor. Visit the central Café Landmann on the Ring. Since its foundation in 1873, it is a Viennese meeting point, not just an intellectual, ( Simund Freud used to spend hours there) but an artistic one, too! Marlene Dietrich’s choice as well!

And of course the unique, historic Café Central (Herrengasse 14) with the 1000 coffee cups served per day! One of them must be yours – and it can be accompanied by an Apfel (apple) Strudel!!!