Old Town Girgenti: a tour of the Historic Centre of Agrigento
The Agrigento Old Town Tour (known locally as Girgenti or simply the centro storico) reveals a side of the city that most visitors never see — and that many locals barely know. Hidden behind modern buildings, the historic center rewards the attentive traveler with medieval alleys, breathtaking vistas, Arab‑Norman traces, Baroque façades, and monuments layered across centuries.
Settled in the Middle Ages for defensive reasons and for its proximity to the new port, the Hill of Girgenti became the beating heart of the city’s daily life and trade. Walking with our expert guide through its densely layered streets, tiny alleys, piazzas, and side passages, you’ll uncover the secrets and charms of a district shaped by centuries of history and by the many peoples who gave Agrigento its names: Akragas, Agrigentum, Kerkent, Gergent, Girgenti, and finally Agrigento (since 1927).
The tour also touches the literary soul of the city: Luigi Pirandello, Nobel laureate in 1934, set many of his novels and short stories in these very streets, while the Rabato district appears often in the mysteries of Inspector Montalbano by Andrea Camilleri.
Our final stop is a beloved local pastry shop — the perfect place to taste traditional sweets, almond pastries, and cakes prepared according to ancient recipes.
These are the places where we grew up — the real Girgenti.
This Agrigento Old Town Tour is the best way to explore the historic centre of Girgenti, a district rich in medieval alleys, Baroque churches and Arab‑Norman traces. As you walk through the Rabato district, Via Atenea and the ancient streets described by Luigi Pirandello and Andrea Camilleri, you’ll discover the authentic heart of Agrigento beyond the Valley of the Temples. The tour includes iconic landmarks such as Santo Spirito Monastery, the Cathedral of San Gerlando and Santa Maria dei Greci, built over a Greek temple. A final tasting of traditional pastries completes this cultural experience.
Why Choose Us
This is our city. We were born and raised on this hill, running through these alleys, listening to stories told in the courtyards, learning the rhythms of Girgenti long before it became “Agrigento”.
When we guide you through the historic centre, we’re not just showing monuments — we’re sharing the places where we grew up, the neighborhoods that shaped us, and the hidden corners that only locals know.
- • Local guides born and raised in Agrigento
- • Deep knowledge of Girgenti’s history, culture and daily life
- • Access to authentic stories, traditions and hidden corners
- • A personal, intimate way to experience the real city
- • A final stop in our favorite pastry shop — a true local ritual
Tour Details
- Duration: 2 hours
- Start time: Flexible (morning or afternoon)
- Languages: English, Italian
- Price: €180 (private tour)
- Meeting point: Church of San Calogero
Old Town Agrigento Historic Center Tour: Highlights
- • Old Town alleys and side streets
- • Via Atenea (main street)
- • Abbey Church & Monastery of Santo Spirito
- • Cathedral of San Gerlando
- • Church of Santa Maria dei Greci (Greek temple beneath)
- • Rabato district
- • Pastry shop tasting
Old Town Agrigento Historic Center Tour: Itinerary
The guided tour begins at the Church of San Calogero (16th century), located at the corner of Viale della Vittoria — a panoramic terrace overlooking the Valley of the Temples.
We continue to Porta di Ponte and Via Atenea, the elegant main street lined with 18th‑ and 19th‑century palaces belonging to the city’s most notable families: Borsellino, Carbonaro, Costa Noto‑Biondi, Granet Caruso.
The next stop is the Abbey Church and Monastery of Santo Spirito, a masterpiece of medieval art and a prototype of the Chiaramonte style in Sicily — by far the most important monument of Agrigento’s historic center. Here, the nuns still prepare almond macaroons, couscous, and sugary sweets following ancient recipes preserved for centuries.
We then walk up to the Cathedral of San Gerlando, founded at the end of the 11th century in Arab‑Norman style and transformed over the centuries according to changing architectural tastes.
The final stop is the Church of Santa Maria dei Greci (12th century), built directly over the remains of a 5th‑century BC Greek temple — still visible beneath the church floor.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes — the route is easy and engaging for families.
Is the walk difficult?
The old town has some slopes, but the pace is relaxed.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely — we can adapt the route based on your interests.