Parthenon Fragment Returned from Sicily, Now on Display at Acropolis Museum

A fragment from the Parthenon temple that was recently returned to Greece by the regional archaeological museum of Sicily, has now been placed on the Parthenon frieze at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, where it will remain on display as part of a long-term loan. 

The fragment depicts the right foot and part of the dress of the Greek goddess Artemis, which once sat on the eastern frieze of the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple atop the Acropolis Hill.

The slab was unveiled in a ceremony at the Acropolis Museum yesterday, January 10, as the fragment was placed in the Parthenon Gallery – a glass-walled chamber with a view of the Parthenon- displaying sculptures of the temple’s 160-metre-long frieze in the same position as they were on the original monument (with plaster copies replacing pieces that are now mainly in the British Museum.)

Insights Greece - Parthenon Fragment Returned from Sicily, Now on Display at Acropolis Museum
The fragment from Palermo on its base, at the position where it’s placed at the east frieze at the Acropolis Museum. Images by Paris Tavitian © Acropolis Museum

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, the director of Acropolis Museum Nikos Stambolidis and the President of the Acropolis Museum Dimitris Pantermalis attended the ceremony, as Greek officials warmly welcomed the development, stressing that it shows the way for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures kept for two centuries at the British Museum.

Also at the ceremony was Assessor, Dr. Alberto Samonà, Cultural Heritage and Identity of Sicily, who said during the event, “We hope that after Sicily, other regions and countries also decide to take a step forward so that we can build together a new humanism.” 

It is unclear how Fagan came to own the fragment, which has been in Palermo, Sicily, since 1818 and was part of the archaeological collection of Robert Fagan, a British diplomat and art dealer who was appointed consul general for Sicily and Malta in the early 19th century. Following his death, his widow sold the piece to the University of Palermo’s Regio Museum, now the Salinas Museum. 

Director of A. Salinas Museum in Palermo, Dr. Caterina Greco added, “Today is a very important day, both for the culture and for me personally. The reconnection of the fragment with the other fragments on display in this majestic museum first seals, in the most representative degree, the feelings of brotherhood and cultural identity that have connected Sicily with Greece for centuries.”

The Italian museum has returned the fragment on loan to Greece for eight years with a view of permanent repatriation. It can be viewed by the public at the Acropolis Museum, which is one of the world’s most visited museums.  

Images by Paris Tavitian © Acropolis Museum

Visiting the Ancient Greek Temples in Sicily 

Just outside Agrigento, on the beautiful southern coast of Sicily, you will find a large archaeological area where monumental Greek temples were built in the 4th and 5th centuries BC. They are some of the largest and best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece.

In 1997, the Valley of the Temples was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and this archaeological park is now a national monument of Italy. If you are heading to Sicily (1.5-hour direct flight from Athens), we highly recommend you visit. 

History of Agrigento 

This wonderful ancient city was built by the Greeks who colonized parts of Sicily in the 6th century BC. Although today it is known as Agrigento, this ancient Greek town was originally called Akragas, named after the Akragas River. At one time Agrigento was one of the richest and most important cities of the Greek empire.

Centuries later the Romans took the territory and renamed it “Agrigentum”. The city prospered again right up until the fall of the Roman Empire. While the modern city was severely damaged during WWII, the Valley of the Temples was preserved.

  • Insights Greece - Visiting the Ancient Greek Temples in Sicily 
  • Insights Greece - Visiting the Ancient Greek Temples in Sicily 

Valley of the Temples 

Today, the Valley of the Temples features the remains of 7 temples. Six of these sit along the hill while one, the Temple of Asclepius, is located next to the Akragas River. 

Along with ancient temples, the park also features ancient houses, tombs, and other historic monuments. Much of the ancient city of Agrigento remains unexcavated but the size and splendour of the temples allow visitors to realise just how majestic Agrigento was in the ancient Mediterranean world. 

Discover the ruins  

Visits to the site begin from the entrance at the eastern end, just down the hill from the centre of town. Walking along, you will come across three main ruins- the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concordia (reminiscent of the Acropolis in Athens), and the Temple of Hercules (the site’s oldest temple). Roman tombs and Greek walls run along the pathway and as you walk through you will also come across remains of the ancient Agora, which are located near the parking lot.

Insights Greece - Visiting the Ancient Greek Temples in Sicily 

What else you’ll find in the area 

Beyond the ancient ruins, nearby attractions include the Kolymbithra Garden (an ancient olive and citrus garden), and The Regional Archaeological Museum ‘Pietro Griffo’, which is one of the most important and visited archaeological museums in Sicily; the museum displays over 5688 artifacts illustrating the history of the Agrigentan territory from prehistoric times to the end of the Greek-Roman period. Across the street from the museum, you will find remains of the Hellenistic and Roman quarters.  

Tips for visiting 

-If you are visiting during summer, we suggest getting there very early, or late in the afternoon. During the peak of the day is extremely hot and keep in mind there is not a lot of shade. 

-Wear comfortable shoes and if you are here during the warmer months make sure you take a hat and have a bottle of water with you. Although there are a couple of shops on-site, it’s a large area to walk so it’s best you are prepared.

-To explore the site well, you will need around three to four hours. 

-At the entrance of the park you’ll find the ticket office, souvenir stands, a shop, and restrooms.

  • Insights Greece - Visiting the Ancient Greek Temples in Sicily 
  • Insights Greece - Visiting the Ancient Greek Temples in Sicily 

Location of Agrigento

Agrigento is in southwestern Sicily. It’s just off the main road that runs along Sicily’s south coast; approximately 140km south of Palermo and 200km west of Catania and Syracuse. We stayed in Cefalù, and the drive from there to Agrigento was roughly two hours. 

Getting there 

The archaeological site can be reached by car or bus and it’s 6.5 kilometres from Agrigento. Local buses run regularly from Agrigento, and there are also many organised day tours that run from pretty much anywhere in Sicily. 

All images by IN+SIGHTS GREECE © (Copyright)