il giardino della kolymbetra

835danab

The garden is just besides the site of the Temples, and actually among other functions, it provides a pathway to one of them (temple of Vulcano). It was a garden even in the times of the Temples themselves, when they were built ... so nicely brought back to life. It is situated in one of the valleys that make up the "Valley(s) of the Temples". It has lots of trees: lemon, orange and many other kinds, which throughout the centuries were brought to Sicily from various parts of the world: Middle East, India, China, Japan. Many of the lemon and orange trees are not even planted in our days anymore, so it has a historical role in keeping this history "alive". The garden is of medium size, and one could spend hours there ... luckily, there are lots of benches where one could take many breaks, lots of shade, so a nice experience. The entry ticket is not cheap (I was told that it helps with the ongoing maintenance), but it is still worth a visit.

BobxxxxCindy

Nicely identified plants and trees. Mostly you walk thru a citrus grove in a valley you can see from main park. Very pretty walk with some history imparted along the walk.

travellor022

This garden looks like a part of the Vally of Temples, but is really something apart. Your have to pay extra to get in to see this collection of trees and other plants.

KonstantinF

If you are not a fanatic of lemon trees, you can easily pass your way. This garden cannot compete with the temples above it. It's a pure loss of time.

JAnon99

We really enjoyed our visit and would recommend going there. It's a little oasis of green after the heat and crowds of the temples (which are fantastic).British National Trust members do indeed get in free on production of a NT card. I don't think you're supposed to pick the fruit though National Trust member or not!

NerineJ

The original gardens would've been spectacular, however the current garden does not reflect that. Picnic area (pay extra EUR2) is very run down and not comfortable for a picnic should you decide to do so.

841edithc

spectacular setting in ravine, lovely fruit trees, interesting info about the efforts to restore garden and propagate a range of fruits that once grew there in abundance

KarenW268

This was a great find once we actually found it. We came back our second day to see if we could find it, and sure enough it was hiding in plain site. It's 4 euro each to get in, but well worth it to help maintain this nice garden. You get to see all kinds of citrus, pistachio, almond, olive trees and unlike most of Sicily, it's all clearly labeled and in English too! so here is the tip for where you can find it! the other tips of where it is on tripadvisor are incorrect. If you are looking at the temple of Discordia, the garden entrance is to your right. It's the temple with the 3 columns and the cap across the top if you don't remember this name. It's also at the "lower" end of path that takes you up the hill to the other temples. I hope you go, it was a great reprieve from the hot path along the temples. Bring water with you and wear shoes with traction.

Cris_Barcha

If you like gardens you need to go. Really different, beautiful with a lot of lemon, orange and others citrus fruits. It is not easy to find, cost us more then one hour! But it is not difficult (when you know...). The entrance is in front of Demeter temple, if you leave you car in the temple parking is just around 500 meters to get there. The fee for entrance is 4 euros for adults, and the parking is 3 euros.

zimag

the gardens are hidden in the small valley with the stream in the middleyou hae to pay extra to get there, but it is worth the priceOrange and lemon orchards, almond and olive groves provide a unique experience of ancient lifeScent of flowers buzzes with bees, but they are very peaceful and concentrated on the job, so even me - a beephobe felt safeyou caqn pick your own fruits - lemons were an experience on their ownprepare for walking up and down on very narrow paths

497stephanj

not much visited this garden is a true oasis and a perfect addition to the temples of Agrigento. Easter is the perfect time for a visit as the many orange and lemon trees are flowering and one is allowed to eat oranges at will too. Great views, peaceful, enchanting! Yes, one has to pay extra to visit it, but the FAI, equivalent to the National Trust in the UK is doing a fantastic job maintaining the place

671MrsWhite

I was initially reluctant to go down the steps to the garden but iam glad that I did.a quiet, cool place to pick your own fruit at no cost. Free membership for british national trust members.

LesleyP360

A lovely little garden, good value and a peaceful retreat away from all the crowds in the Valley of the temples

4C

After walking around in the Valley of Temples on a hot muggy day after a thundershower, we stumbled up this amazing garden. We felt exhausted going down the steps to the entrance, not sure we could even appreciate a garden. However, we were met by a young enthusiastic woman who told us about the garden and it's history, convincing us it would be worthwhile. My husband noticed an expresso machine behind her and asked if they served coffee. Only if asked, for a small donation. Just what we needed! She took us around the back, to a little shaded area, and served us water, as well as expresso. Nicely rested and refreshed, we were ready to venture down into the garden. Not a large garden, it offers cooling shade, beautiful views of Agrigento and a closeup view of a temple ruin. A path meanders along a stream, a citrus grove and various other fruit trees, some amazing ancient olive trees, and various other local plants. Wonderful ancient atmosphere. We took our time and much enjoyed the experience.

38MichaelP38

I do hate having to travel a long way down steep steps to find the ticket office displaying the entry price for the first time. 4 Euros, which is cheap enough. The gardens are beautiful and peaceful, but a far cry from the Garden of Eden Paradise it is supposed to be. However, a pleasant enough interlude to the nearby Temples.