Pietro Griffo Museum
The Pietro Griffo Regional Archaeological Museum in Agrigento is the principal repository for finds from the Valley of the Temples and the surrounding ancient Greek settlements of southern Sicily. Named after the Sicilian archaeologist Pietro Griffo, who directed excavations at Agrigento for decades, the museum houses one of Italy’s most important collections of Greek and Roman material from Akragas, the ancient city that gave Agrigento its name.
At a glance
- Type
- Regional archaeological museum
- Period
- Collections spanning 6th century BC to late Roman period
- Style
- Modern museum building adjacent to the Valle dei Templi UNESCO site
- Location
- Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
- Coordinates
- 37.2970° N, 13.5891° E
Overview
The Pietro Griffo Museum sits within the archaeological park of the Valley of the Temples, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the monumental Greek temples of ancient Akragas. The museum’s collections complement the outdoor ruins, presenting smaller finds, grave goods, sculpture fragments, and everyday objects that illuminate life in one of the most prosperous Greek colonies of the ancient Mediterranean. It serves as the essential companion to any visit to Agrigento’s archaeological zone.
History
Akragas was founded in 582 BC by colonists from Gela and Rhodes and grew into a wealthy city-state famed for its temples, built during the 5th century BC. Systematic archaeological exploration of the area began in the 19th century, with major campaigns carried out through the 20th century under Pietro Griffo, who transformed the understanding of the ancient city’s layout, necropolises, and domestic quarters. The regional museum was established to house the accumulating finds from these excavations and was later formally dedicated in his honour.
What you see
Highlights of the collection include the Telamon — a colossal limestone male figure originally from the Temple of Zeus Olympios, one of the largest Greek temples ever attempted. The museum also displays fine red-figure and black-figure pottery, terracotta votive figurines, bronze objects, coins from the Akragantine mint, and architectural elements. A dedicated section presents finds from the ancient necropolises, including funerary pottery and jewellery that document burial practices over several centuries.
Cultural significance
The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the outstanding examples of Greater Greek art and architecture. The Pietro Griffo Museum is integral to this designation, preserving and interpreting the portable heritage that complements the monumental temples. Together they document the full arc of Akragantine civilisation from archaic prosperity to Roman decline.
Practical information
- Address
- Contrada San Nicola, 92100 Agrigento AG, Italy
- Hours
- Check official website for current opening times
- Admission
- Included with Valley of the Temples combined ticket; check official website
- Website
- Check official Valle dei Templi website for up-to-date information
Getting there
Agrigento is accessible by train and bus from Palermo (approximately 2 hours) and Catania. The museum is located within the Valle dei Templi archaeological park, about 3 km south of Agrigento town centre; local buses and taxis connect the town to the park entrance. By car, follow signs to Valle dei Templi from the SS115 coastal road.