Regional Archaeological Museum “Pietro Griffo”: A Journey Through the History of Ancient Akragas

The Regional Archaeological Museum “Pietro Griffo” in Agrigento — also known as the San Nicola Archaeological Museum — is a must-visit destination for anyone wishing to explore the ancient past of Agrigento and its surrounding territory.

Located in a setting of extraordinary beauty, right on the edge of the Valley of the Temples, the museum occupies a former 13th-century Cistercian monastery, blending history, art, and archaeology in one evocative space.

A Treasure Trove of Ancient Wonders

The museum houses an exceptional collection born from decades of excavations and archaeological research that unearthed the remains of Akragas, one of the richest and most powerful Greek colonies in the Mediterranean.

The exhibition, spread across 18 rooms, is divided into two main sections that guide visitors through the different historical phases of the region — from prehistory to the Roman era.

Highlights of the Collection

Among the most remarkable pieces on display, several stand out for their artistic and historical importance:

🗿 The Agrigento Ephebe

A masterpiece of 5th-century BC Greek sculpture, this marble statue depicts a young nude figure of extraordinary grace. Its elegance and anatomical perfection make it one of the museum’s most iconic works.

🏛️ The Telamon from the Temple of Olympian Zeus

This colossal statue once supported the entablature of the temple dedicated to Zeus. The partially reconstructed telamon inside the museum allows visitors to grasp the monumentality and architectural sophistication of one of the largest temples of the ancient world.

⚱️ Vase and Pottery Collections

An extensive selection of Greek and Italic ceramics — including Attic vases and fine painted craters — illustrates the commercial and cultural exchanges between Akragas and the wider Greek world. Among them, the white-ground krater depicting Perseus and Andromeda is particularly celebrated for its refined artistry.

⚰️ The Sarcophagus of Phaedra and Hippolytus

A Roman marble sarcophagus intricately carved with scenes from the tragic myth, exemplifying the narrative skill and craftsmanship of Roman sculptors.

Alongside these highlights, the museum also displays coins, inscriptions, terracotta figurines, and everyday objects, offering a vivid picture of ancient life, religion, and craftsmanship in Akragas.

Bilingual Italian-English panels provide clear explanations throughout the exhibition, making it accessible and engaging for all visitors.

More Than a Museum

The Pietro Griffo Museum is not only a place of preservation but also a center for research and education, equipped with a specialized library and an auditorium for lectures and cultural events.

It serves as the perfect introduction to the ancient world of Agrigento, ideally visited before exploring the magnificent temples just beyond its walls.

Visitor Information

📍 Address: Contrada San Nicola, 12 – Agrigento

📞 Phone: +39 0922 401565

🌐 Website: museogriffo.it

Opening Hours

🕘 Every day (including Sundays and holidays): 09:00 – 19:30

Last entry: 30 minutes before closing time

Tickets

🎟️ Museum only:

• Full ticket: €8.00
• Reduced ticket: €4.00 (EU citizens aged 18–25 and FAI members)

🎟️ Combined ticket (Museum + Valley of the Temples):

• Full ticket: €13.50
• Reduced ticket: €7.00

🆓 Free admission:

• Every first Sunday of the month
• For minors and teachers

Visiting the Pietro Griffo Archaeological Museum means stepping into the timeless world of Akragas, discovering masterpieces that tell the story of one of the most splendid cities of Magna Graecia — where art, history, and landscape come together in perfect harmony.

Cover photo credits: Clemensfranz, licensed by CC BY 2.5