Concordia temple - Agrigento

The Temple of Concordia is a classic example of Doric architecture. It was built in the 5th century BC

What makes the Temple of Concordia so remarkable is its extraordinary state of preservation. Unlike many other ancient temples, this one has remained virtually intact. It is one of the best preserved Doric temples in the world . Like many other ancient buildings, the Temple of Concordia has been exposed to earthquakes and destruction over the centuries. Parts of the temple have been repaired and restored over time to achieve its current impressive state of preservation. During the Middle Ages, the Temple of Concordia was converted into a monastery. The upper part of the temple was used for religious purposes, while the rest of the temple fell into disrepair. This use as a monastery may have contributed to the preservation of some parts of the structure.

The temple has impressive dimensions. It has 6 x 13 columns and measures approximately 34.4 meters in length and 16.9 meters in width.

The temple gets its name from the inscription "Concordia" that was found near the temple. Although the exact deity to whom the temple was dedicated is unknown, the name "Concordia" is believed to indicate a celebration of harmony and agreement. According to ancient legend, the temple was once dedicated to Hercules, one of the most celebrated heroes in Greek mythology. This association can be inferred from some of the sculptural decorations on the temple that depicted scenes from Hercules mythology .

Willem Vandenameele