Location
Immersed in a park of more than 4,000 sqm of tropical and Mediterranean plants, on the hills, and overlooking the sea and the Valley of the Temples, at 7 km from the historic center of Agrigento, Hotel Domus Aurea commands a privileged position like very few 4-star hotels in Agrigento. With the very beautiful beach at Maddalusa (reserved and equipped especially for Domus Aurea guests) at 300 meters, and at 4 km from the suggestive Valley of the Temples' archeological area, one of the more important ones in the world, the hotel is the ideal place for a vacation experiencing cultural excursions and spending relaxing days at the seaside.
SAN LEONE
This locality becomes very lively, especially during summer nights when, after experiencing a sunset on the "African sea", as Pirandello would put it, lights are lit on the beach and stands and shops are filled with the sounds of voices and music. The perfect spot to pass a pleasant night.
VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES
A breathtaking spectacle: in the midst of lush vegetation, among trees of the "old almond forest", the shape and perfect harmony of the Temples, which the Greek erected as bastions of art and civilization, can be seen. The pinnacle of the Dioscuri temple, symbol of the Valley and of Agrigento, is the prelude to the enormous Temple of Zeus, the imposing Temple of Eracle, the delightfully elegant Temple of Concordia, and the Temple of Juno, unique in its search for artistic perfection.
Between January and February, the white and the pink of the almonds in bloom are the first stirrings of Agrigento spring, giving the valley an air of unforgettable charm.
AGRIGENTO
This town is the repository of many cultures, as evidenced by the various art styles present in the buildings that line the narrow streets of the center that wind from Via Atenea with grand noble palaces and very beautiful churches. Different architectural styles coexist among Norman and baroque influences, especially in the Cathedral of San Gerlando and in the medieval and astounding Monastery of Santo Spirito. It has a Chiaramontano style portal and gorgeous color effect created by the alternate use of limestone and sandstone and an original defensive facade brightened by refined monofore and bifore little windows.
In Contrada Caos you will find the "secluded house" where Luigi Pirandello lived during his childhood and teenage years, which nowadays functions as a museum. The pathway next to the house leads to the "lonely pine", so many times evoked by the playwright, and which stands tall in the suggestive landscape.
HOW TO REACH US
By plane
Hotel Domus Aurea is located 170 km from Palermo's Falcone Borsellino Airport and 180 km from Fontanarossa Airport of Catania. We suggest you rent a car from either airport to conveniently reach the Hotel. Follow the instructions in the "By car" paragraph.
By train
Agrigento can be reached from Palermo (about 2 hours) and from Catania (about 3 hours). From the Central Station of Agrigento we suggest you take a taxi up to Baglio (7 km), the trip takes around 15 minutes.
By car
From Palermo
Take highway A29 (Palermo - Mazzara del Vallo), exit at Castelvetrano and take S.S. 115 for Agrigento. After Porto Empedocle, follow directions for Caltanissetta, Siracusa, Palermo up to (after traveling for 3.5 km) S.S. 640. After going under the overpass (after about 50 meters) turn right, soon you will find directions for Domus Aurea on your left. Continue down hill on a street that runs parallel to the speedway SS 640. You will have arrived.
From Catania
Take highway A19 (Catania - Palermo), exit at Caltanissetta and continue on S.S. 640 - Agrigento. Continue up to the big roundabout at the bottom of the hill of the Temples. From here take the third road on the right and follow directions for Trapani/Castelvetrano/Palermo. At Km 4,150 from S.S. 640, within a speed limit of 70 Km/h, at 30 meters you will find on your right directions for Domus Aurea, get on the ramp and follow directions that will bring you directly to the hotel. You will have arrived
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