The public places of Agrigentum

The Oratory of Phalaris

The arrival of the Romans in Akragas upset the use of some public buildings, in particular those dedicated to political activities, which differed greatly between the two cultures.
In fact, while in the Greek polis it was normal for all citizens entitled to vote to come together to discuss decisions and initiatives concerning their city, political decisions in Roman cities were entrusted exclusively to a very small group of prominent citizens forming the senate.
In Roman times, therefore, citizens’ assemblies ceased to exist, and the ekklesiasterion – the place where Greek citizens gathered together – ceased to play a role in the political life of the city.
In the 1st century BC, the Oratory of Phalaris was built on the structures of the former ekklesiasterion.
The oratory was erroneously named by the first Grand Tour travellers who in the 18th century began visiting the Valley of the Temples more and more steadily.
The oratory of Phalaris has no connection with the ancient tyrant of Agrigento , it is actually a small temple on a podium with a cella and entrance hall preceded by four columns of Ionic order between the doors (not preserved).
L’Oratorio di FalarideOpposite is the altar, not far from a semicircular exedra . In the Middle Ages the building was transformed into a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with an ogival arch entrance and cross vaulted roof and a monofora window on the west side.

The Oratory of Falaride
The Oratory of Falaride (1st century BC) was a small temple on a podium with a cell and entrance hall preceded by four columns of the Ionic order. Today only the cell and the entrance hall remain, with an access door to the center of the wall with a pointed arch, testimony to its transformation into Chapel during the Middle Ages. The building, in stone agrigentina, still has traces of white stove on the walls.
Mens sana in corpore sano: the gymnasium of Agrigento

An exceptional discovery: the thermal baths of Agrigentum

The provincial layout of Sicily

The domus, guardians of private life

The forum in the city of the Akragantines

Vegetation in the Gardens

The driver of Agrigentum’s well-being

The ancient port of Agrigentum

The sarcophagus of the Child

The life of young people in Roman times

From Akragas to Agrigentum

The Living Almond Museum

The gods of Agrigento

The Kolymbetra Garden

The cult of the Emperor

A Sanctuary for the Latin gods

Hellenistic heritage on the streets of Agrigentum

The Roman necropolis

Politics comparison: Akragas and Agrigentum

Cicero’s account: Agrigentum in In Verrem

Breathing in world heritage together

The wellness centres of the Romans

Roman affairs

The Oratory of Phalaris

Moments of leisure: the theatre

The Punic Wars and the final conquest of Akragas

The Hellenistic-Roman quarter

Works for the muses: the mosaics of the Hellenistic-Roman quarter

The tomb of Theron

The theatre of origins

The centre of politics in Agrigentum

The Romans settle in Agrigentum