Agrigento

Since the end of the 14th century, Agrigento end a large part of the surrounding area has been an independent Region. These 700 years of Autonomy have seen the growth and development, not only of the history but also of trade and business. The Province of Agrigento, which has been inhabited since Pre-Historic times, developed around the city of Akragas. Akragas was founded at the beginning of the 6th Century BC and reached its height of power and influence 200 years later under the reign of the tyrant Theron. The town centre displays the varied history of this town; in particular the 10 years of battle between the Romans and Carthaginians. Akragas established itself (as a city) during these battles, obtaining important victories but at the same time undergoing a certain amount of destruction. Its real decline however, carne with the invasions of the Vandals and the Goths. There then followed a succession of domination under the Byzantine, Arabs and finally the Norman. During the Arab domination it acquired the name "Girgenti", which it kept until 1927- Throughout the late middle-Ages it gradually lost the important role it had as mediator between Sicily and the Arab world. The period of Enlightenment saw the city re-establish itself in a commercial and Economic role, only to see another decline in the 19th Century. Today, even though Agrigento still suffers from severe social problems it has never abandoned its cultural heritage; a heritage best expressed in the works of "Luigi Pirandello", the greatest Italian playwright of this century (7, the tree of Kaos). Using a metaphor taken from Pirandello regarding "Tradition" and "Change" we can trace the more recent history of the area. A history characterized by a great interest in tourism, and the emergence of new commercial centers in towns such as Canicattì, Menfi, Porto Empedocle, Sciacca: all of which are striving to make a better future for the area. These areas reflect the Sicily of today; of Leonardo Sciascia born in Racalmuto; of fine wines many of which are produced in the 'Valley of the Temples' of Agrigento, of Craftsmen and Cooperatives all aiming towards new and better quality products. Agrigento, due to its artistic heritage and history, is the Province which best represents this transition from ancient to modern Sicily.