Making the most of Porto Empedocle Sicily
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The port stands in the town centre.
On a distinctive limestone hill in south-western Sicily, Porto Empedocle is an important fishing and trading port.
In 1853 the town became "Molo di Girgenti", or pier of Girgenti, reflecting the prosperous port activity shaping its development. It was later named Porto Empedocle for the famous Agrigento philosopher Empedocle. Key monuments are Carlo V’s Quadrangular Tower, the SS. Salvatore Chiesa Madre of 1904, and the eighteenth-century Chiesa del Buon Consiglio.
While still Marina di Girgenti in the 15th century, it was among Sicily’s most important corn-loading places, collecting all cereal production from Agrigento and Caltanissetta fields. Emperor Charles V (1500-1558) commissioned a huge tower from Florentine architect/sculptor Camillo Camillani.
Built to defend the important port from pirates who repeatedly and quickly depredated coastal people, the tower is a truncated pyramid topped by a large watching terrace. Its interior has vaulted rooms. The Bourbons converted it to a prison in 1780; it is now a cultural centre, conference point and library.
Tourist office: via Marconi Guglielmo.
Getting around
The harbour nearby runs daily excursions to the Pelagie Islands.
The famous Turkish Steps are close by, while a short drive or bus journey reaches Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples.
Nearby places
Agrigento, known as Akragas in Ancient Greek times, was an important walled city and the home of philosopher Empedocles. At the Greek city’s southern edge, temples were built and can still be seen below. Parts of Agrigento retain Medieval heritage, particularly San Nicola church and the Cathedral. Today it is the Agrigento province’s principal town and commercial and shopping centre, with a large Friday market for bargains and the early-February Festival of the Almond Blossom.
Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples has some of the finest Greek-temple remains outside Greece, plus necropolises, houses and streets. Its temples date from in or around the 5th century B.C. During daytime, coaches bring the site many tourists, and the summer months can be unbearably hot.
Linosa is a pleasant island of volcanic origin.
Money
Currency: Euro.
Staying connected
The local language is Italian.
For emergencies, dial 112.
Opening Hours and
Italian shops and businesses generally open Monday to Saturday around 8am to 1pm, then about 4pm to 7pm. Many close Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings; in the south, days may begin and end an hour later. Some northern businesses operate 9am-5pm for international dealings. Traditionally everything except bars and restaurants closes Sunday, though most towns have a morning pasticceria and Sunday opening is increasingly common in large cities and tourist areas.