The archaeological area of Heraclea Minoa sits on a white promontory that juts out towards a stunning seascape, inside the Platani River Mouth Nature Reserve.
Home to the remains of the ancient Cattolica Eraclea, as well as being of significant historic importance the area is also much vaunted for its incredible location.
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Opening times
Until October 30th
from Monday to Sunday from 9.30 to 17.30
last admission available at 5.00 pm
the ticket office of the site closes at 15.00
From 31 October
Monday to Sunday from 9.30 to 16.30
last admission available at 16.00
the ticket office of the site closes at 15.00 - Web Archaeological area and Heraclea Minoa Antiquarium
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Feature List
- Info line
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Accessibility
Partially accessible
HISTORICAL NOTES
The first digs took place in 1950 when Ernesto De Miro discovered the imposing Theatre dating to the 5th century B.C. The ancient city was protected by a wall around 6 km in length which still surrounds the entire upland as far as the River Platani today. The excavations also uncovered Roman homes.
VISITING THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA
Visiting the archaeological area of Heraclea Minoa is a unique experience. The view you can enjoy from the steps of the majestic Greek Theatre that looks out onto the Mediterranean is truly unforgettable.
Don’t forget to visit the Antiquarium too, which houses some of the most interesting finds from the ancient city including little statues of Sicilian divinities and a beautiful female head dating to the 4th century B.C.
To organise a visit to Heraclea Minoa or to find out what else you can do in Agrigento and Sicily please don’t hesitate to contact us. Use our contact details to get in touch.
Services
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Visits
scheduled for individuals
available in Italian, English -
Visits
by reservation for groups
available in Italian, English -
Didactics for schools
by reservation
available in Italian, English
Where
Via Esculapio, Eraclea Minoa (AG)
Transportation
By car: from Western Siciliy take A29 motorway (Palermo – Mazara del Vallo) and exit Castelvetrano, then take SS 115 up to Cattolica Eraclea interchange and get SP 30 towards Cattolica Eraclea.
From Eastern Sicily take A19 motorway (Catania – Palermo) and exit Caltanissetta, then take SS 640 toward Agrigento and SS 115 up to Montallegro interchange. Once there, take SP 29 toward Cattolica Eraclea.
By bus: Palermo: daily departures from "Falcone-Borsellino" airport. Catania: daily departures from "Fontanarossa" airport. Agrigento: daily departures from the city centre.
By train: the nearest train station is Agrigento Centrale, 40 km away from the Archaeological area
Visiting Rules
• Green Pass required from August 6, 2021 to access the site
From August 6th the access to the site is allowed only to persons holding one of the Covid19 Green Pass certifications together with a valid identity document, with reference to the current government provisions in order to cope with the epidemiological emergency from Covid19.
COVID-19 Green Certification is not required for children under 12 years of age and those exempt on the basis of appropriate medical certification.
Find out more
• At the entrance your body temperature will be checked through infrared thermometers. If a body temperature above 37.5 ° C is registered, you will not be able to enter the Valley.
• You must wear the mask both at the entrance and during the entire visit
• Always keep the safety distance of 1.50 m
• Disinfect your hands
• Remember that gatherings are prohibited
