FAI secures 25-year renewal for Kolymbethra Garden in Agrigento
FAI – Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano has been granted a 25-year extension to oversee the Giardino della Kolymbethra in Agrigento, following a successful tenure from 1999 to 2024. This new agreement is established with the Parco Archeologico della Valle dei Templi. The garden, which has been revitalized from neglect, draws approximately 80,000 visitors each year. Upcoming developments include a new ticket office and water-efficient restrooms designed by Studio MCA, along with the opening of Case Montana, 17th-century structures, set for November 2025. Under a collaborative agreement with the Parco Archeologico and Università degli Studi di Milano, archaeological investigations will increase, with initial findings uncovering elements related to the ancient reservoir "Kolymbethra." FAI president Marco Magnifico emphasized the difficulties of conservation.
Key facts
- FAI has been granted a 25-year renewal for the Giardino della Kolymbethra in Agrigento.
- The garden was managed by FAI from 1999 to 2024 under a previous assignment from the Regione Sicilia.
- The new mandate is assigned by the Parco Archeologico della Valle dei Templi.
- The garden was recovered from abandonment and degradation, now attracting up to 80,000 visitors annually.
- Plans include a new ticket office, shop, and water-saving restrooms designed by Studio MCA – Mario Cucinella Architects.
- The Case Montana, 17th-century rural buildings, will open to the public from November 2025 with a multimedia installation.
- A framework agreement with Parco Archeologico and Università degli Studi di Milano will fund annual archaeological excavations.
- The first excavation campaign in October 2024 uncovered an unknown underground conduit and possible remains of a large basin built by tyrant Theron after 480 BC.
Entities
Artists
- Marco Magnifico
- Roberto Sciarratta
- Daniela Bruno
- Mario Cucinella
- Theron
Institutions
- FAI – Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano
- Regione Sicilia
- Parco Archeologico della Valle dei Templi
- Studio MCA – Mario Cucinella Architects
- Università degli Studi di Milano
- Artribune
Locations
- Agrigento
- Italy
- Sicily
- Giardino della Kolymbethra
- Valle dei Templi