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The Enviroment:
We are in Agrigento, among the marvellous hills of the Valley of the Temples. This is a pristine oasis of pure magnificence, tradition and culture, dominated by the Temple of Concordia. It is so close that it seems it can almost be touched by hand. It is a temple that has eternal charm; gazing upon its majestic form is a thrilling experience, as if time stood still two thousand five hundred years ago.
The marvellous and exclusive view from Hotel Villa Athena, the only 5-star hotel in the Valley of the Temples; the private park with its Saracen olive trees and its centuries-old palms; the tranquillity of places of everlasting beauty: all contribute to permit our Guests to live in a magical and unique atmosphere.
From the Mediterranean garden of Hotel Villa Athena, every view of the Valley of the Temples seems a painted picture, a window on history.
The only 5-star hotel situated in the Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples, which UNESCO has declared a world heritage site, Villa Athena stands only two hundred metres from the Temple of Concordia, a true masterpiece of Doric art dating back to the 5th century B.C. Here can be found a Sicily which goes back millennia.
Thanks to the foresight of its founder, the lawyer Francesco D’Alessandro, Villa Athena, a magnificent residence of the end of the 18th century, became a hotel in 1972 following a conservative restoration that left the architectural style of the era unchanged.
Being Responsible
In the garden of the hotel the remains of an early Christian basilica can still clearly be seen. It was built between the 5th and 6th century A.D. The recovery of the liturgical furnishings together with the presbytery enclosure are a clear testimony of this.
A famous and refined marble Pluteus was also discovered in the gardens. It has been dated between the late 8th-early 9th century A.D. Its relief bears witness to the presence of Christians in the Valley up until the Islamic conquest. Staying at Villa Athena means immersing oneself in history and myth, the surrounding temples being a spectacular demonstration of eternal charm.
The recent completion of restoration work and the upgrading of the villa has notably increased the beauty and the exclusiveness of the hotel. The refined and elegant furnishings seem to blend with the comfort of the splendid suites which overlook the temples and the park of centuries old olive trees
How you will reside
The hotel’s recent restoration has renovated every environment, including the rooms and the suites, which have a view of the temples and/or of the park of centuries old olive trees.
The atmosphere that recalls the noble tradition of this "house" pervades everywhere. Everything is original and unequalled, with refined furniture and an impeccable service, enriched by a warm and friendly welcome typical of Sicily.
Seduced by the enchanting view of the Temples, on the Belvedere Terrace it will be possible to taste delicious delicacies from an expertly reappraised cuisine in harmony with the Sicilian culinary tradition.
All the rooms come with: air-conditioning, Lcd TV, telephone with a direct line, free internet access, mini-bar, safe, hair dryer, wake up service/alarm clock. Some rooms are with: Private Spa, stereo CD and DVD player
How you will eat
The Restaurant proposes a revisited menu of traditional Sicilian cuisine, which maintains unchanged the flavours of our land, together with an ample wine list. The Restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner.
Amenities
The hotel Villa Athena is the ideal place to celebrate your most precious moments: the setting of the temples, our professional service and our cuisine will make your memories unforgettable.
The backdrop of the temples, unequalled in the world, is the perfect setting for celebrating a special occasions in style; our multi-prize winning chef Emanuele Vizzì, the regional president of the association of chefs, creates menus tailor-made for every event, following the principle that no two celebrations are the same.
The most important day for a couple is equally important for us and every detail is attended to with passion by our staff. This includes a wedding planner and a team of professionals in the field of catering and events.
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