Valley of the Temples reveals new finds on 17 October
Published on 10/18/2026 at 08:22 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Valley of the Temples in Agrigento has reported new archaeological discoveries from a third excavation campaign, with work scheduled to continue until 24 October 2026. The findings concern Case Montana and the Kolymbethra area within the archaeological park.
New discoveries emerge during the October excavation
The archaeological park reported the discoveries on 17 October 2026. A separate report from Agrigento Notizie described the campaign as an active investigation by the University of Milan, supported by the park and the FAI.
Archaeologists have identified a previously unknown neighbourhood of ancient Akragas on the Case Montana plateau. The remains include substantial walls and buildings that appear to have been destroyed during the Carthaginian siege of 406 BC. The material survived beneath layers of collapse.
The team has also recorded new water structures in the former stream bed near the Kolymbethra garden. These include drainage channels and channels cut into the local calcarenite rock. The researchers are examining whether they formed part of the system associated with the ancient artificial lake.
A further strand of the campaign involves the clearing of the Ipogeo Nuovo, an underground gallery discovered beneath the Case Montana plateau in December 2023. Geological and environmental work is also taking place, including the collection of calcareous deposits for later laboratory analysis.
The park’s excavation update names the Case Montana and Kolymbethra investigation among its latest news. A report on the discoveries gives the campaign’s 24 October end date and describes the structures found on the plateau.
Case Montana links the discoveries to ancient Akragas
The new evidence adds a residential dimension to a site usually approached through its monumental temples. The walls and building remains at Case Montana show that the ancient city extended across a wider and more varied landscape than the best-known sacred areas suggest.
The location also connects the excavation to the water history of Kolymbethra. Archaeologists are studying channels in the valley floor alongside the underground gallery, bringing buildings, water management and the later rural landscape into one research area.
The project is part of a five-year research programme begun through an agreement signed in 2024 by the archaeological park, the University of Milan and FAI. The current campaign is directed by Claudia Lambrugo and Maria Concetta Parello, with students and researchers from the University of Milan taking part.
The discoveries therefore concern more than isolated objects. They combine architectural remains, water infrastructure and underground evidence in a single part of the park, while the excavation continues until 24 October 2026.
Visiting Valley of the Temples: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The current excavation campaign at Case Montana and Kolymbethra is scheduled to continue until 24 October 2026.
- The reported discoveries concern archaeological work within the park and do not announce a change to ordinary visitor access.
- Case Montana and the Kolymbethra garden are areas within the archaeological park at Agrigento in Sicily, Italy.
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Frequently asked questions about Valley of the Temples
What discoveries were reported at Valley of the Temples?
Reports published on 17 October 2026 described a previously unknown neighbourhood at Case Montana, new water structures near Kolymbethra and progress in clearing the Ipogeo Nuovo.
When does the excavation campaign end at Valley of the Temples?
The third campaign is scheduled to conclude on 24 October 2026. It is being conducted by the University of Milan with support from the archaeological park and FAI.
Where is Valley of the Temples and how do you get there?
The archaeological park is in Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. The reported excavation areas are Case Montana and the Kolymbethra garden within the park.
