
Situated within 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.
THE HOTEL
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. 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.
ROOM & SUITE
The hotel’s recent restoration has renovated every environment, including the 25 rooms and 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 playe
“THE TERRACE GODS” RESTAURANT
The essence of the tradition is the prerogative of the new menu of the Terrace of the Gods restaurant.
A stylish kitchen and exciting, made of local raw materials, almost exclusively in KM "0", once the rediscovery of agricultural and handicraft in danger of disappearing. "We are aware of how important it is to have a natural relationship with the environment, comply with its rhythms and its needs. We are focusing on a kitchen to recovering the authenticity and Sicilian specialties, and the use of products to Km "0" allows us to support local production, creating synergies that can engage a flywheel of economic development for the area, "emphasizes the Villa Athena Owner, Stefano D'Alessandro.
The Terrace of the Gods restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, for meetings with friends, energizing breakfasts, lunches, cocktails and special, over the years, has become the reference point for many couples who choose Sicily to seal their wedding in a sacral unmatched.
The wine list features a selection of over 200 wines including champagne, sparkling wines, dessert wines, red wines, rosé and white. Prestigious selection of Sicilian wines, the chef invites you to taste the white "Comet" Planeta winery and the red "Lu Patri" cellar Baglio del Christo, both come from the province of Agrigento.
The restaurant caters to hotel guests, but also to the public who want to experience a culinary high level in an attractive, unique and unforgettable scenery of art, traditions, perfumes and love.
Always attentive to enrich the experience of its most demanding customers, from all over the world, Stefano D'Alessandro reveals that the summer 2015 will be studded with surprises and exclusive events: "in addition to a series of events and wine, we organizing a gala dinner will be hosted numerous top secret where showbiz and sport, aristocrats and businessmen, all invited in the Terrace of the Gods restautant to discover and experience the "Taste of Sicily". "
Salvatore Pullara, born in 1979, explores the wonderful world of gastronomy thanks to the great maestro Salvatore Schifano. After completing his studies he undertook a travel to European capitals to the discovery of new lands, fragrances and flavors. In 2005, willing to return to his homeland, he landed in the exclusive Taormina, where immediately he combining his international experience with the flavors of the beloved Sicily. "Back home” with a wealth of experience and knowledge renovated, is the culmination of a dream. Hotel Villa Athena, only five-star hotel located in the archaeological park of the Valley of the Temples, has always
represented a popular destination, "says the chef”.
Just 200 meters from the Temple of Concordia, the wonderful terrace of the Gods the , Hotel Villa Athena restaurant, renews the menu and present the new chef.
“WEDDINGS”
Villa Athena offers an exclusive romantic background for your wedding photo session. The reception is held in a luxurious setting, in turn surrounded by the millennial history of the Valley of the Temples. Let yourselves be assisted in the organization of your wedding by the experts of Hotel Villa Athena. A team of professionals coordinated by the wedding planner will know how to fulfil your every desire. The hotel proposes a variety of choices: lunch or dinner served for the more traditional, great buffets for the more dynamic, cocktail parties for the more informal, all of which can be personalized in the splendid rooms and in the enchanting garden.
“MEETINGS”
For important work meetings, product launches, press conferences, conventions and incentives, the hotel offers a spacious meeting room which satisfies every need with a striking view of a Greek cistern. The garden lends itself to the presentation of products or the organization of fashion shows. In these occasions, the Restaurant "The Terrace of Gods" can organize coffee breaks, work lunches and gala dinners State-of-the-art technical equipment, free Wi-Fi, efficient service and professionalism guarantee that every event is a success.
+39 0922 402180From Catania Fontanarossa airport: 163 km.
From the centre of Catania: follow the signs for the Catania-Palermo motorway; go in the direction of Palermo for about 100 km; take the exit for Caltanissetta Centro and cross Caltanissetta, continuing in the direction of Agrigento for around 60 km. When you arrive at Agrigento, follow the signs for Hotel Villa Athena.
From Palermo Falcone and Borsellino airport: 133 km.
From the centre of Palermo:
Inland option 130 km: follow the signs for the A29 motorway, go along the A19 until the Villabate exit. Take the SS121 and then the SS189 in the direction of Agrigento. When you arrive at Agrigento, follow the signs for Hotel Villa Athena.
Coastal option 199 km: Go along the Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway in the direction of Mazara del Vallo. Take the Castelvetrano exit in the direction of Agrigento.