Agrigento - Italy

Nestled on the enchanting southern coast of Sicily, Agrigento is a city steeped in history and natural beauty. As the capital of its namesake province, this historic town offers residents and visitors alike an immersive experience into both ancient heritage and modern-day amenities. Founded around 582 BC by Greek colonists from Gela, Agrigento, once known as Akragas, flourished during Ancient Greece's golden age under the leadership of Theron in the 5th century BC. Agrigento’s quality of life is significantly influenced by its rich cultural backdrop and strategic urban planning. The city boasts a health score of A+, reflecting excellent access to healthcare services that contribute to residents' well-being. This high health-related quality of life is supported by modern medical facilities and an emphasis on community health initiatives. The culture and entertainment scene in Agrigento, although rated as B, thrives on its historical significance and vibrant local traditions. Visitors can explore the ancient Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases remarkable Greek architecture and offers a tangible link to the city’s illustrious past. The presence of notable personalities such as Empedocles and Luigi Pirandello further enriches Agrigento's cultural tapestry, making it an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts. While amenities in Agrigento are satisfactory with a score of B, there is room for improvement to elevate urban livability analysis results. This includes enhancing the range of local services and recreational facilities available to residents. The city’s commute score also stands at B, indicating that while public transport systems such as buses provide reasonable connectivity within the region, further investment in sustainable urban planning could improve accessibility and reduce congestion. One challenge facing Agrigento is its NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) score of B+. Efforts are underway to address local resistance through community engagement and transparent communication regarding new development projects. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive approach to housing and urban development, ensuring that growth benefits all residents without compromising the city's charm. The noise level in Agrigento is rated as B, reflecting moderate ambient sound typical of urban environments. Addressing this involves sustainable urban development strategies like green spaces and effective land zoning to mitigate noise pollution while enhancing residents' living quality index. Despite its lower childcare and education score of C+, there are promising signs of progress. Local authorities are working on improving educational infrastructure and resources to support early childhood development and academic excellence, aiming to provide a better life for future generations. Agrigento's total score of B suggests it is well-positioned among the most livable cities in Italy but also highlights opportunities for growth. By leveraging its strengths—such as cultural heritage, excellent healthcare access, and strategic coastal location—the city can continue improving its standings in the global liveability index and city livability ranking. In conclusion, Agrigento offers a unique blend of historical allure and contemporary living. While challenges remain in certain areas such as education and urban noise management, ongoing efforts toward sustainable urban development and community health initiatives paint a promising future. With continued investment in infrastructure and cultural enrichment, Agrigento holds significant potential to climb higher in global rankings for quality of life and livability.

Agrigento skyline

Agrigento

Country: Italy

Population: 55512

Elevation: 230.0 metre

Area: 245.32 square kilometre

Web: https://comune.agrigento.it/

Area code: 0922

Overall score

Total

Amenities

Childcare & Education

C+

Commute

Culture & Entertainment

Health

A+

NIMBY

B+

Noise