Sicily
the most beautiful island of Mediterraneo
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and one of the most beautiful lands on the planet. In this region, as perhaps in no other, art, history and culture blend seamlessly with the landscape and give rise to a universe that is worth to discover. In recent years, Sicily has started to exploit its enormous natural, historic and artistic resources, becoming one of the most visited destinations in Italy.
From east to west Sicily is a succession of magical scenery perfectly integrated in the architectural landscape that surrounds them. A Mediterranean climate and wild nature, wonderful islands and inlets, active volcanoes, mountains and plains, and the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean make Sicily a tourist must.
From east to west Sicily is a succession of magical scenery perfectly integrated in the architectural landscape that surrounds them. As if they were open-air museums, the provincial capitals, municipalities, and small towns have unique treasures that make this island a theater with timeless style and diverse works. For more than two thousand years, Sicily has given birth to artistic productions of universal value. Ranging from the ancient monuments of Segesta, Agrigento and Selinunte, to the Greek and Roman ruins of Syracuse and Taormina, the majestic buildings produced by the Normans in Palermo and Monreale. The land still sings of the Baroque show in the Val di Noto, the nineteenth-century opera in Palermo and Catania.
Sicily have 5 sites declared by UNESCO World heritage:
- Temple of Agrigento
- Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily)
- Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica
- Villa Romana del Casale (Piaza Armerina)
- Eolie islands
Agrigento - and the huge Temples
The Temple of Agrigento are a superb witness of the splendor of one of the most important Greek colonies of the West. The ancient city of Agrigento extended over a wide area, and is now known as the Valley of the Temples of the number of religious houses and buildings that document the richness and cultural development until the fourth century AD. A wonderful natural landscape consists of old olive trees and almond trees. still surrounds the site, maybe like ages ago when was a source of inspiration for poets and philosophers such as Pindar and Empedocles. The park of Valle dei Templi, cover 1300 hectares, an contains an extraordinary architectural heritage that includes the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas and the land around it to the …
Etna - the highest volcano in Europe
ETNA In terms of walks, Etna, is one of the most interesting places in Italy. There are several paths available. The first, not to be missed for the lover of trekking, is the one that leads to the top of the crater. It 's very easy, as is done by cable car (www.funiviaetna.com) and with the off-road but that does not make it less fascinating.When you walk on the black volcanic sand seems to be on another planet, if it were not for the sea, which appears on the horizon. During the winter you can ski on Mount Etna (thanks to the ski slope on the south slopes and north) and excursions to the snow-shoe hiking, snow-covered lands from which they emerge through the most incredible lava formations.The walks themselves are made in the summer, with …
Taormina and Gole dell'Alcantara - a wonderful Greek theatre
Taormina is one of the most charming cities in Sicily: its territory extends over a terrace of Monte Tauro, along the coast from Capo Sant'Andrea to Capo Taormina, between the Ionian Sea with its beautiful beaches and mountains Peloritani that around the north and west. Taormina soon became known for the Dolce Vita, and for the natural environment, land loved by famous writers and artists such as Goethe and Maupassant, becoming an important tourist destination.The building dates from the Hellenistic era, when it was conceived and built by the Greeks Tauromeniti, in Roman times, under Emperor Augustus (31 BC-14 AD), was expanded and rebuilt, and was used for gladiatorial shows. With Siracusa is the largest Greek theatre in Sicily, and every …
North Sicily - sandy beaches and relax
Capo d'Orlando, Patti-Tindari, Montalbano Elicona: all these villages are an ideal destination for the sea lovers. Long sandy beaches characterize all the north coast or Sicily. Tindari The eastern side of the headland on which stands Tindari is characterized by an imposing 250 meters high cliff dominating a wide beach that includes three lakes formed by sandbanks abroad for about two hectares each. To visit the charming Black Madonna. Montalbano Elicona It is one of the oldest and most charming towns in the Nebrodi mountain, rich in history, art and traditions. Located 907 m above sea level, the village lies on top of two adjacent hills around which the river forms a wide curve Helicon. Today is proposed as a distinct tourist resort but without …
Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie) - a wonderful archipelago in the middle of Mediterraneo
"The Aeolian Islands provide an outstanding record of volcanic island-building and destruction, and ongoing volcanic phenomena. Studied since at least the 18th century, the islands have provided the science of vulcanology with examples of two types of eruption (Vulcanian and Strombolian) and thus have featured prominently in the education of geologists for more than 200 years. The site continues to enrich the field of vulcanology." (Unesco World heritage Centre)LipariThis isle is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, 36,7 sq km. Its volcanic nature is revealed by its dominating colours: the white of the pumice-stones and the black of the obsidian. Thousands of years ago obsidian represented the islands principal export with the continent because …
Cefalù - a pictoresque village on Mediterraneo
Cefalù is one of the most pictoresque village in Sicily: a tiny fisherman village facing the sun of Mediterraneo. In Cefalù every day you can discover something new and unique, so a simple walk through the narrow streets "vaneddi" of the old town takes us back to a glorious past, of which many traces still remain. Here is the Duomo of Cefalù. The massive Norman style church was built by Roger II, almost 900 years ago and is still one of the sites most important art of our country. Very showy on the outside, characterized by a facade surrounded by massive towers and a right side very elegant, decorated with arches and loggias. The cathedral dominates the Piazza del Duomo and ends at the top of the mountain foothills. Remains of the daily …
Palermo, Mondello and Monreale - the capital of Sicily
PalermoPalermo, 750,000 inhabitants, capital of Sicily and seat of regional government, is beautifully situated on the bottom of a small bay from Capo Zafferano and Mount Pellegrino. An amphitheater of mountains surrounding the Conca d'Oro, within which lies the city. Surrounded by vineyards, palm groves and orange groves, favored by the mild climate, Palermo, built for the delight of kings, gave the impression that once a city of dreams. Palermo was founded by the Phoenicians, which was later Roman, Arabic, French, German and Spanish, has suffered much from the struggles that have torn through the centuries. However, it has miraculously preserved examples of Norman and Arab eras as well as several baroque buildings. Four days, at a minimum, …
Sicilian Baroque - Modica, Ragusa and Scicli
ModicaAn elegant and simple at the same time, full of baroque palaces and whipped by a salty wind, smelling of Mediterranean and full of lively atmosphere. This is Modica, a beautiful Sicilian town of 55,000 inhabitants in the province of Ragusa, with its historical centre declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Just the coastal part of the city is an irresistible focus of tourism packages, and many visitors come to town to relax on the beach and enjoy some swim in the Mediterranean, basking in the sun before it is worth exploring carefully the heart of the city, the discovery of squares, historic streets, lovely views and sumptuous palaces, or characteristic. All started in the 1693 when a violent earthquake destroyed the city. Modisa as is admired …
Noto - the heart of Sicilian Baroque
NotoIn a raised position, in the western part of the province of Syracuse, stands the beautiful town of Noto, overlooking the plains with the warm colors of its sandstone buildings. A town of elegant charm to be discovered submerged in a generous land a few miles from the beautiful Mediterranean coast.A visit at Noto is almost a cultural obligation: its architectural heritage since 2002 has joined the list of UNESCO World Heritage Noto and then became a source of pride for the whole nation Italy. The town is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the river valley Asinaro.Its beauty comes from the bottom of a great misfortune, a quake that disatroso knelt the old note, but gave the green light to the construction of a baroque jewel. The year …
Ortigia (Siracusa) - the island of Baroque and Archimede
Ortigia, the islandThe tragic earthquake of 1693 did not spare even Syracuse, and a century later decayed parts were rebuilt in Baroque style.All of this succession of sublime historical events have left signs in the city, an urban jewel of Sicily, seaside town, the morphology of Syracuse today can be summarized in three areas: the island of Ortigia, the city's oldest settlement linked to the mainland three bridges, the Acradina, flat area at the back of Ortigia, the new part that has developed around the archeological park of Neapolis. Do not miss the cliffs, beaches and crystal clear waters of Fontane Bianche and dell'Arenelia fractions.Ortigia, certainly the most fascinating place to be discovered step by step, with substantial buildings …
Erice - a unique city in Sicily
Erice. The whole collection in a triangular perimeter, Erice is one of the most unique cities in Sicily. The narrow cobbled streets, small squares, the courtyards of flowers, rich crafts including ceramics, carpets and sweet, make it a must destination of every excursion in Sicily. It stands on a mount overlooking Trapani, the valley and the sea. Its origins are ancient and mysterious, shrouded in legend. Fully in ages lontanissi-me, it was Erice, King of the Elimi, mythical son of Venus. On the summit had come first, only one temple dedicated to a goddess of the fruitful nature, identified by the Romans with Venus Ericina, still venerated by all peoples of the Mediterranean, especially by sailors. Soon there was built a fortress fournished …
Favignana and Marettimo - the history of "Mattanza"
Favignana and "La Mattanza"A few kilometers from the "peak" of Sicily, off the coast of Trapani, Favignana is the largest (about twenty square kilometers) and an important island of the Egadi: an ideal place for sea lovers and for families with clear waters, spectacular cliffs, beautiful coves, beaches and romantic bays, fishing villages and ancient fortresses, along with modern tourist facilities. Resist an island where traditions of secular life and work, like fishing for tuna in the "tuna," one of the few still in operation. And the tuna with the classic "trap in Mattanza", from April to July, is one of the attractions of the island: not just a fishing technique, but rather an ancient rite - and bloody impressive - along with prayers propitiatory …
Mothia - strategic island of the Phoenicians
Mothia, the island of the Phoenicians. Rich and strategic island of the Phoenicians, Mozia is connected to the mainland by a narrow road just below the water surface, only passable at low tide. Otherwise, a boat will take you on the other side within minutes. The island of Mozia (or even Mothia Motya), in the middle of the lagoon, the Lagoon, extends for almost forty-five hectares (since 1984 is the regional natural reserve of the Islands of the Lagoon of Marsala) is enclosed between the north coast of Sicily Marsala and Long Island, facing the salt pans of Trapani. The Island (now San Pantaleo) is a small jewel natural and archaeological heritage, whose name is linked to the Whitaker family, wealthy English merchants who bought the early '90…
San Vito lo Capo - Caribbean sea in Sicily!
San Vito Lo Capo is an ancient fishing village that still retains a strong Arabic influence.San Vito Lo Capo is alaso a popular seaside resort, especially for its beautiful coastline that opens into a beautiful bay and beach and crystal clear water that comes alive with shades from light to very light green to deep blue. San Vito is an all white town built around its mother church in the '700. The centerpiece of the country is this church, looking square and massive recalls that his birth as a Saracen fortress.In this place, light, aromas and flavors mingle with a landscape of Mediterranean colors and waters: low white houses covered with bougainvillea and a beach of white sand overlooking the turquoise sea, the guardian of ancient treasures, …
Scopello and Natural Reserve of Zingaro - hidden paradise of Sicily!
Scopello and the Zingaro Reserve natual Scopello is a small village built around the eighteenth century around a typical "Baglio" and although it is now a holiday resort, has kept its simplicity. Scopello is perhaps the most charming and picturesque of the whole Gulf of Castellammare. In its beautiful bay, bounded by cliffs and protected by old towers, is the trap, now in disuse, but remained active until a few years ago.Its clear waters extraordinary delight the bathroom with a wonderful view of the rocky seabed rich underwater vegetation.Scopello is hidden and very few are overlooking the sea, walking the streets, accompanied by the smell of jasmine still blooming in November, one wonders why you can not see the sea, only coming to instill …
Segesta and Selinunte - archaeological site of Sicily
"The temple of Segesta stands out wonderful, with its 36 Doric columns, the immense green drape the backdrop to the huge monument, unique, solitary, in this country borders." Guy de Maupassant.The foundation of Segesta is lost in prehistory, as it is earlier than the Phoenician and Greek colonization. Virgil gives the Trojan Aeneas and the Trojan would have been the source of the mysterious people of the Elimi, who lived there.The temple, built on a rocky terrace probably the last three decades of the fifth century BC is one of the most perfect examples of Doric architecture. Elegant and important, however, lacks the traditional "cell in the God," which suggests an adaptation of the temple creche to the needs of local cults. A few feet above …
Trapani - the capital of West Sicily
Trapani is located on a promontory that closes a natural harbor; is one of the main centers of the Italian fishing industry and conservation of fish, also known for its handicrafts coral and pearl.The Saline of Trapani, one of the most interesting wetlands in Europe, protected by the WWF, habitat for birds and charaterized by windmill now abandoned. The best time to visit Trapani is surely to Easter, when the old town core of people who poured into the streets to follow all the events taking place during the week. The highlight is the enchanting mysteries of the Good Friday procession, during which 20 groups of sculptures are taken all day and all night through the streets of downtown, groups, kept in the Church of the Purgatory (in the historical …
Vendicari, Pantalica, Marzamemi - South Sicily attraction: Vendicari, Pantalica, Marzamemi
The Natural Reserve of Vendicari is now one of the most important humid zones in Europe and its importance, from the naturalistic point of view, is internationally recognized.??At the Natural Reserve of Vendicari hundreds of birds are the species that choose each year as a stopover on the journey to their spawning grounds. The reserve is also one of the few places where it is still possible to observe the typical Mediterranean flora in all its splendor.? Also must-to-visit is the “Tonnara” that remains active until the Second World War.??The Necropolis of Pantalica is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Sicily, useful to understand the moment of transition from the Bronze to the Iron Age in the island. Pantalica is the largest …
Piazza Armerina, Villa romana del Casale - and the wonderful mosaic.
The Villa Romana del Casale is a late Roman villa whose ruins are located near Piazza Armerina in Sicily. The mosaics, with such a unique, richness and a variety, make the Villa Romana del Casale a priceless gem in the history of art. Indeed since 1997 is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.??Many of the halls of residence have figured in the floor mosaic colored tiles. The stylistic differences between the mosaics are very evident. This, however, does not necessarily indicate a performance in different times, but probably different workers, which mediate Syriac heritage and trends using various Alexandrian "pattern book".Several archaeologists assume that the villa belonged at high-ranking personalities of the hierarchy of the Roman Empire …
