Regions of Italy

Sicily: the most remarkable places on the island. Part I

Due to its geographical location and proximity to the centers of ancient civilizations, Sicily developed under the influence of a wide variety of cultures. Thanks to this, a visit to the island can give a wide variety of impressions. Starting out with Sicily, BlogoItaliano selected the 8 most noteworthy sights from our point of view to present the island to the reader. In subsequent posts, we will return to them again and again, in order to give a more complete picture of them, for now we will consider them very briefly.

A rich historical heritage, several active volcanoes, a wonderful climate and healthy cuisine - it is not surprising that many Italians spend their holidays in Sicily, giving it preference over other Mediterranean resorts.

Sicily - an island separated from the mainland by not only three seas - the Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean, but also centuries-old history. Situated between Europe and Africa, Sicily has always been a tidbit for both conquerors and merchants. The centuries-old presence on the island of Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Vikings and representatives of other nationalities could not but leave a rich legacy in architecture, art, language, and, of course, the Sicilian cuisine.

Medieval Erice

Town Erice located on the west coast of Sicily at an altitude of 755 meters above sea level. This is a fairly fortified medieval city in which about 2 thousand people live today. The first inhabitants in Erice appeared in the period from XV to VIII century BC They worshiped the ancient gods and this faith was so strong that even today, despite the numerous Christian churches, the spirit of pagan culture is felt in the city.

Erice is famous for its medieval architecture

It is nice to stroll through the narrow cobbled streets, inspecting the old buildings, look into the small courtyards, which, it seems, still remember all of its inhabitants, starting from the Renaissance.

Greek Theater in Syracuse

Greeks appeared in Sicily in the VII century. BC. and for seventeen centuries they built their cities, developed a culture, built temples. The true monument of ancient culture is Greek Theater in Syracuse with a diameter of about 140 meters, designed for 15 thousand spectators.

On its stage, scenes from ancient plays are also being played out, as well as concerts by contemporary performers. The theater looks especially majestic at night, when the stage is flooded with torches and colored lights.

Antique Theater in Syracuse - the largest in Sicily

Volcano stromboli

Volcano stromboli located near the North coast of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea and belongs to the group of the Aeolian Islands. He is not as famous as the world famous Etna, but, unlike the latter, has not ceased its eruption for more than 20 thousand years.Stromboli often referred to as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean," thanks to the white clouds above the volcano’s vent that are visible from great distances.

Despite volcanic activity, the island is 13 square meters. km in three villages, several hundred people constantly live, who in case of special activity of the volcano are evacuated by the authorities until the mountain giant is calm.

Stromboli eruption at sunset especially impresses visitors

Excursions to volcano stromboli held all year round, but the presence of a guide is required. Climbing to the top occurs at pre-sunset hours, because in the dark, the form of magma boiling in the crater is especially impressive.

Valley of the Temples

The most significant archaeological site protected by UNESCO in Sicily is considered Valley of the Temples in Agrigentobuilt by immigrants from the island of Rhodes.

The valley is known for the ruins of ancient Greek temples of the VI-V centuries BC, the best examples of the Doric style that have come down to us from ancient times. The best preserved ruins of seven temples: Juno, Hercules, Zeus, Dioscuro, Vulcan, Aesculapius and the Temple of Concord.

Valley of the Temples is considered the most significant archaeological site in Sicily

In addition to earthquakes, which over the centuries have had a detrimental effect on buildings, the first Christians who intentionally spoiled them caused special damage to the ancient temples. Only a sad fate was avoided Temple of Concord. And that is only because in the VI century A.D. he was turned into a Christian church.

To be continued…

Watch the video: Sicily Holidays - Italy: Things to Do - What, How and Why to visit the Island (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Regions of Italy, Next Article

Cologne
Germany

Cologne

Only a circle of lovers of good beer may know about Kölsch, but everyone who has gone to school has heard about the water from Cologne. The famous perfume, Eau de Cologne, or the more familiar "cologne", has been known since the beginning of the 18th century. Thanks to Johann Maria Farina, an emigrant from Italy who invented this product, Cologne then received not only world fame and.
Read More
Dresden card
Germany

Dresden card

To see more in the Saxon capital and have fun, but also save money, take advantage of the many advantages of a Dresden city map. Get more discounts and free admission to many museums. Dresden, photo by Pascal POGGI Those tourists who prefer independent travel in Dresden should buy the Dresden Card.
Read More
Transport in Cologne
Germany

Transport in Cologne

Gathered in Cologne? Then let's look at the features of public urban transport. Metrotram, photo Metro Centric Cologne's transport system is well developed. It includes light rail, S-bahn trains, buses and taxis. Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg operates the public transport system.
Read More
Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
Germany

Kellerwald-Edersee National Park

Kellerwald-Edersee National Park is located in North Hesse. The 5700-hectare park occupies part of the Kellerwald midlands. Its main attraction is the zone of historical deciduous forests. Since 1963, a reserve and a nature reserve have been created in this territory. Kellerwald-Edersee National Park (Nationalpark Kellerwald-Edersee) Kellerwald-Edersee National Park (Nationalpark Kellerwald-Edersee) is located in North Hesse - 40 kilometers from Kassel.
Read More