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Sicily Trip
March - April 2006
Sicily has been home to every great civilization existing in the Mediterranean: Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and finally the French, Spanish and Italian. Traces of all these people have been integrated into the island's artistic heritage, art and architecture, including massive Roman cathedrals, well-preserved Greek temples, amphitheaters, Baroque palaces and churches. The Greeks were masters of stone construction, and in these remains can be seen the beauty and symmetry of their work. The Romans came along, made changes, perfected the Roman arch, introduced the use of cement to make mortar. As a result, these combined works are amazing, titlehough what one views today are the archeological remains of ancient times BC.
Start in Palermo, the largest Sicilian city. The mystery and violence of this city (Mafia influence) can be felt as you walk the streets. The human element can be felt in the hustle and bustle of the open markets where the locals congregate daily to buy and sell incredible food. The city still has many WWII ruins and high staircases leading nowhere. Sidewalks are either non-existent or very narrow, so walk carefully. The piece de resistance is Palermo Cathedral, known as St. Mary of the Assumption…an amazing 12th century structure w/Norman/Arab & Byzantine architecture …incredibly beautiful and enormous; and also the outstanding opera house…Teatro Massimo, neo-classical style, Italy's largest….and where Godfather III had scenes filmed.
From Palermo, drive to the small hilltop town of Monreale for spectacular views of lush orchards and colorful gardens. See extraordinary and exquisite medieval mosaic work in the Norman Cathedral. Continue up thru Madonie Mts. and spend a few nights in an agriturismo...a rustic, restored farmhouse in the mountains. Drive to a sheep farm and watch the making of ricotta cheese. Travel to quiet hamlets in the high mountains with unspoiled 14th century villas, medieval streets and stunning views of the countryside. Walk through Castlebuono's crooked streets dotted with shady piazzas and elaborate fountains and stop at the bakeries for wonderful Italian pastry and local liquers. Don't miss Cefalu, a beautiful old fishing port with lovely stone streets, shops, piazzas. While there, take a hike up La Rocca (over 1000 ft.) to the Temple of Diana.
Visit magnificient ruins at Segesta....the Greek amphitheater and the temple and sanctuary dedicated to Venus. Then to Erice, a charming, picturesque, well-preserved, medieval village of less than 1000 inhabitants…mostly older citizens. They inherited their family apartments over the years; walk the narrow, cobblestone, hilly streets and view the mountaintop castle. Visit the enchanting mountaintop villages of Pettralia Soprano and Pettralia Sotano.
Agrigento and the Valley of Temples (UNESO World Heritage Site) is without a doubt breathtaking! The ruins remain proof of a Greek heritage, surviving over 500 years of Roman battles. Another UNESCO site at Piazza Armerina, the Villa del Casale, is one of the largest and most intact Roman villas in the world. Over 3500 sq., ft. of tiny mosaics decorate its walls and floors, depicting Roman life during its peak. It was covered by volcanic ash, discovered
in 1928; restoration began later in 1958.
Much of Sicily is a magical world of palaces, mosques, minarets, palm trees, orange and lemon groves, fig and almond trees, olive orchards and vineyards. Sicilian cuisine is an assortment of Arab, Greek, French, and Spanish spices and dishes, fresh seafood and creamy gelato and canoli.
A must visit is Catania, second largest city in Sicily (500,000) and home of composer, Vincenzo Bellini. This city has a dark appearance due to the volcanic stone from past eruptions of Mt. Etna. In 1693, lava poured into the city, killing 2/3 of the people and destroying 2/3 of the city, including the amphitheater. It has never been completely restored and is quite remarkable in the heart of the city! In fact, in 2001, Etna again erupted doing damage to the city. At that time, people had to clear the city for a few days, but no lives were lost. The views of Mt. Etna from Catania are stunning! It is a very lively and busy city with unimaginable traffic patterns!
Mt. Etna...so incredible, so magnificent, so imposing and, yes, active!! You can drive there and continue higher up in the cable car (it had been destroyed in the 2001 eruption but is now repaired). Recent lava flows lie all along the road. Due to Mt. Etna's lava and ash, the valley has become very fertile for growing crops.
In Siracusa, walk through more superb ruins…the Greek theater still performing Greek tragedies and the amazing quarry area. Go to the Roman amphitheater (1st century), then to the temple of Apollo. Syracuse was the dominant city of Sicily for five centuries. It equalled Athens in prestige. More than 2000 years of history are concentrated in this small island. Spend time exploring the island of Ortygia (the heart and soul of the city). Lunch in a café by the sea.
And finally, spend a few days or more in the crown jewel of Sicily....Taormina, an enchanting seaside resort, perched high on a hilltop overlooking the sea! In the background looms Mt. Etna's snow-capped mountain; the view is extraordinary. Visit the incredible Greco-Roman theater, walk and shop the narrow, stone-paved streets which step off to the right and left, leading to beautiful piazzas, churches, cafes and restaurants. Take a cable car down to the beach for a stroll. Taormina has been a prized European resort since medieval times due to its climate, location and vistas. Take a local bus up the mountaintop to Castelmola..., another little hamlet high above Taormina with a marvelous view of the coast, Taormina and Mt. Etna. |
Sicily Photo Gallery
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