Erice

Erice is a very nice medieval village, located on the top of Monte San Giuliano, from where you can enjoy a splendid view of Trapani. It was inhabited by the Elymi, but soon after the end of the fifth century b.c. it was a Carthaginian colony and only in 241 b.c., as a result of the Egadi battle, was conquered by the Romans.
To visit: the three Norman gateways, the Chiesa Madre, the A. Cordici museum with interesting archeological finds, the Chiesa of S. Giovanni Battista, the Castello di Venere and the Pepoli Castle in the middle of the blooming Giardino del Balio.

Selinunte

In Trapani Province lies one of the places that embody an illustrious age, with huge vestiges inserted in a landscape unforgettable for the fascinating aecheological area. This is Selinunte (Selinus) wich the traveller from Agrigento to Marsala will come upon on two hills overlooking the sea that bathes the African coast.
A vast archaeological site, one of the most important in Italy, set in attractive countryside. The side has 3 large temples, an acropolis on the hill, 2 sanctuaries and numerous other remains.

Mozia

San Pantaleo island facing Marsala in a sheet of water c 8 km away, is a fascinating place, the site of archeological proof of Motia, where excavation was recently begun and is continuing with excellent results. The islet of Mozia is roughly 40 hectares in area and round it lie the ruins of a defensive wall. Within the walls, the visitor encounters the Phoenician culture. It was the lagoon, some 4 metres deep, that led the Phoenicians to select the site when, towards the middle of the 8th C GC, they withdrew when the Greeks arrived at Palermo, Solunto and, of course, Motia.
Dionysius I of Siracuse destroyed the city in 397 BC and the Carthaginians finished his works, later exiling the survivors to nearby Lilybaeon. There are many monuments and findsm some of ethnogical importance. Apart from the city walls, interesting sights are: a Punic sanctuary, an ancient necropolis (7th - 6th C BC) the tophet where child sacrifices were offered to Baal Hammon, the kothon, a dock, the house of the mosaic and the Museum.

Segesta

One of the most important and inspiring archaeological sites on the island on account of its impressive Doris temple and Greek thetre.
A large shrine dating back to the 5th - 4th century BC provides the crowning touch to the archaelogical park of Segesta, but more marvels are yet to be discovered. Current excavations are bringing new remains to light, thus testifying to Segesta's past grandeur.

Pantelleria Island

Hundreds of thousands of years ago a great explosion in the heart of the Mediterranean provoked the emersion of the top of a submarine volcano. So Pantelleria outcrops violently and domineeringly as a dark and burning island, born from the sea, the magma, the incandescent lava. Pantelleria is black for its lava stone and obsidian and yet green for its rich vegetation. The incredible woods at the top of Montagna Grande (800 metres) offer: pines, oaks and forest trees over six metres tall. The Mediterranean bush, present all over the island, alternates wild olives, blueberries, rosemary, and Indian figs. The great variety of flowers, in spring and fall, clothes the island with the most vivid and bright colours.

Egadi Island

Favignana is the largest isle of the Egadi Islands. It is site of the most important tunny fishingground and canneries of the Mediterranean sea. Levanzo is testimony to a long period of prehistory. In the "Grotta del Genovese", the designs are the most important works of cave art in Italy.
Marettimo: fantastis, multi-coloured grottoes, such as the "Grotta del Cammello", the "Grotta della Bombarda", the "Grotta del Presepio", full of stalagtites and stalagmites.

Palermo

Capital of the province and of the autonomous Sicilian Region, node of communications and industrial city in a privileged position at the edge of the Conca D'Oro, with a busy port,; it is also a great tourist centre, on account of its vast number of Byzantine, Arab-norman, Renaissance and Baroque monuments. Founded by the Phoenicians, perhaps occupied by Greeks (who named in Panormus), it was a Carthaginian base before becoming Roman in 253 BC. After Byzantine dominion (535-831), it prospered under the Saracens (it became the seat of the Emirate of Sicily in 948) and under the Normans who made it capital of the Kingdom of Sicily. (1130). Palermo attained its greatest splendour under Roger II and again later, under the Emperor Frederick II. After rebelling Anjou (the Sicilian Vespers, 1282), it passed to Aragona, the House of Savoy and then the Bourbonu of Naples (till 1860). The city suffered severe damage during the last World War. The many monuments and churches that ornament the face of the city are principally (of the churches): the Cathedral, with the tombs of the Norman kings, a splendid crypt and has reliefs by Gagini; san Giovanni degli Eremiti, with characteristic Arab domes; Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (or Martorana), with fine mosaics; San Cataldo; Sant'Agostino; San Domenico, with works by Gagini and fine cloisters; San Francesco d'Assisi, with fine works of art; the catacombs at Cappuccini covent.

Messina

Of extremely remote origin (700 BC), it flourished due to it situation; at the time of the Romans a civitas foederata it declined under the Greeks, renewing its prosperity only much later with the House of Anjou and the Spanish. It remained Bourbonic till 1860.
Only some of its ancient monuments remained standingafter the 908 earthquake. Of note: the Annunziata dei Catalani church (12th C, Byzantine-Norman); the Cathedral (1160), with fine 15th and 16th C sculptures of the facade, a highly ornamental portal, drawing inspiration from transalpine Gothic, important medieval sculptures inside and a complicated astronomical clock in the bell-tower; San Francesco d'Assisi rebuilt after the earthquake, still whit its original 13th C Gothic forms; Santa Maria Alemanna; San Giovanni di Malta church and the Montalto sanctuary. The well-endowed Museo Nazionale has collections of Roman, Byzantine, arab, Egyptian and Hebrew works of art. In Piazza del Duomo stands the 16th Fountain of Orion by Montorsoli. Equally fine are the monumental cemetery, the Palazzo di Giustizia (law courts), the University and the Town Hall. An international film festival and national speedboat championships are held at Messina. Events for "Agosto Messinese" (Messina in August) are of interest. Traditional festival with characteristic processions are held throughout the year. Hydrofoil links with Reggio di Calabria, Palermo, the Aeolians and Taormina-Naxos. Ferries sail to Villa San Giovanni and Reggio di Calabria, regular sailings to Naples, the Aeolian islands, North America and Australia.

Eolie Islands

The "Eolie" or "Lipari" islands are a group of volcanic islands in the Eastern Tyrrhenian Sea, approximately 40 km. Off the north coast of Sicily. They are wellknown for their beautiful beaches, grottos, magnificent climate and interesting archaeological remains. The local economy is based on fishing, agriculture (vines, olives, capers and fruit), the mining of pumice-stone and tourism.. Here the famous wine "Malvasia delle Lipari" is produced, using a thousand-year old technique, with grapes dried in the sun on wickdried in the sun on wickerwork trellises. Hydrofoils from Milazzo provide a year round service to the islands.

Taormina

A health resort in a dominant position overlooking the Ionian Sea, famous the world over for its enchanting natural beauty and good hotels. Founded in about 395 BC by the people of Naxos over a peexisting Siculo Village, it was the object of conflict in Greek times, then a Roman colony, and a powerful castle in the Middle Ages.
Part of the Greek theatre (115 m in diameter), rebuilt by the Romans in the 2nd C AD, still exists, as well as the Baths, the Odeon and the ruined Acropolis. Fine later monuments are: the cathedral (16th C), Santa Caterina and Sant'Agostino churches and various palazzi, including Palazzo Corvaia (built 1372, damaged during the last War), Palazzo Santostefano. The archeology museum is at the Theatre.

Aci Trezza - Aci Castello - Acireale

Heading north from Catania through acres of orange groves, you will arrive first at the small town of Aci Castello, overlooked by a black volcanic rock crag at th etop of which stands a many-towered and battlemented castle. A couple of kilometres along the coast is Aci Trezza, looking out towards the splendid "Isola dei Ciclopi", the so-called "faraglioni" (jagged crags rising from the sea). Legend claims that the blinded Polyphemus hurles these rocks at Ulysses as he escaped in his ship. A little further on is Acireale, a charming little town built on a lava terrace. Traditional festivals: Acireale Carnival (february), Christmas Procession.

Natural Park of Etna

The park stretches from the top of the volcano to tha small villages which lie at its foot. It is a really unique and fascinating natural paradise. By car, on foot, on horse-back, mountain-bike, skis or on the Circumetnea railway, the area around Etna ofers unlimited possibilities as regards excursions and sightseeing, wine and gastronomic specialities and historical-cultural attractions from Linguaglossa, with its magnificent pine forest, the road heads toward Milo and Santa Vanerina where you can visit some wine houses and taste the famous "Etna" DOC wine.

Piazza Armerina

Agricultural-commercial and tourist town lying on three mounds in the Erei mountains. Important in the 11th C for its wealthy abbey, it has a number of monuments; including the cathedral ( 18th C ) with a rich library and the civic museum; Baroque Palazzo Trigona della Foresta, with works by Caravaggio and Byzantine paintings; the 14th C castle; San Pietro church (17th C ); San Rocco church; Romanesque Sant'Andrea fuori le Mura, and the Palazzo di Citta'.About 6 Km from the town is the famous "Villa Romana del Casale ". Excavations have revealed this great Imperial Roman Villa, one of the most outstanding archaeological discoveries dating back to the Roman era in Sicily. It is of great interest due to its multi-coloured mosaic floors, unique in their extent, beauty and variety of subject and colours. Traditional Festivals: Palio dei Normanni ( 13th/14th August ).

Ragusa

Administrative centre of the province, Ragusa is split into two parts: the old town, "Ragusa inferiore" or " Ibla", with beautiful Baroque buildings, and the new town, "Ragusa superiore" or "Nuova". The outstanding ecclesiastical buildings include the remaining portal of San Giorgio Vecchio ( 15th C ); San Giorgio Nuovo ( 1739 - 1775 ), a magnificent example of Sicilian Baroque, with a fine facade and later neoclassical dome ( good paintings and sculptures inside the church ); San Giovanni Cathedral ( Baroque, 18th C ) with coeval paintings; the Ecce Homo church ( 1808 ), scenographically sited; San Giuseppe ( 16th-17th C ); Santa Maria delle Scale and the neo-classical church of the Collegio di Maria Addolorata ( 18th C ).

Noto

One of the finest expressions of Baroque architecture in south-east Sicily, the town was re-constructed after the devastating erathquake in 1693 in a scenographic Baroque style. To visit: The Porta Reale gateway, the SS.salvatore Convent, the Church of S. Francesco, the Church and Convent of S. Chiara, the town-hall square surrounded by impressive mansions, including Palazzo Ducrezio, the Chiesa Madre, Palazzo Landolina, Palazzo Nicolaci, the Church of S. Domenico, Palazzo Castelluccio, the ex Convent " dei Crociferi " and the Church of Montevergine.

Monreale

This small hill-town sits on a rise above Palermo, with a view overlooking the Oreto Valley and the Conca D'Oro; it is the main tourist destination in the area around Palermo, renowned for its beautiful view and adove all for its splendid cathedral, the "Duomo S. Maria la Nuova", an excellent example of Norman architecture in Sicily.

Agrigento

The archeological fascination of Agrigento and its surroundings stems also from the splendid monumental Valley of the Temples. After turbolent events in Greek and Roman times, decadence and splendour followed till the decline of Byzantium, then the city began to flourish again in the Middle Ages. The architecture of the temples lying the foot of the ridge where the city the ancients called Akragas, after the little river, now San Biagio, that flowed bleside it, hamonises perfctly with the vegation and the warm brown and ochre stone. The archeological areal compries: the temple "della concordia" is the best preserved Greek temple after the Theseion in Athens.

Marsala

Marsala is rich in Carthaginian, Roman, Normann, Arab and Spanish monuments, which bear witness to the long and interesting history of the town, like for istance the Carthaginian necropolis the Roman Villa with its wonderful mosaics, the 5th century Christian baptistery and the remains of the city walls built under Roger I. During a stay in Marsala one cannot help visiting the cathdral, built on a pre-existent Norman castle, which houses works by Gagini as well as eight invaluable Flemish tapestries of the 16th century. The archaeology, a Carthaginian ship dating back to the 2nd century BC. The plants where the world famous Marsala wine is made, and finally the bagli.

Trapani

Trapani, the ancient Drepanon, juts out into the Mediterranean sea in the shape of a sickle. The Lign Tower, an imposing watchtower built in 1761, stands on its extreme tip and now houses the Museum of Prehistory. The precious coral works made by skilled craftsmen have made this town famous since the second half of the 16th century. A colletion of very fine coral works is displayed at the Pepoli Museum, inside the old Carmelite monastery. Next to this building stands the Santuario dell'Annunziata, where one can find a beautiful 14th century marble staute of the Madonna of Trapani. Walking down the streets of the oldest part of the city centre, one can easily notice the indelible marks left on Trapani's town planning and architectural styles by various civiizations.

Enna

The city Callimachus Called "the umbilicus of Sicily" was a Siculo foundation, through strongly influenced by Greek culture. The most important archeological discovery made here is the Rocca di Cenere on the heights, with the remans of the temple dedicated to Ceres where, so Cicero says, huge statues once stood. Coins and finds from recent excavations are in the local museum. Morgantina, strategically sited on Monte Cittadella in near Aidone. The highly developed city was built over a prehistoric settlement. Ongoing excavations are revelaing the urban plan as well as Hellenic and Roman elements. Piazza Armerina in one of the most splendid archeological sites in the Mediterranean. Its monuments data to Roman Times (the "Villa Filosofiana" in Contrada Casale). A campaign of continous excavation confirms this was the luxurious home of a rich, perhaps noble Roman, owner of the farm in the latifundia that included the the village called Filosofiana. Neither historians nor archelogists agree on dates, but it can be presumed that the complex and farm buildings were begun towards the end of the 3rd century BC. The owner himself remains unknown, but the must have been an aristocrat, rich Roman landowner or an illustiuos representative of distant Rome. The extend of the monumental remains, the splendour and originality of the mosaics and decoration, the layout of the buildings used in the daily life of this Roman comunity of a feudal type, make the Casale site an outstanding example of a period which, in Sicily, left solid traces of refined evolution that went beyond the arts. Digging began in 1881 and was later continued using more advanced techniques and improved planning. The complex was probably destroyed in the 12th century, but the remains indicate the contributions and enhancemets brought by later cultures.

Siracusa

A magnificent city and provincial capital, it is one of the most important archaeological centres in Magna Grecia. The oldest part of the city is on the little Ortigia Islands with the remains of the earliest Greek constructions. Remains of the ancient city, which lay over a greater area than does the present one, are: the Greek theatre, (4th-3rd Century BC), semicircular, the Altar of Hieron (466 BC and the Latomina del paradiso (a vast quarry now a garden) with Ear of Dionysius and the Cordari cave. The Latomia of Cappuccini, Latomia of Santa Venera, the remains of the Gumnasium (Augustan period), the Fonte Aretusa (fountain). Later monuments: Palazzo Bellomo, 13th C. (museum of the Middle Ages and a library). Maniace Castle (started 11th C., rebuilt in Gothic forms at the time fo Frederick II). San Nicolo' church (11th C.), San Giovanni church and the convent with the famous catacombs.
The cathedral was originally the temples of Athena, trasformed in the 7th C. Its facade is 18th C. (fine works of art inside). The Regional Archeological Museum has collections of pre-Hellenic and Greek material, Greco-Roman remains, and is one of the principal archeology museum. Other fine buildings: the Palazzo Comunale, 17th C., Palazzo Beneventano, 18th C., Palazzo Lanza, Palazzo Montalto, Santa Lucia church and Foro Siracusano.

Caltagirone

An area rich in clay, Caltagirone has for a long time been famous all over the world for its ceramics workmanship, samples of which can be seen in the local Ceramics Museum. However, there are many other examples of this craft to be found by simply wadering around the town. The great example, however, is the Santa Maria del Monte church, 142 steps covered with ceramics patterns, the symbol of the town. Civic Museum and L. Sturzo picture gallery, archeological finds from the prehistoric to the Greek age. Traditional festivals: animated ceramics cribs (Christmas), Carnival.

Ustica Island

Known all over the world as the first natural sea reserve of Italy, it is called Black pearl or solitaire of the Tyrrhenian sea. Located to the North of Palermo, it is 36 sea miles far from it. It covers a total areal of 8,5 square Km and it has the shape of a floating turtle. It is 244 metres high and its coasts develop for 7 miles. Thanks to its volcanic origin, the island is very fertil even if it lacks of spring water. The Usticesi living on the island toal 1188. Their main activity are agriculure, toursim and fishing.
Ustica is considered a paradise for divers and it is also the favourite destination for intellectuals and people willing to spend peaceful holidays.