Sicily - sights. Sicily - excursions. Volcano in Sicily

It's no secret that Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is unique and unique in its own way. Friendly, hospitable and smiling Italians are always glad to the guests, are proud to show everyone who comes to the country its beauty, unique monuments of culture, history and architecture, to which the locals are very anxious.

It is a country of extraordinary beauty. Its diverse natural landscapes, unusual snow-white slopes of the Alpine mountains, magnificent sandy beaches, unspoiled lakes are simply amazing.

This is a country-museum. In each of its cities there are as many attractions as there are in some countries. Venice is an amazing city on the water, Milan is a recognized center of world fashion, and of course, the Eternal City - Rome. This is the country from which you do not want to leave, and when you leave, you want to return as quickly as possible.

However, amazing cities - it's not all of Italy. Equally beautiful are its islands. Our compatriots are well known Ischia, Sardinia, Elba, Capri, and of course, Sicily. Each island is beautiful in its own way, but today our conversation will go about Sicily.

Location:

This is the largest island in Italy. Even in its location, Sicily is unique. The map shows that it is located between Africa and Europe, it is washed by the Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean seas.

From the history of the island

Extremely advantageous position on the Mediterranean roads has caused numerous conquests of the island for many years.

This is a very ancient region, and in its history left a trace of the culture of many peoples. Initially, it was conquered by the Greeks, later Vandals, Normans, Arabs, Byzantines. The conquerors changed, but a part of their spirit remained on the island. This is evidenced by various monuments of architecture and art.

Cities of Sicily

The capital of the island is the magnificent Palermo. Previously, the Phoenicians called it Zyz, which means "Flower". And nowadays Palermo is the embodiment of love for culture, art and history. Tourists from all over the world come here to walk along elegant streets and squares, walk through numerous shops and boutiques, visit unique cathedrals, world-famous theaters and museums. This city can not leave anyone indifferent.

In the suburbs of the capital is the town of Corleone. It is famous for its ancient cathedral of St. Martin, built in 1382, and the three-nave church, in which the organ of the seventeenth century and the font of the fifteenth century are preserved. No less than these historical attractions, tourists are attracted by a bar located at the Cathedral, because there are photos from the shooting of the legendary film The Godfather.

The main resort towns of Sicily are Taormina, referring to the administrative center of Messina, and Cefal ((province of Palermo). The main reason for the popularity of these cities - luxury beaches and first-class hotels.

Taormina is famous for its medieval palaces, squares, churches. Sicily, whose sights are truly unique, boasts Roman Odeon, which is located behind the church of Saint Catherine and the Greek amphitheater, located on the Tauro mountain in this city. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this place offers a stunning view of the sea and the famous volcano Etna.

At its foot is another very beautiful city - Catania. In 1669, it was almost completely flooded with lava after the eruption of the volcano. The most powerful earthquake of 1693 finally destroyed Katan. Despite all the troubles, the locals were able to rebuild their city. They used frozen lava as a building material. Today it is a modern city, attracting tourists with its sights - the amphitheater, the Roman theater, Odeon and others.

Excursions

Every year millions of tourists come to Italy. Many of them are attracted to Sicily. Excursions around the island are carried out by many travel agencies. But if you came to the island on your own, and not as part of an organized group, then you can book an excursion with an individual Russian-speaking guide. He organizes trips to interesting places, which are somewhat removed from the "trampled" hiking trails. It is possible to organize individual shopping tours, etc. To do this, you need to contact the INWIP association, which will provide you with a highly professional guide.

Sicily: map of attractions

Just want to warn you that for one trip (even a fairly long one) you will not be able to see this fantastic island of all monuments and interesting places. As you already know, the biggest island in Italy is Sicily. There are places of interest in each of its provinces, in any locality.

The Royal Norman Palace

In Sicily, Palermo has its main attraction - the residence of the kings. If you look at it from the west, then you will see a real fortress, and if from the south - a typical building, made in the Renaissance style. At one time in the Norman Palace was the royal residence. In addition, in Palermo you can see the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady. By the decree of King Wilhelm II he was built in the twelfth century. Today in his exposition the sarcophagi of the emperors and kings of the Norman dynasty. In Palermo you can see the famous exhibition of mummies - Catacombs of Capuchins.

Messina - Attractions

In this city is the oldest cathedral, which Sicily is proud of. The sights of the XII century are represented by the Council of the Duma, sustained in the Norman style. On the bell tower you can see the largest astronomical clock of the eighteenth century.

Province of Agrigento

Here you can see a unique park - the Valley of the Temples. On its territory are the grave of Theron, the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Concord, the Temple of Hera. Most of these structures date back to the fifth century BC. E.

Amazes the size of the Temple of Zeus. Its height is more than thirty meters, its width is more than fifty, its length is one hundred and twelve meters.

If you are interested in the history of this province, visit the Archaeological Museum. Among the many exhibits, it is necessary to highlight the sculpture of the Atlantean at a height of seven and a half meters.

Mysterious Syracuse

This city captivates all visitors here not only with its unique sights, but also with the quivering attitude of local residents to its history.

In the thirteenth century, under Friedrich II, Maniáče Castle was built in this city. In those days he played an important political role in the life of the provincial city. At different times here stayed and lived the family of kings. In the fourteenth century, the Parliament of Sicily sat in this building.

The small town of Catania is known all over the world thanks to the largest volcano in Europe - Etna. Accompanied by an experienced guide you can climb to its top.

Volcano in Sicily

A certain part of the tourists who come to this famous Italian island come to see the legendary volcano Etna with their own eyes.

The ancient Greeks were firmly convinced that the forge of the God of Hephaestus is located in the vale of the volcano. That's why it was called Aitna, which translates as "a fiery mountain."

Its height is three thousand five hundred and fifty meters, the area is one thousand two hundred and fifty square meters. As a result of eruptions, more than four hundred craters were formed. Once in three months there is a lava eruption.

By car, you can climb to a height of one thousand nine hundred meters and see the extinct crater Sylvester.

Those who are not impressed enough can continue the tour. Accompanied by a professional guide on the cable car, those wishing will be raised to a height of two thousand five hundred and fifty meters, and before them an incredibly beautiful panorama of the operating craters opens.

If you decide to climb, take warm clothes with you - on top of Etna it's windy and cool, and the temperature is not more than fifteen degrees.

Visiting the volcano Etna can be combined with a walk around the city of Taormina. This is perhaps one of the most popular resorts of Sicily, which is located on the slope of Mount Tauro.

You can see the Villa Del Casale. Its appearance dates back to the fourth century BC. And today it is protected by UNESCO.

Of course, many tourists will be interested in shopping in the outlets "Sicilian Village". Here you can buy clothes of the most famous Italian brands.

Today the theme of our article was the island of Sicily. The sights of this fabulous place are not only monuments of history and architecture. It is an unforgettable natural landscape, hospitality and goodwill of the Sicilians.