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Sicily Travel Guide

Author: Mansi Gupta

Sicily has made an indelible mark on the European traveling scene. Is it because of the Volcano that is still burning, or is it because of the rich cultural heritage that the city carries? The European experience has been adorned by the Italian influence. The Greek domination has left such marks on the settlements around Rome and rest of Italy including Greece and Sicily that it has become next to impossible to miss it. The roman leftovers are grand enough to attract the historians as well as the tourists.

Sicily is one of the most sought after destinations in Italy. The tourism advantage that Sicily can give is just an added feature. The reason for this is that it is essentially a culturally charged city. The city has in itself treasured the exploits of the second Great War as well as the ancient historical facts that a significant part of world history. The city holds a distinct aura as differentiable as its language, which is a mixture of many nearby languages. The Mediterranean influence on the place can be felt by the cuisine that is served in its lavishly decorated restaurants.

Sicily holds a unique history that is flanked by the exploits and rule of many dynasties. The geographical location of the place gives a very wrong picture of it being part of the Italian rule. Though it is now a part of Italy but its origin and history is different from that of Italy. The main land of Sicily is separated from the Italian land and thus it finds many indigenous people living in it. How ever it has been a favorite of almost all the empires. The Carthage, the Greeks and the Normans fought over the land too much and it saw the changing the hands. Rome was finally the victor and they ruled it for a long time. Then in the late 19th century Italy took over the control. However the impact of mafia on the island is too much and large part of the land is still under its influence. The city also has the honor of perpetrating the mafia concept.

The Greek and the roman influence on the city can be seen by the architecture that is seen around the city. The enormous size of the cathedrals and platforms dazzles the mind of the visitors. The Sicilian backdrop has been used by many film makers and performers. The sheer grandeur of the roman and Greek constructions makes it one of the most sought after destination in southern Europe.

Mount Etna is one of the volcanoes that is still active apart from being the tallest in Europe. The rich thick forest cover around the Etna region is an added attraction to the tourists. Apart from the seldom traffic problems and delays in flights and trains, the city offers a vista of traveling experiences.

The city is easy to approach, as it is a part of most of eastern and southern European tours. The individual visit can also be a good idea. From romanticism of the mafia to the raw power of nature Sicily has it all.

About the Author:

Mansi gupta writes about sicily travel.

Things To Do and See in Sicily

Mount Etna, Catania, Sicily
Sicily's greatest natural attraction is also its highest mountain: Mount Etna,

at 10,990 feet, is the most active volcano in Europe and the oldest recorded

active volcano in the world.
Attraction type: Volcano

Ortygia, Syracuse, Sicily
This offshore island was occupied by the Greek colonists who fortified it and constructed the earliest structures, including the temples of Athena and Apollo,

whose remains can still be seen today.
Attraction type: Island; Religious site

Noto, Syracuse, Sicily
Attraction type: Historic village

Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi), Agrigento, Sicily
This region is one of the most important archeological sites in the world with many

great temples such as Hera (Juno,) Lacinia, Concordia, Heracles (Hercules)

and Olympian Zeus (Jupiter,) all dramatically perched along a long rocky scarp.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; Religious site

Archaeological Zone (Zona Archeologica), Syracuse, Sicily
This archeological site contains the most complete Greek Theater existing from antiquity.
Attraction type: Historic site; Ancient ruins; Historic village

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