Sicily, culture

Sicily is often called the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”. It is a true treasure, full of diversity and rich in culture.

Sicily's history is varied and vibrant. It is the gentle merging of different cultures and many customs. Here you will find traces of the Phoenicians who occupied the territory in 700 BC followed by the Carthaginians from 650 BC. The Greeks were here in 480 BC and the Romans came some 200 years later. The Goths invaded the area around 490 AD and their influence can still be seen in some of the historic architecture. The Arabs conquered Sicily around 830 AD. Their influence remained for over 200 years until the Norman conquest of 1060-91. Further Spanish & French influences followed. In the late 19th century the area was finally unified with the rest of Italy.

There is a grand walking tour of Sicily that will allow you to visit the best sights in the city. The town of Castellammare del Golfo is named after its medieval castle, located near the harbour. In ancient times, Castellammare was the main harbour in the region. Fishing has been important to the town's economy dating back to ancient times. Today, the town's economy is still based on fishing and tourism. Visitors will also want to go to Palermo, a town rich in history and heritage. The beautiful beach of Mondello, located in Palermo, has a nearby Toy Park where children can spend the day playing on different activities and toys. Visit the website for more information on the town of Palermo in general.

Meanwhile, the town of Segesta features fabulous historic Greek temples. You'll also find plenty of wine gardens and wineries throughout the region. The summer months are a great time to visit the coast or to take in some of the food and wine festivals. In the wintertime, visitors may want to take in some skiing at nearby Mount Etna. The towns of Marsala and Alcamo are especially famous for their wineries.

Street markets are another main attraction in Sicily and surrounding communities. Here you will find a varied assortment of fresh fruit and seafood, vegetables and other fine food items. Vendors also offer crafts and other items for sale. Sicily's outdoor market tradition dates from the 9th century and is a great way to get a taste of Sicily's culture.

If you travel to Sicily you may also enjoy a visit to the Institute which performs classical Greek and Roman dramas in an ancient amphitheatre. A seasonal calendar of performances is available, the plays are usually performed in Italian.

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