From its dramatic natural surroundings to its historic churches, Sicily has something to offer every traveler. The island of Sicily is a unique part of Italy. Its craggy mountains, wild vegetation, and omnipresent sea have fired the imagination of poets, wayfarers, and visitors alike. Though it is one of 20 Italian regions, its history under the yoke of endless conquerors βespecially the Normans β has … Continue reading Β CefalΓΉΒ
Aci Castello and the other Acis around are destinations not to be missed in Sicily, especially for lovers of Greek myths and literature. It is here that the poets Virgil and Ovid gave birth to the myth of Galatea and Aci and their love story. In the second half of 1100 the town was destroyed by an earthquake and on that occasion the inhabitants found … Continue reading Aci Castello
This is city is one of my favourite places in Sicily. Let me show you its magic! Taormina has been a tourist destination since the 19th century. Its beaches on the Ionian sea, including that of Isola Bella, are accessible via an aerial tramway built in 1992, and via highways from Messina in the north and Catania in the south. In 2017 Taormina hosted the 43rd G7 summit. The history of Taormina dates back … Continue reading Taormina
One of my favourite activities living in Sicily is to go to the beach. Or how they call it here the lido. South of Catania, there is entire spread of different lido’s which are under different concessions. Do not expect a beautiful road to drive through, though. The road is full of bumps, holes, trash and construction fences. But once you park your car and … Continue reading Lido
Β According to legend,Β DaedalusΒ stayed in the city after his flight over theΒ Ionian Sea, as didΒ HerculesΒ after his seventh task – Capture the Cretan Bull. π In 9th century it wasΒ conquered by the Muslims, who elevated the city to become a capital of one of theΒ three districts of the islandΒ (the Val di Noto). In 11th century, it became the last Islamic stronghold in Sicily to fall to the … Continue reading Noto
It is located on the slope of Monte Caputo, overlooking the very fertile valley called “La Conca d’oro” (the Golden Shell), a production area of orange, olive and almond trees, the produce of which is exported in large quantities. The town, which has a population of approximately 39,000, is about 7 kilometers inland (south) of Palermo, the regional capital. Monreale forms its own archdiocese and is home to Monreale Cathedral, a … Continue reading Monreale
Long time ago, my first visit to Sicily in 2012 was accompanied by visit to Palermo. I had a day only to visit so the story to tell was shorter. Now I am blessed to live on the Island of Sicily for a more extended time so I have more to tell. For the beginning, when driving to Palermo from Catania, you have to pass … Continue reading Palermo
When I discovered this city – I was driving quite often towards the south to hang around and be away from Catanian trash and dirt. This historical city has much to offer and makes you come back again and again. Where to start? Syracuse is mentioned in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles book at 28:12 as Paul stayed there. Good start? The city was founded by Ancient … Continue reading Syracusa – Ortigia
And just above Santa Maria La Scala is home to numerous churches of neo-gothic and typical Sicilian baroque style. Sicilian dialect calls it Jaciriali. I am trying to understand the rules of a dialect here too. Wish me good luck π In Sicily, I found so far three nymphe’s that were born here. One of them is Galatea – the sea-nymph. According to tradition, the … Continue reading Aci Reale
Just a 10 km north of Catania, you can escape the trash and smell and get the opportunity to breathe. The place is called Aci Trezza. Located on the coast of the Ionian Sea, the village has a long history of maritime activity. Aci Trezza is a popular spot for Italian vacationers in the summer. The patron Saint of the town is St. John the Baptist. … Continue reading Aci Trezza
RED RIDING HOOD 