Map of Sicily

Best attractions in Sicily

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Sicily's Wonders

Sicily is a place full of fascinating wonders, from majestic ancient ruins to breathtaking natural landscapes. Particularly impressive is Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, whose massive eruptions and lava landscapes offer a unique natural spectacle. Another highlight is the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where well-preserved Greek temples like the Temple of Concordia from the 5th century BC stand proudly. Additionally, the picturesque beaches of San Vito Lo Capo with their turquoise waters and fine sand are perfect for relaxation.

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Mount Etna

Everything that nature has that is great, everything that is pleasant, everything that is terrible, can be compared to Etna and Etna cannot be compared to anything. (Dominique Vivand Denon, 1788)

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Valle dei Templi

The archaeological park near Agrigento is an outstanding example of ancient Greek architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The well-preserved Temple of Concordia, with its majestic Doric columns, stands out. Nearby, the Temple of Zeus Olympius is famous for its colossal Atlantes statues. A popular photo spot is the Statue of Icarus in front of the Temple of Concordia, symbolizing the mythological hero’s dramatic fall.

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Monreale Cathedral

Monreale Cathedral, considered the most magnificent example of Arab-Norman architecture in Sicily, dazzles visitors with its intricate gold mosaics. These vast mosaics, requiring over 1800 kg of gold, cover over 6,500 square meters and presents 42 biblical tales in stunning detail. Only an hour's bus ride from Palermo, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see in Palermo.

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Palermo Cathedral

With its unique Arab-Norman architectural style, the Cathedral captivates the eye of any visitor. Admire the unconventional exterior, adorned with elegant arches, detailed Islamic-style geometric patterns and richly decorated towers. For breathtaking panoramic city views, climb to the rooftop during sunset. It’s one of the city’s top experiences.

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Palatine Chapel

The chapel from the 12th century, a stunning example of Norman architecture, is Palermo's top attraction. It impresses with its fine Byzantine gold mosaics, an exquisite ceiling in the Arabic style, and beautiful marble inlays. This unique combination reflects the cultural fusion of Sicily under Norman rule. You'll find this gem on the middle level of the Palazzo dei Normanni.

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Ortygia

Ortygia, the historic heart of Syracuse, is one of Sicily's most beautiful gems. This enchanting island, connected to the mainland by two bridges, boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years, with ancient ruins, baroque splendor, and vibrant street markets.

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Villa Romana del Casale

The Roman villa near Piazza Armerina is renowned for its stunning collection of well-preserved mosaics that vividly capture life in the Roman Empire. Built in the 4th century AD, the villa boasts about 3,500 square meters of mosaics, showcasing scenes from mythology, the earliest bikini fashion, hunting expeditions, and daily life.

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Archeological Park Selinunte

Located on the southwestern coast of Sicily, Selinunte is not only the largest archaeological park in Sicily but also the largest in Europe, spanning 270 hectares. Selinunte was founded in the 7th century BC and thrived until its destruction by the Carthaginians in 409 BC. The park is known for its extensive ruins, which include 7 temples built in the Greek Doric style. Of these, Temple E is the most restored and impressive, while Temple C, dedicated to Apollo, is the oldest, dating back to 560-550 BC​.

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Ancient theatre of Taormina

The ancient Greek theatre of Taormina, located just a five-minute walk from Villa Comunale on 1, Via del Teatro Greco, is the town's crowning jewel and a must-see attraction for any visitor. Founded in the 3rd century BC, it stands out not just for its historical significance as the second largest Greek theatre in Sicily but also for the breathtaking views it offers of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.

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Zingaro Nature Reserve

Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, a pristine coastal haven on Sicily's northwest shore, invites hikers and nature lovers to its rugged landscapes and serene coves. This first natural reserve set up in Sicily in 1981, protects a flourishing biodiversity of over 40 bird species and 700 species of Mediterranean flora.

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Palazzo dei Normanni

The Norman Palace is Europe’s oldest royal residences and a must-see in Palermo. Originally erected as a 9th-century Arab fortress, the Normans expanded it into a striking example of medieval architecture. The highlight is the Palatine Chapel, renowned for its exquisite Byzantine artistry, with dazzling gold mosaics and intricate Arabic-style woodwork. The best rooms within the Royal Apartments are the mosaic-lined Sala dei Venti and King Roger's 12th-century bedroom, Sala di Ruggero II. The botanical palace gardens with their tropical trees offer you a place to rest before you venture out again.

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Segesta Archeological Park

The Archaeological Park of Segesta is one of Sicily's top attractions. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world of the Elymians, one of the island's oldest cultures. The park's highlight is the well-preserved Doric temple from the 5th century BC, majestically perched on a hill and surrounded by stunning Mediterranean landscapes.

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Scala dei Turchi

The impressive rock formation on the coast of Realmonte is known for its bright white, step-like cliffs. These marl cliffs, jutting into the sea like a giant natural staircase, offer a stunning spectacle, especially in the light of the setting sun.

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Ear of Dionysius

Hidden within the ancient Latomia del Paradiso lies this remarkable limestone cave - 23 meters high and 65 meters deep. For centuries, it has captivated people with its exceptional acoustics and poignant history. It was Caravaggio, in 1608, who bestowed its name, inspired by the cave's ear-like shape and the legends surrounding Dionysius.

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Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off Sicily’s northern coast, are among the Mediterranean’s most beautiful destinations. This volcanic archipelago of seven islands offers each visitor a unique charm.

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Stromboli Island

The Lighthouse of the Mediterranean, one of the most captivating islands in the Aeolian Archipelago, is known for its constantly active volcano, which offers regular small eruptions. Adventurers can take guided hikes to the summit to witness the Sciara del Fuoco, a glowing lava flow that cascades dramatically into the sea. Black sand beaches like Ficogrande and Forgia Vecchia provide a unique swimming experience, while boat tours around the island and to the Strombolicchio Nature Reserve offer unforgettable views. With no cars, only electric taxis, and breathtaking starry nights, Stromboli delivers a true sense of seclusion and nature.

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Favignana

Favignana, the largest island in the Aegadian Archipelago off Sicily’s west coast, is a Mediterranean paradise renowned for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beaches. Just a short ferry ride from Trapani, it’s ideal even for a day trip.

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Riserva naturale orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari

The beautiful natural reserve located along the southeastern coast of Sicily is known for its diverse ecosystems. It features sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, salt marshes, and Mediterranean scrub. Birdwatchers flock here to observe migratory species such as flamingos, herons, and storks.

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Ballaro Market

Dive into the heart of Sicilian culture and sample the delicious street food. Mercato di Ballarò, the largest among Palermo's markets, carries a rich history dating back to Arab times. Here, the air is filled with the scent of local spices, and the tantalizing aromas of Sicilian street food. From the iconic arancini (rice balls) to pane e panelle (famous chickpea fritters), and crocche, potato croquettes, every bite is a treat.

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Archeological Park Neapolis

The Archaeological Park of Neapolis showcases the grandeur of ancient Greco-Roman history. At its heart lies the monumental Greek theater, one of the largest of its kind, built in the 5th century BC. The park also features the Orecchio di Dionisio, a striking man-made cave renowned for its acoustics. Completing the park’s highlights is the Roman amphitheater from the 3rd century AD, once a venue for gladiatorial contests.

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Pelagie Islands

The Pelagie Islands, from the Greek πέλαγος, pélagos meaning open sea, are the three small islands of Lampedusa, Lampione, and Linosa, located in the Mediterranean Sea between Malta and Tunisia, south of Sicily. To the northwest lie the island of Pantelleria and the Strait of Sicily. All three islands are part of the comune of Lampedusa. Geologically, part of the archipelago belongs to the African continent; politically and administratively the islands fall within the Sicilian province of Agrigento and represent the southernmost part of Italy. Despite pockets of agriculture, the islands are unnaturally barren due to wanton deforestation and the disappearance of the native olive groves, juniper and carob plantations. Fifty years ago much of the landscape was farmland bounded by dry stone walls but today, the local economy is based on sponge fishing and canning, supplemented by tourism in Lampedusa.

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Catacombe dei Cappuccini

The underground cemetery, established in the 16th century, houses over 8,000 mummified bodies, dressed in their finest clothes and displayed along the walls. The catacombs provide a macabre yet insightful glimpse into Sicilian cultural practices, beliefs about death, and the methods of preserving the deceased. A visit is certainly not for the faint-hearted but undeniably offers an extraordinary experience.

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Teatro Massimo

Teatro Massimo stands as a monumental opera house, celebrated for its grandeur and acoustic excellence. As Italy's largest and Europe's second-largest opera venue, it is a cornerstone of cultural heritage, famous not only for its neoclassical elegance but also as a filming location for notable movies like "The Godfather: Part III".

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Levanzo

Levanzo is the smallest of the three main Aegadian Islands in the Mediterranean Sea west of Sicily, Italy. It forms a part of the municipality of Favignana in the Province of Trapani.

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Alicudi

Alicudi is the westernmost of the seven islands that make up the Aeolian archipelago, a volcanic island chain north of Sicily. The island is about west of Lipari, has a total area of, and is roughly circular.

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Salina

Salina is one of the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily, Southern Italy. It is the second largest island in the archipelago. Salina is divided between three comuni: Santa Marina on the eastern coast, Malfa to the north, and Leni to the south-west. From Leni down towards the sea is the village of Rinella. Above the village of Leni is Valdichiesa in the center of the island. The other smaller villages are Capo Faro, Pollara and Lingua. There are currently approximately 2,600 residents living on the island.

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Linosa

Linosa is one of the Pelagie Islands in the Sicily Channel of the Mediterranean Sea. The island is a part of the Italian comune of Lampedusa e Linosa, part of the province of Agrigento in Sicily, Italy. It has a population of 430.

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Filicudi

Filicudi is one of seven islands that make up the Aeolian archipelago, situated northeast of the island of Sicily, Southern Italy. It is a frazione of the comune of Lipari.

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Lipari Island

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Marettimo

Marettimo is one of the Aegadian Islands in the Mediterranean Sea west of Sicily, Italy. It forms a part of the municipality of Favignana in the Province of Trapani. It takes about an hour to reach the island from Trapani.

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Cathedral of Syracuse

The Cathedral of Syracuse, known as the Cattedrale della Natività di Maria Santissima, stands majestically in the heart of Ortygia. Originally an ancient Temple of Athena from 480 BC, it beautifully blends Greek, Byzantine, and Baroque architecture. The striking façade, designed by Andrea Palma in the 18th century (after the 1693 earthquake), and the grand Doric columns from the original temple are testaments to its ancient history.

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Quattro Canti

Quattro Canti, also known as Piazza Vigliena, is a renowned Baroque square located in the heart of Palermo. Positioned at the intersection of Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, it forms the heart of the city's four ancient quarters: Kalsa, Seralcadi, Albergaria, and Castellammare.

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Arethusa Fountain

Legend has it that the Fountain of Arethusa is where the nymph Arethusa emerged after fleeing her underwater home in Arcadia. Surrounded by papyrus, this freshwater spring is one of the few places in Europe where this plant grows.

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Cefalù Cathedral

The Cathedral of Cefalù is a Roman Catholic basilica in Cefalù, Sicily. It is one of nine structures included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale. The cathedral was erected between 1131 and 1240 in the Norman architectural style, the island of Sicily having been conquered by the Normans in 1091. According to tradition, the building was erected after a vow made to the Holy Saviour by the King of Sicily, Roger II, after he escaped from a storm to land on the city's beach. The building has a fortress-like character and, seen from a distance, it dominates the skyline of the surrounding medieval town. It made a powerful statement of the Norman presence.

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Isola dei Conigli

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Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Santa Caterina d'Alessandria or Saint Catherine of Alexandria is a Roman Catholic church with a main facade on Piazza Bellini, and a lateral Western facade facing the elaborate Fontana Pretoria, in the historic quarter of Kalsa in the city of Palermo, region of Sicily, Italy. In front of the main facade, across the piazza Bellini, rise the older churches of San Cataldo and Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, while across Piazza Pretoria is the Theatine church of San Giuseppe and the entrance to the Quattro Canti. Refurbished over the centuries, the church retains elements and decorations from the Renaissance, Baroque, and late-Baroque eras. This church is distinct from the Oratorio di Santa Caterina found in the Olivella neighborhood.

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Catania Cathedral

Situated in the central Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral is one of Catania's best attractions. This remarkable structure, free to enter, features a stunning nave and Norman apses dating back till its foundation in 1093. Inside, it houses the relics of the city's patron saint, Saint Agata and the remains of the famed composer Vincenzo Bellini. The church had to be rebuilt multiple times due to earthquakes, the worst taking place in 1693. The cathedral's current Baroque façade was completed in 1711 by Gian Battista Vaccarini. It features majestic granite columns, which have been taken from the city's Roman Theatre.

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Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo, constructed in the early 6th century BC, stands as the oldest Doric temple in Sicily. Originally crafted from massive monoliths, it marks the transition from wooden to stone structures and showcases unique architectural features like a double colonnade on the east side.

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Abbey of Thelema

The Abbey of Thelema is a small house which was used as a temple and spiritual centre, founded by Aleister Crowley and Leah Hirsig in Cefalù in 1920. The villa still stands today, but in poor condition. Filmmaker Kenneth Anger, himself a devotee of Crowley, later uncovered and filmed some of its murals in his film Thelema Abbey, now considered a lost film.

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Motya

Motya was an ancient and powerful city on San Pantaleo Island off the west coast of Sicily, in the Stagnone Lagoon between Drepanum and Lilybaeum. It is within the present-day commune of Marsala, Italy. Many of the city's ancient monuments have been excavated and are visible today. Motya has become known for the marble statue of the Motya Charioteer, found in 1979 and on display at the local Giuseppe Whitaker museum.

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Temple of Concordia

The Temple of Concordia is an ancient Greek temple of Magna Graecia in the Valle dei Templi in Agrigento on the south coast of Sicily, Italy. It is the largest and best-preserved Doric temple in Sicily and one of the best-preserved Greek temples in general, especially of the Doric order. It is located a kilometer east to the Temple of Heracles.

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Pantelleria Island

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Church of San Cataldo

The Church of San Cataldo is a Catholic church located at Piazza Bellini, in central Palermo, Sicily, Italy. Erected in 1154 as a notable example of the Arab-Norman architecture which flourished in Sicily under Norman rule on the island, the church is annexed to that of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio. Since the 1930s, it belongs to the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. In 2015, it received status as a World Heritage Site.

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Castello Maniace

Perched atop Ortygia Island, the fortress is a stunning example of medieval military architecture, offering expansive sea views. Built between 1232 and 1240 by Emperor Frederick II, its massive walls, four cylindrical towers, and magnificent marble entrance adorned with intricate arches and sculptures are truly impressive.

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Badia di Sant'Agata

The church, located just behind the cathedral, is a hidden gem with the best views in town. From the dome you can enjoy unparalleled 360-degree vistas of the city and if you are lucky of Mount Etna.

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Donnafugata Castle

Donnafugata Castle is from Ragusa in Sicily, Italy. Although the origins of Donnafugata Castle can be traced to the 14th-century most of its current Neo-Classical and Neo-Gothic appearance belongs to the 19th.

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Naval Air Station Sigonella

Naval Air Station Sigonella is an Italian Air Force base, and a U.S. Navy installation at Italian Air Force Base Sigonella in Sicily, Italy. The whole NAS is a tenant of the Italian Air Force, which has the military and the administrative control. It serves as an Italian base for the 41º Stormo Antisom. NAS Sigonella acts also as landlord to more than 40 other U.S. commands and activities. It is located west and south of the city of Catania, and some south of Mount Etna. The NAS is located in the western part of the large airport structure, while the Italian military base is located in the eastern part. Because of its location near the center of the Mediterranean Sea, NASSIG is well placed to support operations by the U.S. 6th Fleet, other U.S. military units, and U.S. allies and coalition partners.

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Diana fountain

The fountain was created in 1906 by the sculptor Giulio Moschetti. This impressive fountain complex depicts the goddess Diana with a bow and dog, attributes of hunting and the patroness of Ortygia. At her feet is the nymph Arethusa in the midst of her transformation into a spring, protected by Diana from the advances of the river god Alpheus. Tritons and sea horses frame the scene, giving the fountain a dynamic, mythological flair.

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Necropolis of Pantalica

The Necropolis of Pantalica is a collection of cemeteries with rock-cut chamber tombs in southeast Sicily, Italy. Dating from the 13th to the 7th centuries BC, there was thought to be over 5,000 tombs, although the most recent estimate suggests a figure of just under 4,000. They extend around the flanks of a large promontory located at the junction of the Anapo river with its tributary, the Calcinara, about northwest of Syracuse. Together with the city of Syracuse, Pantalica was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

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Correnti

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Praetorian Fountain

The Praetorian Fountain is a monumental fountain located in Piazza Pretoria in the historic center of Palermo, region of Sicily, Italy. The fountain dominates the piazza on the west flank of the church of Santa Caterina, and is one block south of the intersection of the Quattro Canti. The fountain was originally built in 1544 in Florence by Francesco Camilliani, but was sold, transferred, and reassembled in Palermo in 1574.

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Piazza IX Aprile

The Piazza IX Aprile is a charming square with stunning panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea. The square is home to the baroque Church of Saint Joseph and is lined with historic, picturesque buildings. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the early morning before the area becomes vibrant with tourists and locals alike, enjoying the array of restaurants and cafes. Sip a coffee or aperitif, enjoy the live music and watch wedding processions, before heading to the Duomo.

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Gole Alcantara - Parco Botanico e Geologico

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Palazzo Biscari

Palazzo Biscari stands as a significant historic gem in Catania, showcasing the baroque elegance envisioned by the architect Alonzo Di Benedetto in 1695. It is a popular attraction in Catania and the guided 30 minute tours are particularly interesting. Your guide may even be the descendant of the Biscari himself.

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Lampione

Lampione is a small rocky island located in the Mediterranean Sea, which belongs geographically to the Pelagie Islands and administratively to the comune of Lampedusa e Linosa, Province of Agrigento, region of Sicily, Italy. It is about long and across, and has an area of and a highest elevation of. The islet is uninhabited, the only building being a lighthouse. According to the legend, the island was a rock that had fallen from the hands of the cyclops Polyphemus. Lampione is part of the Riserva Marina Isole Pelagie, and its vegetation and wildlife are strictly protected. Animal species include the endemic Podarcis filfolensis ssp. laurentimulleri, which is a subspecies of Maltese wall lizard, numerous migrating birds, and the Armadillidium hirtum pelagicum, a land crustacean. The waters are populated by sharks, including the sandbar shark, groupers, lobsters, and varieties of yellow and pink coral.

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Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio

The Church of St. Mary of the Admiral, also called Martorana, is the seat of the Parish of San Nicolò dei Greci, overlooking the Piazza Bellini, next to the Norman church of San Cataldo, and facing the Baroque church of Santa Caterina in Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy. The church is a Co-cathedral to the Eparchy of Piana degli Albanesi of the Italo-Albanian Catholic Church, a diocese which includes the Italo-Albanian communities in Sicily who officiate the liturgy according to the Byzantine Rite in the Koine Greek language and Albanian language. The Church bears witness to the Eastern religious and artistic culture still present in Italy today, further enhanced by the Albanian exiles who took refuge in southern Italy and Sicily from the 15th century under the pressure of Turkish-Ottoman persecutions in Albania and the Balkans. The latter influence has left considerable traces in the painting of icons, in the religious rite, in the language of the parish, in the traditional customs of some Albanian colonies in the province of Palermo. The community is part of the Catholic Church, but follows the ritual and spiritual traditions that largely share it with the Eastern Orthodox Church. The church is characterized by a multiplicity of styles that meet, since, through the succession of centuries, it was enriched by various tastes in art, architecture and culture. Today, it stands as a church-historical monument, and subject to protection. Since 3 July 2015 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale.

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Mikhveh - Jewish Ritual Bath

Hidden beneath the Residenza Alla Giudecca Hotel in Ortigia is the oldest Jewish ritual bath in Europe, built in the 6th century. Rediscovered in 1989, this fascinating mikveh lies 18 meters underground and features five basins carved into the rock, fed by a natural spring. Visitors descend a steep stone staircase into a room with a vaulted ceiling, surrounded by four limestone columns. Once a sacred site for ritual purification, the mikveh remained hidden for centuries after being filled with rubble and sealed during the Inquisition in the 15th century.

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La Pescheria

Catania's vibrant fish market, located behind Piazza del Duomo, is a daily spectacle of fresh seafood and local life. Visitors are treated to a vivid display of Sicilian sea life, from massive swordfish to delicate sea urchins, all amidst the lively banter of fishmongers and shoppers. To experience the market at its most animated, it's best to arrive early in the morning. It operates every workday morning until the early afternoon.

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Riserva naturale orientata Laghetti di Marinello

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Noto Cathedral

Noto Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Noto in Sicily, Italy. Its construction, in the style of the Sicilian Baroque, began in the early 18th century and was completed in 1776. It is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra, and has been the cathedral of the Diocese of Noto since the diocese's establishment in 1844. The cathedral dome collapsed in 1996 as a result of unremedied structural weakening caused by an earthquake in 1990, to which injudicious building alterations in the 1950s may have contributed. It has since been rebuilt, and was reopened in 2007.

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Tonnara di Favignana

The former tuna processing plant is no ordinary museum. It tells the story of a time when tuna fishing defined life on the Aegadian Islands, and Favignana's tuna industry was one of the largest in the Mediterranean. In the late 19th century, Ignazio Florio revolutionized both the fishing and the preservation of tuna. Today, multimedia exhibits vividly bring to life the fishermen's tough existence and the brutal Mattanza—the traditional tuna hunt.

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Hundred Horse Chestnut

The Hundred-Horse Chestnut is the largest and oldest known chestnut tree in the world. Located on Linguaglossa road in Sant'Alfio, on the eastern slope of Mount Etna in Sicily — only from the volcano's crater — it is generally believed to be 2,000 to 4,000 years old. It is a sweet chestnut. Guinness World Records has listed it for the record of Greatest Tree Girth Ever, noting that it had a circumference of 57.9 m when it was measured in 1780. Above ground, the tree has since split into multiple large trunks, but below ground, these trunks still share the same roots. An early 1895 image with a man next to the tree for perspective, shows it was closer to 10 m in diameter at breast height, rather than the claimed 18.5 m in diameter at breast height. Despite its name, the tree is not a horse chestnut. Rather, the tree's name originated from a legend in which a queen of Aragon and her company of 100 knights, during a trip to Mount Etna, were caught in a severe thunderstorm. The entire company is said to have taken shelter under the tree.

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Church of the Gesù

The Church of the Gesù, known also as the Saint Mary of Jesus or the Casa Professa, is a Baroque-style, Roman Catholic church established under the patronage of the Jesuit order, and located at Piazza Casa Professa 21 in Palermo, region of Sicily, Italy.

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Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark

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Madonna delle Lacrime

The Basilica of the Madonna delle Lacrime, also called Madonnina delle Lacrime is a 20th-century Roman Catholic Marian shrine church in Siracusa in Sicily, Italy. The modern building, derided by some as an inverted ice-cream cone, dominates the skyline of the approach to Ortigia.

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Castello Ursino

Castello Ursino is a striking example of medieval fortifications. Today it serves as the Civic Museum of Catania, housing a rich collection of historical artifacts, including weapons, sculptures, paintings, and classical archaeology, showcasing the varied influences on Sicilian history.

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Ustica Island

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Doric temple of Segesta

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Messina Cathedral

Messina Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Messina, Sicily. Formerly the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Messina, it became in 1986 the archiepiscopal seat of the Archdiocese of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela. In June 1947 Pope Pius XII granted it the status of a minor basilica. Built by the Normans, it was consecrated in 1197 by the Archbishop Berardo. Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor and Constance I of Sicily were present to witness the ceremony. The current building is the final result of some twentieth-century reconstructions, which took place following the disastrous earthquake that struck Messina in 1908 and the considerable damage that resulted from the heavy aerial bombardment in World War II. Only the perimeter walls, the Gothic portal and an apse remained standing after the catastrophic earthquake which also destroyed surrounding edifices in Piazza Duomo. In 1943 incendiary bombs fell on the restored roof destroying much of its interior. Only an original mosaic and statue survived.

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Santuario Madonna del Tindari

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Santuario della Madonna Nera di Tindari

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Heraclea Minoa

Heraclea Minoa was an ancient Greek city of Magna Graecia situated on the southern coast of Sicily near the mouth of the river Halycus, 25 km west of Agrigentum. It is located near the modern town of the same name in the comune Cattolica Eraclea in Italy. Excavations have revealed several parts of the city which are now open to the public. Archaeology has shown that the city was founded in the middle of the 6th century BC as an outpost of the Greek colony of Selinus and was finally abandoned around the beginning of the 1st century AD.

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Botanical garden of Palermo

The Orto Botanico di Palermo is both a botanical garden and a research and educational institution of the Department of Botany of the University of Palermo. The garden lies within the city of Palermo, Italy at above sea-level. It covers about on top of red soil that has evolved on a limestone tuff substratum.

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Mount Stromboli

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Madonie

The Madonie are one of the principal mountain ranges on the island of Sicily, located in the Northern part of the island. Its name comes from the feud of Madonìa which belonged to the noble family of La Farina from Palermo and then to the Marquises Crescimanni of Madonìa.

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Strombolicchio

Strombolicchio is a sea stack of volcanic origin to the northeast of the island of Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands of Italy. Its name in the Sicilian language, Struognulicchiu, means Little Stromboli.

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Himera

Himera, was a large and important ancient Greek city in Magna Graecia, situated on the north coast of Sicily at the mouth of the river of the same name, between Panormus and Cephaloedium in the comune of Termini Imerese. Many of its remains can be visited and there are two museums on the site.

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Femmine Island

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Formica

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Spiaggia del Porto Vecchio

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Spiaggia di Calamosche

Calamosche Beach, located between the archaeological site of Eloro and the wildlife oasis of Vendicari, offers a relaxing beach day with its calm waters and stunning natural scenery. Awarded the title of "Most Beautiful Beach in Italy" by Legambiente, it boasts a variety of vegetation and unique rock formations, including ravines, cavities, and caves. To reach this hidden gem, take the provincial road 19 from Pachino towards Noto and follow the signs for "Spiaggia Calamosche" approximately 11.40 km from Pachino.

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Palazzina Cinese

The Chinese Palace, also known as Real Casina alla Cinese, is a former royal residence of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies designed in the style of Chinoiserie. It is located in Palermo, inside the park of La Favorita. The Ethnographic Museum of Sicily, named after Giuseppe Pitrè, is located in one of the Palace's guesthouse.

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Villa Comunale Taormina

The Taormina Public Garden is a beautiful retreat established by Englishwoman Florence Trevelyan in the late 19th century. Beloved for its panoramic views of the Sicilian coast and Mount Etna, the garden is home to a diverse collection of tropical plants, delicate flowers, and curious constructions. Lady Trevelyan was a remarkable woman. It is rumoured, that the British aristocrat fled the UK in the late 1800s after a scandalous affair with the future King. After Lady Trevelyan's passing in 1907, the garden became a part of Taormina's public heritage .Today, the park remains a favorite spot for relaxation, offering visitors free access to its well-maintained paths, children's play area, and a pleasant escape from the heat.

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Greek Theatre of Syracuse

The Greek Theatre of Syracuse, a stunning example of ancient Greek architecture, is one of the largest and best-preserved theatres from antiquity. Built in the 5th century BC and renovated in the 3rd century BC, it features a semi-circular stone auditorium carved into the Temenite Hill. This historic site has hosted classical plays for centuries and continues to enchant visitors with performances of Greek tragedies during the summer months, offering a unique experience against the backdrop of the ancient stone theater​

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Elephant Fountain

The Elephant Fountain can be found on the Piazza del Duomo, and is an iconic symbol of the city. Featuring a unique black basalt elephant, affectionately known as 'Liotru', it carries an ancient Egyptian obelisk, rumored to hold magical protective powers against Mount Etna's eruptions.

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Fiumara d'Arte

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Palazzo Abatellis

Palazzo Abatellis is a palazzo in Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy, located in the Kalsa quarter. It is home to the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia, the Gallery of Art for the Sicilian region.

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Villa Palagonia

The Villa Palagonia is a patrician villa in Bagheria, 15 km from Palermo, in Sicily, southern Italy. The villa itself, built from 1715 by the architect Tommaso Napoli with the help of Agatino Daidone, is one of the earliest examples of Sicilian Baroque. However, its popularity comes mainly from the statues of monsters with human faces that decorate its garden and its wall, and earned it the nickname of The Villa of Monsters. This series of grotesques, created from 1749 by Francesco Ferdinando II Gravina, Prince of Palagonia, aroused the curiosity of the travellers of the Grand Tour during the 18th and 19th centuries, for instance Henry Swinburne, Patrick Brydone, John Soane, Goethe, the Count de Borde, the artist Jean-Pierre Houël or Alexandre Dumas, prior to fascinate surrealists like André Breton or contemporary authors such as Giovanni Macchia and Dominique Fernandez, or the painter Renato Guttuso. In 1885, the villa was bought by private individuals, whose heirs are still in possession, and is partially open to the public. Villa Palagonia has been one of the venues for music concerts held within the framework of the Concert Season of Bagheria initiative since 2017, with free entrance.

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Isola Bella

Isola Bella, the Pearl of the Ionian Sea, is just off the coast of Taormina and a real gem for visitors. This tiny island, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand, serves as a beautiful nature reserve. Despite its popularity, Isola Bella remains an idyllic spot.

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La Zisa

The Zisa is alternatively listed as either a castle or palace, and located in the western area of Palermo, region of Sicily, Italy. The edifice was begun around 1165 by an Moorish craftsman under the rule of the Norman conqueror of Sicily, king William I of Sicily. It was not finished until 1189, under the rule of William II. It is presently open to the public for tours. The name Zisa derives from the Arab term al-Azīz, meaning dear or splendid. The same word, in Naskh script, is impressed in the entrance, according to the usual habit for the main Islamic edifices of the time. The structure was conceived as a summer residence for the Norman kings, as a part of the large hunting resort known as Genoardo that included also the Cuba Sottana, the Cuba Soprana and the Uscibene palace, and extensive gardens, of which no traces remain. Joan of England, Queen of Sicily, widow of William II, was confined to the palace by the new king Tancred of Sicily due to her backing Princess Constance aunt of William II to ascend the throne. At the end of the 15th century the building fell into disrepair while in private hands. In 1635, a new owner, Giovanni de Sandoval, cousin to the Viceroy of Sicily, acquired the palace for free due to its poor state. The palace remained in the hands of the Sandoval family until 1808, when it was eventually fell again to ruin once again. From 1808 to the 1950s the building was used a residence by the princes Notarbartolo di Sciara. In the 1990s, the building was picked up for restoration by the Region of Sicily. In July 2015 it was included in the UNESCO Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale World Heritage Site.

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Messina astronomical clock

The astronomical clock of Messina is an astronomical clock constructed by the Ungerer Company of Strasbourg in 1933. It is built into the campanile of Messina Cathedral. The mechanism was designed by Frédéric Klinghammer, with the artistic design based on plans by Théodore Ungerer. Parts of the design are similar to the Strasbourg astronomical clock. The idea was to restore the ancient astronomical clock of the old medieval bell tower of the cathedral of Messina, destroyed in previous eras. It was commissioned by the Archbishop of Messina to mark the reconstruction of the campanile after the 1908 Messina earthquake, perhaps on inspiration of Pope Pius XI, who gave him a functioning model of the Strasbourg clock. The clock's displays appear in several different levels of the campanile, on the sides facing the square and the cathedral.

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Naxos

Naxos or Naxus was an ancient Greek city of Magna Graecia, presently situated in modern Giardini Naxos near Taormina on the east coast of Sicily. Much of the site has never been built on and parts have been excavated in recent years. Its remains are open to the public and an on-site museum contains many finds.

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Roman amphitheatre of Syracuse

The Roman amphitheatre of Syracuse is one of the best preserved structures in the city of Syracuse, Sicily, from the early Imperial period.

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Tonnara di Scopello

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Cathedral of San Giorgio

The Duomo of San Giorgio is a Baroque church in Modica, Ragusa, Sicily, Italy. It is the mother church of the city and is included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO. The building is the final result of the eighteenth-century reconstruction which took place following the disastrous earthquakes that struck Modica in 1542, 1613, and 1693. Reconstruction began in 1702 and ended in 1738. Further work was done until the affixing of the iron cross on the spire in 1842, which marked the definitive appearance of the church. According to art historian Maurizio Fagiolo dell'Arco, the church should be included among the seven wonders of the baroque world.

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Riserva naturale orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile

Cavagrande del Cassibile is a nature reserve near the towns of Avola, Noto, and Syracuse in the Province of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy. It was established in 1990 and it extends for. The reserve also contains the Necropolis of Cassibile.

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Gole dell'Alcantara

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Villa Zito

Villa Zito is an 18th-century palace located on Via della Liberta #52 in Palermo, region of Sicily, Italy. The structure is now owned by the Fondazione Sicilia and serves as their museum gallery and exhibition space for their collection of artworks, mainly graphic works and paintings, by mainly Sicilian artists from the 17th to the early 20th century.

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Latomia del Paradiso

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