Trapani - Churches and places of worship Cattedrale di San Lorenzo The interior has three aisles and it preserves the painting of the Crucifixion, painted by Van Dyck, a San Giorgio, by Andrea Carreca, the Eternal Father by La Bruna and a Dead Christ, created by Tartaglia with local stone.
Ragusa - Churches and places of worship Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista It has a majestic facade, rich of carvings and sculptures, it is divided into five parts by big pillars on the left side there is the bell tower that rises over 50 meters long.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Cattedrale di San Nicolò The Cathedral dedicated to S. Nicolò di Mira was characterized by a happy fusion of Baroque and classic elements together. Its reconstruction has mixed the eighteenth-century construction techniques with the most modern technologies in the field of anti-seismic engineering. In addition, the works of art that make up its contents can be considered the symbol of a diocesan community, alive and creative.
Siracusa - Natural Areas Fonte Aretusa Isola di Ortigia The Fonte Aretusa is located on the island of Ortigia, in the ancient part of the city of Syracuse, it is a body of water that develops from an outlet of the groundwater that is located in Syracuse, the water table also feeds the Ciame River. The source is today a meeting and walking place in Ortigia.
Palermo - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo dei Normanni Palace of the Normans is heart and pinnacle of the Palermo city. The palace is a gigantic building built in the 11th century. The tourists who allowed in are restricted to some small sections. Palantine Chapel makes the Palace of Normans famous. The chapel was built by Roger II and represents the architectural skills of Normans, Byzantine, and Arabs. Though small, the chapel stands out as exceedingly beautiful.
Piazza Armerina - UNESCO sites Villa Romana del Casale These Roman villas are endowed with attractive mosaic floors, making it exceedingly beautiful museum in the region. The spectacular mosaics are the most preserved and impressive in the world. Nobody can accurately describe the encounter one has to experience and therefore personal experience is the best. Make a tour to this place and you will discover the amazing adventures you have missed.
Catania - Streets and Squares Piazza del Duomo Beautiful square and pedestrian promenade overlooking the cathedral, the palace of the Senate, Etnea Street, the fountain of the Elephant and the Amenano fountain.
Caltanissetta - Churches and places of worship Duomo di Santa Maria la Nova The cathedral of Caltanissetta,founded in 1620,is located in the very historic center.The frescoes by Borremans decorating the central nave are remarkable.Beautiful are also the representations of the archangels.
Agrigento - UNESCO sites Valle dei Templi It is the most famous archaeological site in Agrigento housing part of the best preserved Ancient Greek ruins in the globe, more so outside Greece. This may be attributed to the fact that Agrigento had been colonised by Greek since 6th century BC. It is among the most exceptional examples of Greater Greece architecture and art, and is also among the main attractions of Agrigento.
Trapani - Churches and places of worship Chiesa del Purgatorio The Church was built in the late seventeenth century with a design by Pietro Castro. The current facade dates back to eighteenth-century makeover, designed by Biagio Amico.
Ragusa - Churches and places of worship Duomo di San Giorgio It is one of the highest in the world of sacred Baroque; the Church once stood at the eastern area, where the old portal still is.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di S. Domenico The Church of San Domenico is a religious building from the Baroque era. It was built as a convent church of the Dominican Fathers at the beginning of the 18th century. The façade has two orders, the first Doric and the second Ionian, while the central part is convex. The interior is still in good condition today. The building has five domes beautifully decorated with stucco and altars with paintings from the eighteenth-century period. Today, the former Convent is transformed into a school.
Siracusa - Archaeological Sites Teatro Greco Its design and architect makes the tourists marvel. It is one of the monuments, which the Greeks and Romans built. The monument was exclusively used for classic dramas during the ancient times. The wild animals slaughtered criminals and slaves here and most gladiatorial fights contested here.
Palermo - Churches and places of worship Cattedrale di Palermo In an area previously occupied by an Arab mosque in 1185 it was erected the magnificent complex of the Cathedral Palermo. With the side door in the Catalan Gothic style, the façade and the apse in fifteenth-century Arab-Norman style.
Messina - Fountains Fontana del Nettuno The fountain of Neptune of Messina was built in 1557, by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli. Initially, the fountain was placed in front of the Palace on the docks of the port. God Neptune with his shoulders facing the sea, symbolizes the blessing of the city of Messina. Today, the fountain has been positioned north and rotated with the front of the sea, changing symbology.
Enna - Churches and places of worship Duomo The building of the XIV century with wooden ceilings and rich stucco decorations, a beautiful wooden choir from the late sixteenth, paintings of the Flemish Borremans and of Paladini in the sanctuary.
Catania - Churches and places of worship Cattedrale di Sant’Agata Majestic baroque church, rebuilt in the '800. The bell tower was built a century later. Inside are the tombs of the kings of Aragon, the Chapel of St. Agatha and numerous works of art.
Caltanissetta - Museums Museo Archeologico The Archaeological Museum of Caltanissetta was reopened to the public in 2006, near the Norman Abbey of Santo Spirito. Of great importance are the finds dating back to the Iron Age, found in the archaeological site of Polizzello, which testify to the existence of another indigenous population, characterized by a production artistic with Aegean Mycenous influences. Currently, the Museum is one of the most important structures on the island located in the archaeological sector.
Agrigento - Archaeological Sites Tempio della Concordia The Temple of Concord, built around 440-430 BC, is located in the Temples Valley in Agrigento, Sicily, and, with its elegant symmetry, is a true masterpiece of ancient Greek art.
Trapani - Museums Museo del Sale Located in Nubia (City of Paceco), the museum is housed in the premises of the mill the saline Culcasi within the wildlife reserve of the Saline of Trapani and Paceco.
Noto - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Nicolaci Also known by the name Prince's Palace, this building was restored to its former glory after a complete renovation. The construction dates back to the beginning of the 18th century, and was designed by Rosario Gagliardi on commission of the Nicolaci family. The style is purely Baroque, decorated with several balconies enclosed by curved railings. Among the decorative elements we can also note mermaids, winged horses, sphinxes and many others.
Siracusa - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Maniace Located at the tip of the island. In 1038 the Byzantine general Maniace created a fortress in the harbor. In 1239 it has been expanded by Frederick II, and subsequently used for a long time as a a military structure.
Palermo - Cemeteries Le Catacombe dei Cappuccini The Capuchin Catacombs are located under the Capuchin Convent, annexed to the Church of Santa Maria della Pace. These are built on structures already existing at the time. The galleries were excavated at the end of the 16th century and formed a large cemetery of rectangular shape.
Messina - Monuments Madonnina del Porto Our Lady of the Port is located at the entrance to the Port of Messina, on the tower of Fort San Salvatore erected in 1546. The monument is 35 meters high and was built by engineer Francesco Barbaro. The Statue of the Madonna is a symbol of the city of Messina.
Enna - Museums Museo Archeologico di Palazzo Varisano The museum is located in Palazzo Varisano, built from the 18th century. Inside there is a large collection of elements from the prehistoric, medieval and classical periods, coming from areas around the city, from several private collections and transfers from museums in the region. All items are well arranged according to the characteristics. The museum is open to the public.
Catania - Archaeological Sites Parco Archeologico Greco-Romano The Greek-Roman Archaeological Park of Catania, was established by the Sicilian Region, and deals with research, maintenance, enhancement and use of about a hundred archaeological sites and monuments, as well as the protection of several thousand finds.
Caltanissetta - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Pietrarossa The Castle of Pietrarossa is one of the oldest buildings in the city. In 1407 it became the property of the Moncada family. On 27 February 1567, due to an earthquake, most of the building was destroyed. In 1591 work began on its reconstruction and was transformed into a stone quarry for construction. In 1600, the corpse of Adelasia, grandson of Ruggero d'Altavilla, was found in the castle.
Agrigento - Churches and places of worship Duomo di Agrigento The cathedral in Agrigento, Sicily, is a Christian church built around the year 1000 and several times amended and rebuilt. Its present form dates back to the twelfth century, and reflects the grandeur and importance of the building.
Trapani - Monuments Vecchio Mercato del Pesce The Old Fish Market in Trapani is located in the narrowest part of the peninsula. A unique place where among the vendors who put fish at auction, there are also sailors with their huge hands and tanned skin sitting repairing fishing nets. The “abaniata” is used, the act of publicizing and making known the type of goods. It takes on a chanting and almost musical rhythm that makes the market tour even more fascinating.
Ragusa - Historic Centres Ragusa Ibla This district is the heart of the city and it is located in the east over a hill, it. The district contains over fifty churches and numerous palaces in Baroque style, the Garden Ibleo and there are also the ruins of the the ancient city.
Ragusa - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Donnafugata The Castle of Donnafugata is 15 km from Ragusa, and is similar to a luxurious mansion from the 19th century. The building has an area of about 2,500 square meters and consists of two towers and eight balconies. The castle has 122 rooms, of which about twenty are available to visitors. The furniture is original from the time. Each room had a different taste and function from the other. The building is surrounded by a large park. In the rooms of the castle, some filming was carried out by Commissioner Montalbano.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Basilica San Salvatore The Basilica of San Salvatore is a building with lines from the late eighteenth century. Inside there are pure gold decorations that embellish it even more and the frescoes of the well-known painter Mazza, moreover, in the altars there are four canvases dating back to Velasco. The scenography is characterized by the splendid staircase closed on one side by the Monastery of the Holy Savior.
Siracusa - Churches and places of worship Duomo The cathedral was designed after the 1693 earthquake, according to new plans by Andrea Palma da Palermo. The magnificent staircase is flanked by statues of Peter and Paul.
Palermo - Museums Museo Archeologico Regionale "A. Salinas" Created as a national museum in 1866 after the seizure of religious orders, it houses Egyptians, Phoenician, Greek and Roman findings. Of particular interest is the structure of patterns that reflect the rich art of the '500 and '600 in Palermo.
Messina - Museums Museo Regionale The Regional Museum of Messina was established in 1806 with the aim of enhancing Sacred Art, through the paintings dating from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century. Among the sacred furnishings are exhibited, a gradual unpublished in 1481 work by a Dalmatic friar, coming from the church of Santa Maria di Gesù, the paliotto called the Ciambretta of the 17th century embroidered with threads of gold and silver, beads, the style cross of the 17th century and the Immaculate Conception in silver foil.
Enna - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Lombardia It is the symbol of the city, built on 26000 square meters. It is one of the greatest of the era. The name comes from a garrison of Lombard soldiers placed to defend the castle. The location of the castle is in the foreground and the city was born around it. Under the fortification, the Fortress of Ceres already existed, which was the cult of the Goddess of the Mass. In 1923, the castle also served as a prison. For almost half a century, the structure was the headquarters of the City Opera House.
Catania - Archaeological Sites Teatro Romano Also in the city center, in piazza S. Francis, this testimony of Roman culture, could accommodate 5,000 visitors. Nearby is the Odeon, a smaller theater that was, it seems, used for testing.
Trapani - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Mare The Castello di Mare is located in the eastern part of the port of Trapani. It is an ancient medieval fortress and is 32 meters high. It has four overlapping floors, an octagonal tower, two chapels and a courtyard. It is not a real castle because over the years it has been used for various activities. The Italian Environment Fund named it as “Place of the Heart of Italians” in 2009.
Ragusa - Beaches Marina di Ragusa A few kilometers to the south, overlooking the sea there is a pleasant and elegant seaside resort, the best equipped and popular in South-Eastern Sicily, by the Mediterranean climate ideal for over 8 months a year.
Siracusa - Viewpoints Punta Asparano The seaside resort Punta Asparano is a wild place and less exploited than other places despite the fact that imposing tourist complexes have been built. Behind them are the prairies of Posidonia that enchant for the natural scenery and for the headlands that frame the coast. Here too we find a crystal clear and unspoiled sea and a series of coves that climb on the beach for almost a kilometer.
Palermo - Churches and places of worship Santuario di Santa Rosalia The Sanctuary was born in the cave where on 15 July 1624 the bones of Santa Rosalia were found, who had moved there to escape the veneration of the pilgrims. The Sanctuary has a façade built in 1600 and an 'open' dome leading to the gate that introduces to the cave
Enna - Museums Museo Fede e Tradizione di Enna A special museum that contains clay thumbnails of the 15 Enna brotherhoods, each with typical clothes and church membership. Each niche is flanked by a brief history of the Brotherhood.
Palermo - Churches and places of worship Cappella Palatina The Palatine Chapel, in the city of Palermo, was built at the will of King Roger II. His consecration took place in 1140, with the aim of being the church of the royal family. Its dome is formed by Byzantine mosaics representing Christ. It is a basilica dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.
Messina - Theaters Teatro Vittorio Emanuele II Built in 1842, it was originally called St. Elizabeth Theatre. Following the earthquake of 1908 it was completely rebuilt. The entrance porch with three arches is very charming thanks to the marble sculpture depicting the time.
Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Ursino Imposing Aragonese castle of the '300 that today houses the Museo Civico.
Catania - Archaeological Sites Anfiteatro Romano Could hold 15,000 spectators and was one of the largest theaters after the Colosseum. There were also real naval battles, filling the arena with water.
Siracusa - Archaeological Sites Tempio di Apollo e Artemide The oldest temple in Sicily has been made in the Byzantine era as a church. Then it was used as a a mosque, and later again as a a Christian church and in modern times as a military barracks.
Palermo - Parks and nature reserves L'orto Botanico The Botanical Garden of the University of Palermo is one of the most important Italian academic institutions. Considered a huge open-air museum, it boasts an activity of over two hundred years that has also allowed the study and diffusion, in Sicily, Europe and throughout the Mediterranean basin, of countless plant species.
Messina - Churches and places of worship Basilica Cattedrale Protometropolitana Of Byzantine origin, the current basilica was rebuilt in the late twelfth century. Wonderful is the organ that is located inside. Another characteristic element is the tower that has the largest mechanical clock in the world.
Catania - Theaters Teatro Massimo Bellini '900 Beautiful theater with a beautiful room for three thousand seats and superb acoustics.
Siracusa - Caves Grotta dei Cordari The Cordari Cave is located in the Latomia del Paradiso in Syracuse and is so called because it has been used by string builders during the centuries. Its structure has thin pillars of natural stone likely to be excavated by men in remote times.
Palermo - Theaters Teatro Massimo the monumental theatre is in neoclassical style and it was opened in the late 1800. It has a capacity of 1400 seats and here are held operas, ballets and concerts. There is a program of guided tours behind the scenes, on stage and in the royal lounge.
Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo del Governo The palace is a recent construction in the architecture of the city. We can note the elements of the post-floral style that the architect C. Bazzani used. The palace is located in the area where once stood a famous church of the '500 of which, today, only the beautiful Tribune remains, positioned on the back. Once you enter, you can see a large atrium decorated with columns, with a majestic staircase leading to the upper floors.
Santa Venerina - Museums Museo Artium "Artium" representa un lugar donde se conservan las tradiciones ligadas a las artes y oficios de antaño que, además de tener un importante valor histórico, cultural y etnoantropológico, hunde sus raíces en las habilidades manuales del mundo artesanal que han caracterizado la tierra de Sicilia a lo largo de los siglos. Las salas subdivididas por temas como en los antiguos talleres artesanales albergan, además de las herramientas típicas, una colección de obras pintadas sobre el tema de la "Antigua Artesanía" creadas y narradas por las hábiles manos de la artista Grazia Trovato en un ciclo que enriquece la reconstrucción de la artesanía tradicional siciliana.
Milazzo - Museums MuMa Museo del Mare Milazzo El "MuMa Museo del Mare Milazzo", situado en el antiguo Castillo de Milazzo, es un museo único, un viaje espiritual para redescubrir la armonía entre el hombre y el mar a través de la ciencia y el arte. Se ocupa de la protección del medio ambiente y la educación, con un mensaje dirigido a concienciar, especialmente a los jóvenes, sobre la protección y preservación del mar. MuMa nació de la conmovedora y trágica historia de un cachalote, rebautizado "Siso", que en el verano de 2017 encontró la muerte frente a las Islas Eolias debido a una red de pesca ilegal y al plástico que había ingerido. Tras la extraordinaria recuperación de los huesos y la reconstrucción del esqueleto llevada a cabo por el biólogo Carmelo Isgrò, nació la idea de crear el museo, que tiene como centro el majestuoso esqueleto del cachalote Siso suspendido en el aire por cables, junto con la red ilegal que lo mató y el plástico que se encontró en su vientre. El MuMa no es el clásico Museo del Mar, sino un lugar donde la Ciencia se encuentra con el Arte en sus más amplias facetas. Los visitantes experimentarán el conocimiento gracias a vídeos didácticos interactivos, experiencias de realidad virtual, realidad aumentada e instalaciones artísticas multimedia que les llevarán a tomar conciencia de los impactos antrópicos sobre el medio ambiente para un cambio necesario en la relación hombre-mar.
Siracusa - Viewpoints La Penisola della Maddalena South of Syracuse, we find the famous Peninsula of La Maddalena which is the extension of the great port and is formed by coastal overhanging the sea. You get there on foot through a characteristic path where you can immediately notice the wonder of nature that created natural rocky flounces dominated by a cave called “Pilgrim's Cave”. Already from the height of the path, you can see the rocky seabed, through the water that is of a beautiful emerald shade.
Palermo - Museums Casa Museo Stanze al Genio Inaugurated in December 2008, the “Casa Museo Stanze al Genio”, which takes its name from the homonymous Cultural Association, collects one of the largest collections in Europe of ancient Neapolitan and Sicilian majolica tiles with more than 2300 specimens on display.
Messina - Parks and nature reserves Orto Botanico Messina The Garden of Messina was established in 1638 by Pietro Castelli. The vegetable garden is owned by the University of Messina. It was “demolished” in 1678 following the anti-Spanish uprising, and then rebuilt only in 1889. Today, the botanical garden houses several tree species from all over the world.
Catania - Fountains Fontana dell’Amenano On Piazza del Duomo, opposite the Palace of the Elephants. In white Carrara marble, represent the river Amenano in the figure of the young boy pouring water. The water of the fountain ends up in the river that runs beneath the city.
Milazzo - Museums Museo della Tonnara The Museo della Tonnara exhibits ancient objects from the local marineria of Milazzo. The screening of the film by Tonnara del Tono in its last years of activity is often organized.
Filicudi - Natural Areas Fossa Felci On the ten square miles of territory of Filicudi graced seven volcanoes, all be off, the main one is Fossa Ferns, 773 meters high. You can reach it by foot along the old mule tracks and through abandoned villages. Enjoy the beauty of the Sicilian sea from the top and a bit of hard work is definitly worth.
Pantelleria - Beaches Spiaggia Lago dello Specchio di Venere Powered by springs during periods of low rainfall the water of the lake is greatly reduced leaving dry the marginal mud muddy dark color mixed with sulfur, it is used for therapeutic use, sprinkle on the body and letting it drain.
Marsala - Museums Mostra Nazionale di Pittura Contemporanea The Contemporary Painting Exhibition Body “City of Marsala” was created on behalf of the City Council in 1963, and has its headquarters since 1996 at the Convent of Carmine. The Museum owns a picture gallery of more than 750 works by artists of the '900. And it aims to promote the artistic and cultural activities of the city.
Paceco - Museums Museo Preistorico The Prehistoric Museum, has been located since 1980 within the rooms of the Municipal Library. The museum exhibits different materials that belong to the period from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. Very interesting are the fragments of prehistoric animals from the Stone Age.
Salemi - Museums Mostra di Cimeli del Risorgimento The Museum Exhibition of Relics of the Risorgimento was built in 1960 and since 1999 is located in the rooms of the former Jesuit College. In the museum they are exhibited in materials such as: weapons, photographs and original documents that testify to the participation of Salemi in the revolution of 1848 and in the enterprise of the Thousand of 1860.
Scopello - Beaches Spiaggia di Guidaloca The beach is pebbly rather fine, is exposed to the east and is the first creek that leads to the Zingaro nature reserve. The beach is welcoming to the variety of services offered to tourists.
Scopello - Beaches Spiaggia dei faraglioni Pebble beach ideal for lovers of scuba diving: in the crystal clear waters they will find various species of marine fauna and flora of rare beauty.
Scopello - Natural Areas Faraglioni The stacks (scogli in sicilian) probably give the name to Scopello. They are situated in the bay in front of the Tonnara. A stack is a rocky cliff with a peak shape that emerges from the sea near the coast.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Balata dei Turchi The southernmost point of the island is the Balata Dei Turchi, a hollow that goes from rocky to sandy, it reaches the depth of just 20 mt. .
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Punta Fram Punta Fram is the ideal place for diving beyond 50 meters. It 's the most beautiful spot in which to take the wonderful underwater photographs, given the variety of fish that you may encounter.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Punta Spadillo For lovers of diving a stage is absolutely obliged Punta Spadillo, where the depth reaches 185 meters. Once in the water dazzle the glow of the background, in contrast to the dark volcanic rock, clouds of damselfish, groupers, parrot fish, and further down to find out where they hide octopus, moray eels, snapper and amberjack.
Pantelleria - Beaches Cala Levante Cala Levante is located in the eastern part of the island. The beach looks like a great place for scuba diving because of the wealth of the bottom. In the area there are various food services open to the public.
Pantelleria - Beaches Cala Tramontana Cala Tramontana is characterized by architectural elements that tell the story of the beautiful island. The small beach is accessible only using the car and shows a shallow suited for both adults and children.
Pantelleria - Caves Grotta del Formaggio La Grotta del Formaggio is another much famous caves of Pantelleria, is located in the eastern part of the island and can be visited only by small boats. Small but particularly striking, the two rocks are the guardians and the impressive cliff top and maestosissima, tells of the many eruptions that created the island 800,000 years ago.
Pantelleria - Caves Grotta di Sataria A place of Pantelleria that deserves to be mentioned is the cave of SATARIA. According to legend, the hero Odysseus and Calypso used to eat their amorous encounters inside the cave. The latter appears to be the ideal place to relax while the waters of the cave are mainly indicated to treat rheumatism and arthritis.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Montagna Grande To enjoy the magnificent view of a sunset on the African coast, or the view it offers the Sicilian channel, you must go into the so-called "Big Mountain", a natural park covered by a lush forest of oaks, pines and other botanical species.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Favare It is steam jets that can reach up to 100 degrees Celsius, emerge intermittently from rock crevices and often accompanied by emission of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. The rocks have changed over time as a reddish color.
Pantelleria - Historic Centres I Dammusi The "Damussi" are homes that over the years have suffered a new redesign by the expert hands of architects. Today they are a worthy alternative housing for the tourist who does not want to stay in the hotel. The building is built with lava stones. The domed roofs serve to collect rainwater and channel it into an underground cistern.
Pantelleria - Parks and nature reserves Giardini Panteschi Masonry construction of lava stone with the dual function of protecting citrus from the wind and to control the micro-climatic effects for a right amount of water to the plant where the island lacks one.
Pantelleria - Beaches Cala Cinque Denti Beach of striking natural beauty, isolated, difficult to access, not suitable for families with children. Both the backdrop that the costs are made up of rocky material collapsed over time. The wonderful colors of the sea.
Pantelleria - Beaches Laghetto delle Ondine Enchanting saltwater pond fed by the sea, it is a hollow result of the continuous erosion of the waves, as opposed to the sea in front of the pond is not very deep. It can be reached on foot, about 20 minutes journey by foot) from Punta Spadillo, following indications. A picturesque landscape, in the middle of summer the pond due to the high temperatures and dry conditions or with very little water.
Pantelleria - Beaches Cala Gadir Known for its warm waters, real thermal baths in the sea, the water reaches a temperature of 60 degrees. Appreciate you the ancient healing qualities of these waters. Gadir means safe location.
Pantelleria - Beaches Cala Arco dell'Elefante It is a rocky structure, stack, which offers an impressive display.It looks like a lot of the proboscis of an elephant sitting on its lap drinking in the sea. Easy to reach you can get there from Cala Levante by a narrow path.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Riserva Naturale Orientata The establishment of the nature reserve to permit the restoration of ancient scenic trails, the path that leads to Big Mountain, it is the green heart of the whole island, have been cataloged over 600 botanical species and 8 of these live exclusively on this (endemic species). One of these species is the conifer is Pinus pinaster subspecies hamiltonii.
Marsala - Archaeological Sites Mozia - zona archeologica fenicio-punica Mozia is a fortress town located a few kilometers from Cape Lilibeo. Following the destruction that occurred in 397 BC by the tyrant of Syracuse Dionysius I, the city remained uninhabited. At present, the city has several very elegant and elegant buildings.
Marsala - Parks and nature reserves Riserva Naturale Orientata Saline di Trapani e Paceco The Reserve was founded in 1995 and represents an area of great natural importance for the territory. It is 1000 hectares of area, in which small and large businesses exercise the millennial activity of traditional 'cultivation' of salt. The salty natural environment is home to numerous rare species of flora and fauna.
Campobello di Mazara - Archaeological Sites Cave di Cusa THE QUARRIES FROM WHERE THE BOULDERS WERE EXTRACTED TO BUILD THE TEMPLES OF SELINUNTE
San Vito Lo Capo - Natural Areas Riserva Naturale Orientata "Zingaro" The Reserve area starts from Cala Mazzo di Sciacca until the Tonnarella dell'Uzzo and it's between San Vito Lo Capo and Castellammare del Golfo. The reserve is a paradise natural landscape of Sicily with some of the best beaches of the island.
Erice - Parks and nature reserves Giardino del Balio This beautiful English garden, which is located in a privileged geographical position, was implanted in 1870 at the behest of Count Pepoli. It is worth visiting!
Erice - Churches and places of worship Chiesa del Santissimo Salvatore Old church that houses in its interior a library with books and manuscripts of the seventeenth and eighteenth century; there is also the Archaeological Museum which houses beautiful objects of Roman and Greek times.
Erice - Churches and places of worship Chiesa Matrice The Mother Church of Erice is a splendid example of Italian religious architecture.It was built in 1314, and its interior contains beautiful works of sacred art. Worth a visit
Erice - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di San Giuliano The Church of St. Julian is very old, it was founded in 1080, by the will of Ruggero II. In the inside you can admire a fine statue of St. John the Baptist by Gagini.
Erice - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Venere The Castle of Venus, or Norman, in Erice, sits on top of the mountain, once home to the beautiful jeròdulai priestesses who practiced the art of love. It is worth visiting!
Trapani - Walls, towers and gates Torre di Ligny The tower was built in 1670, for the defense of the city. It is built in the rocks of the city, for military reasons. It was composed of four turrets, which also served as headlights. Today the tower is used as a Museum and houses archaeological finds of the territory inside. It is a monument that tells a great part of the history and culture of the territory of Trapani.
San Vito Lo Capo - Castles, palaces and mansions Chiesa Fortezza The fortress church is located in the small town called San Vito lo Capo. The structure was built in the eighteenth century, over the years this has undergone many renovations. The church is also easily accessible by car. This is located in a beautiful square and is open to the public.
Pantelleria - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Barbacane It is one of the few historical buildings which survived the bombings of World War II, a Renaissance castle aspect consists of a plan body irregularly quadrangular courtyard, which combines a square tower which was originally to be separated.
Paceco - Walls, towers and gates Torre Nubia The Nubia tower was erected at the beginning of the 16th century and restored in 1585 by the architect Camillo Camilliani. The building was used as a defensive fortification by the Spanish government. From the tower you can see the three Egadi islands.
Alcamo - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello dei conti di Modica The Castle of the Counts of Modica is located in Alcamo, it was built in 1350 by the brothers Henry I and Federico III Chiaramonte. The structure consists of four towers, two of which have a rectangular shape, while the other two have a cylindrical shape. The courtyard of the building has a rectangular shape. Over time, the City Council decided to use the castle as an ethnographic museum.
Siracusa - Lighthouses and observation points Tonnara di Santa Panagia The Tonnara di Santa Panagia was built in the eighteenth century, after the earthquake of 1693, although its origins date back to 1100. In the second half of the twentieth century, it became inactive after fishing for tuna was introduced through flying nets and the proposition of various chemical industries in the nearby area. Unfortunately, today the tonnara is in a deteriorating condition, even though projects have been set up for its restructuring.
Siracusa - Archaeological Sites Anfiteatro Romano Erected in the Imperial Age in the 3rd - 4th century AD of the amphitheater you can see only the bases, the stripping perpetrated over the centuries completely destroyed the upward part. Elliptical in shape, the external diameters measure mt- 140 x 119, the amphitheater is one of the greatest buildings of the existing genre.
Augusta - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Brucoli The castle of Bruscoli was erected by Giovanni Çabastida between 1462 and 1467. It has historical and architectural value for the area of Brucoli, a hamlet of the municipality of Augusta, in the province of Syracuse. The fortress had the function of protecting and guarding the Gulf of the Sea. The building is currently open to the public.
Modica - Museums Museo Civico "F. L. Belgiorno" The “F. L. Belgiorno” Civic Museum is divided into several sectors, with chronological order. Among the findings of great importance is a splendid statue depicting Heracles, dating from the end of the 3rd century BC.
Ispica - Archaeological Sites Parco archeologico della Forza The Forza Park is one of the most important natural archaeological complexes in Sicily. The quarry is located near the sea and has a shape of a throat. Exhibits have been found since the beginning of the 6th century BC
Modica - Archaeological Sites Cava Ispica Cava Ispica is a river valley located in the municipality of Modica. In the area, the presence of man was testified until the earthquake of 1693. According to some scholars, Cava Ispica is one of the largest, most magnificent and special archaeological areas that have been discovered to date. The houses have a special structure in the shape of a gorge that was suitable for defending from the river and enemies.
Scicli - Historic Centres Via Mormino Penna Scicli Ragusa Center of Scicli, a UNESCO heritage town rich in Baroque. In via Mormino Penna is present the municipality best known to be the location of the police station of the tele film “the commissioner montalbano” rai 1.
Ragusa - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Zacco The palace was built by Baron Melfi in rococo style. The characteristic strains with grotesque masks of fantastic figures that follow those of other contemporary palaces or from previous decades.
Ragusa - Parks and nature reserves Giardino Ibleo The Iblean Garden is the oldest of the four main gardens of Ragusa. The garden is part of the homonymous villa that was built in 1858 on the initiative of some local nobles and of much of the people who worked free of charge for the realization of the work.
Bagheria - Castles, palaces and mansions Villa Valguarnera Villa Valguarnera was built with the request of the Valguarnera princes in 1712 by the architects Tommaso Maria Napoli, Vincenzo Fiorelli and Giovanni Del Frago. The construction of this building is linked to the occultism that is perceived both by the planimetric model and the iconography shown in the image of the Alchemical Opera. Inside the garden of the villa there are two “coffee houses” in neoclassical style frescoed.
Terrasini - Walls, towers and gates Torre Capo Rama The Tower of Cape Rama had a defensive and sighting function of the Saracen ships. It is the oldest tower of the 11 that were part of the defensive wall. It did not resist the bombings of war, and therefore it was destroyed, today we can only see the remains of it.
Cefalu' - Walls, towers and gates Mura Megalitiche The megalithic walls are the old fortifications, dating from the 5th century BC. These are large overlapping blocks, more than three meters high. The structures were restored during the 1980s, and today despite their age, they are in a good state of preservation.
Terrasini - Walls, towers and gates Torre Alba The Torre Alba also known as Torre di Cala Rossa is a defensive structure with a truncated conic base and dates back to 1589. Over the years the tower passed into the hands of several owners, until 2000, when after some restorations it became the property of the Prince of Carini.
Corleone - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Ficuzza The Castle of Ficuzza was built by King Ferdinand of Bourbon at the end of the eighteenth century. The structure was built under the project of the architect Giuseppe Venanzio Marvuglia. One of the main purposes for which it was used was to dwell for the holiday periods for the Sicilian nobles. It is in typical neoclassical style and is particularly extensive and massive. It recalls, in fact, the Royal Palace of Caserta.
Cefalu' - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Cefalu' Diroccato The Castle of Cefalù is located at the top of the spectacular Fortress demonstrating its strategic importance. The castle dates back to the 13th-14th century.
Carini - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Carini The Castle of Carini was built between the 11th century and the twelfth century on a previously Arab construction. The construction work is due to the warrior of Count Ruggiero, Rodolfo Bonello. Initially, the fortress played a defensive role but already in 1283, under the management of the Abate family, it was used as a residential structure. Subsequently, the Castle was home to a tragic story concerning the Baroness of Carini, Laura Lanza di Trabia, who was killed by her father together with her lover by question of honor on 4 December 1563.
Palermo - Museums Palazzo Ziino The building opened in 1895 was acquired in 1985 by the city and following a radical restructuring, it now houses a collection of plaster casts of artists from Palermo's GAM.On the second floor temporary exhibitions are held.
Palermo - Museums Palazzo Mirto It belonged to the family Filangeri Palace; Palazzo Mirto witnesses history and Sicilian society. In fact, all the objects on display belonged to the inhabitants of the palace. The collection includes, among other things, weapons, ceramics, glasses, paintings.
Palermo - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzina Cinese Created in 1799, it has arched arcades on the ground floor and two side towers with spiral staircases. The terrace has wooden beams carved at the top dominate the building, a curious pagoda-shaped roof with decorated ceiling.
Palermo - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Sclafani Built in 1330 by Matteo Sclafani it has a beautiful facade with high arches and fine lancet windows. The famous fresco of the Triumph of Death painted in the fifteenth in the courtyard.
Palermo - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di San Domenico Second-biggest church in Palermo after the Cathedral. A typical baroque-style church of the middle of the nineteenth century; it became the pantheon of illustrious Sicilians who began to be buried in this sacred place, so fascinating.
Palermo - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di Santa Maria della Catena In the place where initially there was a votive chapel, it was erected in 1520 the present church, a perfect match between the Catalan Gothic late Renaissance style. Inside two wonderful works by unknown authors.
Palermo - Churches and places of worship Chiesa della Magione One of the oldest churches in Palermo it was founded in 1191. Altered over the centuries, it is now a fine example of Arab Norman art. The name comes from when in 1197 it was awarded to the Order of Teutonic Knights.
Palermo - Churches and places of worship San Giovanni degli Eremiti Famous throughout the world thanks to its five red domes. Church of 'charming oriental style, it would suit even to Baghdad or Damascus. Wonderful is also the cloister with its lush garden.
Palermo - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello della Zisa The Zisa Castle is very well preserved. In its rooms there are some significant artifacts that belong to Islamic art. It is also possible to visit a beautiful garden, completely restored, with its characteristic bathtub and its spells. The Castle gives the opportunity to be visited by everyone thanks to a continued time.
Palermo - Castles, palaces and mansions Villa Napoli Villa Napoli, located in Palermo, is a building that dates back to the seventeenth century. Initially it arose as a Norman tower and today it incorporates within itself the remains of Soprana Cuba. Over the years it was modified and expanded. It takes its name from its owner Carlo of Naples. In the early 1700s it was abandoned and was robbed repeatedly. Only in 1991 it was sold by the family of origin to the Sicilian Region who took care of returning it to its original magnificence with renovation works. Today, the reopening is expected to be able to visit it again.
Palermo - Castles, palaces and mansions Villa Malfitano The Villa Malfitano Whitaker in Palermo was built between 1885 and 1889 at the behest of Giuseppe Whitaker. The villa is in Neo-Renaissance style with three floors. In addition, it must be remembered that this villa is beautifully decorated and in its rooms we can admire beautiful paintings, porcelain, Flemish tapestries and many other art objects that the owner has collected on his countless travels. The building is well preserved and is among the most beautiful in the province. It is currently the headquarters of the Whitmer Foundation.
Palermo - Fountains Fontana Pretoria The Fountain was built by the sculptor F.Camilliani in 1554 on commission by Don Luigi di Toledo. The Fountain consisted of 48 statues, depicting Greek gods, and its size was unusual since it was not intended for a public space. It consists of three circular pools from which a beautiful water play begins.
Palermo - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri The existence of Palazzo Chiaramonte, otherwise known as Palazzo Steri, is due to the name of Count Manfredi Chiaramonte who, in the fourteenth century, began its construction from the ceiling of the Sala Magna. The square-shaped building is a middle street between a medieval castle and a patrician residence. For more than a century, the palace housed the offices of the Inquisition Tribunal. Thanks to the excavations, a monument was discovered in the basement about seven meters high.
Palermo - Theaters Teatro Nuovo Montevergini Located in the church of Santa Maria di Montevergini, it welcomes local contemporary artists with the intent to exploit the emerging realities. It hosts the Palermo Teatro Festival, where Palermitan actors of national importance, meet up.
Palermo - Theaters Teatro Biondo Originally it was placed in an intermediate position between the gorgeous Massimo andpopular Politeama. Built in traditional style with Art Nouveau accents, it was opened in1903. Today it boasts a rich program of dramas.
Palermo - Theaters Teatro Libero Active in the city since 1968, here are held contemporary theater productions also by unpublished authors. See the 'Incontroazione/ Teatro Festival', which welcomes representations from all over the world. It houses the theater workshops and numerous university seminars.
Palermo - Theaters Teatro Politeama “Garibaldi” One of the oldest theaters in the city, here are held theater productions of various kinds. Officially opened in 1891 with Verdi's Otello, it hosted the maestro Toscanini as conductor. Remarkable is the architecture and the works that adorn it.
Palermo - Museums Museo del Risorgimento "V. E. Orlando" Opened in 1918 with a collection of objects collected during the Great War, it was reopened after extensive renovations in 2010. The exhibit includes many findings such as weapons, garibaldine uniforms and the parliamentary bench of Crispi.
Palermo - Museums Palazzo Asmundo The building of 1615 owes its name to the Marquis Giuseppe Asmundo. It houses the Martorana collection, consisting of porcelain, pottery, weapons, carriages and sedans, as well as a rich display of postcards.
Palermo - Museums Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna "E. Restivo" Born in 1910 in the foyer of the Politeama, today it is located in the monumental complex of St. Anne. It houses a permanent collection, comprising 214 works including paintings and sculptures, ranging from Neoclassicism to Italian and Sicilian twentieth century.
Palermo - Museums Museo Geologico "G. G. Gemmellaro" The museum was founded in 1860 and it is housed in the department of geology and geodesy of the University of Palermo. The museum boasts a collection of 600,000pieces among which you can see paleontological findings, fossils and casts.
Palermo - Churches and places of worship Chiesa Martorana The Martorana Church, also called the church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio or San Nicolò dei Greci, is among the most fascinating Byzantine churches of the Middle Ages in Italy, and works the liturgy according to the Byzantine rite.
Palermo - Museums Museo del Mare The Museum of the Sea was opened in 1997, is located inside the ancient Arsenal. The Arsenal was built by Palermo architect Mariano Smiriglio in just 9 years, between 1621 and 1630 and was completed under the vicereame of Francisco Fernández de La Cueva Duke of Alburquerque.
Taormina - Museums Fondazione Mazzullo The palace is asserting itself in the Sicilian architecture of the fifteenth century, evidence of an architectural culture combines Arabic, Normans and Aragonese values. Since the '80s, the Palace houses the works of the sculptor Giuseppe Mazzullo.
Taormina - Museums Museo Archeologico Regionale Housed in the Old Abbey, it contains archaeological finds brought to light in recent times. The exhibition is divided on two floors and includes ancient objects: sculptures, ceramics and a Byzantine sword found in the depths of Isola Bella.
Taormina - Museums Il Museo Siciliano di arti e Tradizioni Popolari di Taormina The museum exposes finds of figurative art and craft of the Sicilians from the XVI to the XX century, handmade items and artifacts, a precious witness of life and popular culture of Sicily.
Milazzo - Museums Museo Enologico "Grasso" The “Grasso” Wine Museum is located in the Grasso Winery, which was founded in 1887 and is handed down from father to son. It is a permanent exhibition, in which visitors can observe how wine is produced, in all its phases. In addition, you can also see the vineyards, the cellar and taste the new wine. It is a real oenological experience. The visit to the museum is free of charge.
Messina - Museums Museo Tesoro del Duomo The Treasure Museum of the Cathedral of Messina houses a very rich collection of precious objects of worship of the cathedral. It collects more than four hundred works dating from the twelfth to the twentieth century. The most precious object of the treasure is the “Golden Manta” created in 1668.
Messina - Museums Museo "Cultura e Musica Popolare dei Peloritani" The Peloritani Museum of Culture and Folk Music is located in the village Gesso, was built by the architect Antonio Virgilio, and was opened to the public in 1996. The museum exhibits Sicilian ethno-organological folk elements including: musical instruments typical of culture and agro-pastoral tradition, tambourines, zampogne and bells.
Lipari - Museums Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano Situated on the Acropolis in via del Castello, it exhibits a testimony of more than 5000 years of civilization of the island and of the archipelago it is one of the most interesting ever. One of the most important of the Mediterranean and presents in chronological order exhibition of funerary objects, vases, stones, tombstones stems and stone sarcophaguses, ceramics of various types and shapes, theater masks and statues.
Taormina - Monuments Piazza Nove Aprile Piazza IX Aprile initially known as Piazza Sant'Agostino, takes its name from the church that was located near it. In the square there are several important buildings, among them of great interest is the clock tower built in the twelfth century.
Taormina - Parks and nature reserves Giardini della Villa Communale The Garden of the Villa Comunale was built for the desire of Lady Florence, the mayor's wife, Prof. Salvatore Cacciola. The environment was created according to the style of the English gardens. We can find many rare plant species here. Since 1922 the Garden has moved to the municipality of Taormina. Thanks to the care of Lady Trevelyan continues to maintain her beauty.
Patti - Churches and places of worship Santuario Madonna di Tindari Inside is the statue of the black Madonna in cedar wood, a probable iconoclast symbol of successive centuries and of Eastern origin. This cathedral is characteristic for its location, being on a promontory overlooking the sea and above the acropolis itself. Every year, the feast dedicated to the Black Madonna is celebrated on 7 September.
Milazzo - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Milazzo The Castle of Milazzo is one of the largest fortified complexes in Europe. Developed and increased in the Norman and Swabian times, today it has been declared a national monument.
Messina - Monuments Statua di Messina The Allegorical statue of Messina, was built in 1852, by Giuseppe Prinzi. The statue is located in the center of Largo Minitoli. Initially it was located inside the City Hall, following the restoration in 1967, it was placed on the current site. It is in white marble and in his right hand, he holds the decree by which Ferdinand II of Bourbon granted to the city of Messina Portofranco.
Messina - Fountains Fontana di Orione The Orion di Messina fountain has been called the most beautiful fountain of the European sixteenth century. It was built in 1553 by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, disciple of Michelangelo, on commission of the Messina Senate. The fountain is rich in refined details and symbolizes the triumph of Orion, founder of the city.
Messina - Churches and places of worship Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re The Shrine of Christ the King is located on Viale Principe Umberto. The building was opened in 1937. The Shrine of Christ the King has an octagonal shape with a high dome where eight bronze statues have been added and at the top of the access staircase is the statue of Christ the King by T. Calabrò.
Messina - Churches and places of worship Santuario Maria Santissima di Loreto The Sanctuary is located just outside the town, on a hill. The building was built during the period when King Charles V dominated in Sicily. Thanks to testimonies, it is assumed that the sanctuary was built on 28 April 1568, the date on which a hermit bought the plot of land in which the construction stands. A special feature is the presence of a black wooden statue representing the Madonna.
Lipari - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Lipari The castle was built on a plateau that can be found on a cliff next to the sea, from archaeological research and studies of the conformation of the rock the area appears to have been inhabited for about 6000 years. This rock for the inhabitants has always represented a natural defense against attacks from the sea. The current structure was constructed in the course of the sixteenth century by Charles V as a result of a harsh attack on the city perpetrated by the Tunisian captain Kairedin Barbarossa who deported'' almost all the inhabitants.
Capo d'Orlando - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello d' Orlando ruderi According to legend it was founded by Charlemagne, in honor of Paladin Orlando. Some documents attest to its existence in the Middle Ages. The castle kept a simulacrum by Maria SS, unfortunately stolen on the night of 11 December 1925. The following year a copy of it was reproduced in silver, to this day on display in the Sanctuary.
Brolo - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Brolo The Castle of Brolo was built at the behest of the Lancia di Brolo family. The building has a typical structure of the feudal homes of the fifteenth century. In the main entrance is the sandstone arch and the coat of arms of the Lancia family.
Lipari - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di San Giuseppe The Church of San Giuseppe is 17th-century period. It is one of the oldest churches. It was built above a large structure. Some witnesses say that the crypt contains the relics of St. Bartholomew, patron saint of Lipari. The Church is located directly on the beach.
Stromboli - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di San Vincenzo The church of San Vincenzo, reachable from the narrow coastal road, overlooks the typical Aeolian houses, small and pretty. From the terrace of the church of San Vincenzo you can see the Strombolicchio, in addition to the village of the island and the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea.
Lipari - Churches and places of worship Chiostro normanno The Normanno convent was created by the wish of King Ruggero II and also makes part of the monastery. The convent was restored in ‘78. The numerous columns from the Roman era render symbols of various animals. It is situated very close to the cathedral of San Bartolomeo.
Lipari - Churches and places of worship Cattedrale di San Bartolomeo The most important religious building on the island is the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew. Built in the sixteenth century is located in the central part of the island. Particularly noticeable are the interiors decorated with floral paintings.
Filicudi - Archaeological Sites Capo Graziano In the locality called Capo Graziano have recently been discovered the remains of a prehistoric settlement dating back to 3,000 BC It is twenty-five oval-shaped huts, in which were also found remains of pottery. Near the village, which was inhabited until 1430 BC has also been found sacrificial altar.
Patti - Archaeological Sites Teatro Greco di Tindari The Greek Theatre of Tindari is supposed to have been built in the 4th century BC on a slope close to the sea. The excavations that brought him back to light date back to 1842. Like all Greek theaters it has perfect acoustics. Unfortunately, in the Imperial Age the Theater was used for circus games and after suffering damage its blocks were used for the reconstruction of the walls.
Patti - Archaeological Sites Tindari - Resti Mura di Cinta (396 a.c.) The city walls existed only in sections not protected by the inaccessibility of the cliffs. At the beginning of the 3rd century BC, this structure consisted of a double vestment of squared blocks and with internal filling of stone. The walls were crossed by numerous drainage channels and posters.
Patti - Archaeological Sites Zona archeologica di Tyndaris Nestled on the highest point of Capo Tindari is an important archaeological area composed of the Greco-Roman Amphitheatre, remains of the market, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Aeolian Islands. From here you can enjoy a unique panorama overlooking the entire Gulf of Patti and the nature reserve of the salt lakes of “Marinello”.
Lipari - UNESCO sites Isole Eolie Year 2000, the eolian myth becomes reality.Unesco in fact fits the archipelago between the world's sites protected for their environmental and cultural features. The active volcanoes, indispensable stage in the travel world's most famous volcanologists, crystal-clear sea, uncontaminated nature, were decisive in the decision
Montalbano Elicona - Archaeological Sites Rocche dell'Argimusco The megalithic area of Argimusco, the Sicilian Stonehenge, seems to be one of the few places on our planet where the powerful forces of nature focus to create a magical and ancestral atmosphere.
Santa Lucia del Mela - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Santuario della Madonna della Neve Arab-Swevian-Aragonese castle 650 meters above sea level from whose terrace in front you can admire the panorama of the Aeolian Islands. The castle contains inside the church dedicated to Our Lady of the Snow (marble sculpture by Gagini dating back to 1500).
Salina - Natural Areas Monte Fossa delle Felci It is the highest mountain in the archipelago with its 982 meters of height. Nature walks on the mountain are at easy level On the top of the mountain you can enjoy views of breathtaking scenery.
Salina - Natural Areas Fondali di Salina Starting from the spectacular Bay of Polla we find a shoal. Among the towering cliffs of the bottom there are beautiful anemones and large colonies of yellow sponges and spectacular cliffs enriched by the ramifications of the yellow gorgonians
Stromboli - Natural Areas Secca di Scirocco The Secca di Scirocco provides for a decidedly challenging dive. The seabed is first deep, and then retreat near the dry; here are numerous boulders and banks of fish, while the walls are covered with red, fascinating and colorful gorgonias.
Stromboli - Natural Areas Sciara del Fuoco e Dorsale della Sciara In Stromboli it is possible to visit the Sciara del Fuoco and the Ridge of Sciara. The first, it offers a wonderful morphological environment, with astroides, anemones, and sponges. The backdrop is black, dark, and it's easy to meet groupers, diamonds and moray eines. The walls are made of lava stone and you can see the lightning hedgehog, even if sporadically. The Sciara Ridge has two seabeds, one deeper than the other, both quite muddy and with walls covered with pentagon stars, very rare.
Salina - Natural Areas Secca del Capo The wall that composes Secca del Capo descends almost vertically and creates a suggestive landscape that sinks into the dark waters of the sea. It requires a challenging dive even in optimal conditions.
Lipari - Natural Areas Punta Castagna By visiting the Lipari islands, you can explore Punta Castagna, which yields white powder from the pumice quarries. The seabed is completely white, fitted with channels, whose walls are lined with colorful flora. In the course of the immersion, you reach levels ever deeper, into the blue of the sea, not being able to see the bottom.
Filicudi - Natural Areas Secca dei Sei Metri Visiting the Island Filicudi, which has volcanic origin, it is possible to explore the Secca dei Sei metri; there you can see huge boulders, under which you can find moray eels and lobsters, and paying particular interest, however, the presence of rocks, which are home to sea fans and red curly melon. The color of the backdrop is a brilliant emerald green to a romantic turquoise. You can also find the sponges Axinella, which have the bright yellow color.
Taormina - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Taormina The Arab-Norman Castle or even Castello di Monte Tauro dominates the whole city of Taormina from above with a beautiful view of the sea. It was built in the Middle Ages on the remains of an ancient acropolis; it has a trapezoidal base and a tower, which served as a lookout. Today of this construction we can admire only the high keep and the courtyard, as well as the remains of a tower and the surrounding walls. The Castle is open to the public and to get there you have to go along a long staircase, which starts from the church of Madonna della Rocca.
Taormina - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Corvaia The Palace, dating back to the 11th century, is very impressive, in fact, the tower and the main body that develops on the left side of the building immediately catches the eye. Over the years it has undergone various changes, including extensions and restructuring. The conquest by the Arabs is confirmed by the decidedly oriental architectural style.
Panarea - Beaches Cala Junco The beautiful bay of Cala Junco is a natural swimming pool, with water shades ranging from blue to green. It's the main attraction of the island and it's very busy during summer.
Lipari - Beaches Spiaggia bianca Enchanting and favored among the young people, it is considered one of Lipari''s most beautiful beaches, from its sand that is a strong white color thanks to the pumice that was extracted in the past. The sea is turquoise and mild temperatures make it one of the most crowded beaches of Lipari. It’s easy to arrive here by bus.
Vulcano - Beaches Spiaggia delle Sabbie Nere Among the most famous beaches of Vulcano is certainly one of the Black Sand beach is one of the most famous beaches of Vulcano,really unique and special because of the characteristic fine black sand of volcanic origin. In summer the beach is always very busy, even by VIPs and celebrities.
Lipari - Beaches Marina Corta e Marina Lunga Steps away from the Municipal of Lipari are located the two bays of Marina Corta and Marina Lunga at their shoulders extends the city with its course. Famous for afternoon and evening strolls with a few small shops and restaurants along the way.
Lipari - Beaches Spiaggia di Valle Muria Valle Muria in Lipari is a truly splendid sandy beach where the shoreline is long and narrow closed by two rock promontories. From here the Island of Vulcano and the stacks of Pietra Lunga and Pietra Menalda are visible. To arrive here a boat leaves from Marina Corta.
Stromboli - Beaches Spiaggia di Ficogrande Poorly equipped and very popular is ideal for families with children and young people. Ficogrande beach is 600 meters long, 30 to 60 meters wide and consists of small pebbles. The beach is black because of its volcanic origin.
Taormina - Theaters Teatro Greco The Greek Theatre of Taormina is the second theatrical building in size of Sicily, after that of Syracuse. It was most likely built in the 3rd century BC by Nero II. In fact, the name of the Tyrant's wife, Philistis, is engraved on the steps. On top of the steps there was once covered a double porch. Currently, the Theater is home to national and international cultural events.
Vulcano - Caves Grotta del Cavallo o dell'Eremita The Cavallo Cave, also known as the Cave of the Hermit, is located on the Island of Vulcano and is one of the largest caves in all of Sicily. The cave has several entrances, some of which are underground, and its characteristics have allowed the formation of a rare mineral called 'Apatite Carbonate' which comes in the form of real stalactites.
Aidone - Museums Museo Archeologico The Museum of Aidone exhibits a rich collection of finds, testimonies of the most important stages of the civil journey. The Museum opened in 1984, after its restoration, is located at the former Capuchin Convent. What is important to visit inside the Museum is the Head of the Ecce, which changes its expression depending on the viewing angle.
Enna - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di S. Giuseppe (San Benedetto) Dates back to the seventeenth century. presents a façade in baroque style. Its single nave, houses paintings of remarkable workmanship, the statue of the Holy Family and the silver frontal altar
Enna - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di San Giovanni (San Domenico) The church has three naves.Inside there are two paintings of 1595 by the Zoppo di Gangi, a painting by Borremans and baptismal font, of which the basis is Roman.
Enna - Viewpoints Rocca di Cerere On top of the hill, where the temple dedicated to the goddess of wheat stands, you can enjoy a beautiful view all around and on Calascibetta Enna
Aidone - Archaeological Sites Città sicula-greca Morgantina The archaeological site of Morgantina was founded in the Prehistoric Age and had its decline in the Roman Imperial Age. It is located in the interior of Sicily and is the best known ancient city. In Morgantina there are two areas that correspond to the two main phases of the city's history, which are: the ancient, Hellenistic-Roman settlement and the one called “The Citadel “which has its own origins in the Bronze Age.
Nicosia - Churches and places of worship Cattedrale di Nicosia The Cathedral of Nicosia was founded in 1856 by Monsignor Milana and a tombstone placed at the entrance of the sacristy attests to its occurrence. It was dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari and represents the most significant architectural work of the Sicilian city. The main facade has a greater portal of Gothic-Norman style, where there are also Romanesque motifs such as acanthus leaves and twisted ropes. The Portico, on the other hand, dates back to the end of the fifteenth century and is the work of the sculptors of Palermo Gabriele De Battista and Andra Mancino.
Enna - Walls, towers and gates Torre di Federico II The octagonal tower built under Frederick II of Swabia, which is dominant in the middle of a small public garden.
Nicosia - Churches and places of worship Chiesa del SS. Salvatore The Church of SS. Salvatore was built between the 11th and 12th centuries on a majestic and mighty fortress of Quartzarenite that dominates the town of Nicosia. The building covers an area of about three hundred square meters and consists of a single nave, a chapel dedicated to Santa Rita and the rooms of the sacristy arranged on two elevations. Works from the 17th century are preserved within the Church, such as the “Madonna of Consolation” by Don Antonino Cardella and the “Climb to Calvary” by Nicola Mirabella.
Enna - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di San Tommaso Its porch is in Gothic-Catalan style, dating back to the fifteenth century.Inside you can find a valuable marble icon of the sixteenth century by the Carrara sculptor Giuliano Mancino and paintings by Saverio Marchese and many beautiful statues
Assoro - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Assoro Diroccato The Castle of Assoro Diroccato, abandoned already in the early modern age, was then given to the quarry to the citizens, and is, today, inserted in a beautiful urban park that includes the entire upper area of the country with its remains of the fortifications and the ancient acropolis. In the sculpted rocks, to give ease to the walls you can see, then, a truly interesting particularity, next to the large holes for the beams of the floors and floors appear in several places long series of linear petroglyphs, all the same, whose interpretation is really difficult.
Sperlinga - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Sperlinga The Sperlinga Castle was built according to medieval architecture. It was initially used as a sacred place by the inhabitants of the city. During the Byzantine period, the Castle underwent some changes and was transformed into a military garrison.
Adrano - Museums Museo Archeologico The Archaeological Museum is located inside the Norman Castle, symbol of the city, construction of the fourteenth century. In the Museum there are archaeological materials of Adrano, dating from the Neolithic age to the Middle Ages. In addition to these findings, the Museum also houses a rich library of historical collections - artistic and ethno-anthropological.
Aci Castello - Museums Museo Civico, Castello Normano The Civic Museum is located inside the Norman Castle, of Aci Castello, which was built in the eleventh century. The museum is divided into three sections that are those: mineralogical, paleontological and archaeological. Fossils dating back to 150 million years ago can be admired in one of the sections. Another feature of the museum is the botanical garden in which succulents are grown.
Acireale - Churches and places of worship Cattedrale Chiesa dell'Annunziata The Cathedral was built in 1872. Before it became a cathedral, it was a church. It took its name from the altar dedicated to the Virgin Annunziata. The Corinthian settlers and the great Baroque portal make this cathedral a unitary complex. The most beautiful part of the cathedral's composite is the above Baroque newsstand with statues.
Acireale - Churches and places of worship Basilica Santi Pietro e Paolo The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul was built in 1550 in Baroque style and with a single nave interior. The 1693 earthquake damaged the building, making the walls unsafe. The restoration ended in 1740 creating three alternative doors to binate columns in addition to the white stone facade. The paintings that can be found inside belong to Giacinto Platania, to Matteo Ragonisi as well as to other artists. The basilica is very well known for two sculptures, the Christ at the column and the dead Christ.
Acireale - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo di città The Palazzo di Città is the monument of Acireale, represents the architectural quality over 200m of extension in Baroque style. The façade is made elegant by the sculptures, which are the elements saved from the original construction. Above the portal of the building you can see the national coat of arms of the municipality. Since 1833, the palace has become the official seat of the Academy of Sciences, Letters and Fine Arts of Zealans and Daphnics.
Acireale - Monuments Basilica di S. Sebastiano The Basilica of San Sebastiano was completed in 1644. The façade is built in Baroque style preceded by a balustrade crowned with statues. Inside you can visit the frescoes by Pietro Paolo Vasta and also the eighteenth-century danger for the procession of the saint.
Castiglione di Sicilia - Churches and places of worship Cuba bizantina di Santa Domenica Santa Domenica Cuba is a small church built between the 7th and 9th centuries. The chapel has a very special structure with cubic shapes. During the restorations, two skeletons were found that testify to the presence of a cemetery. From 31 August 1909 the basilica was considered a national monument.
Caltagirone - Parks and nature reserves Giardino Pubblico The Public Garden of Caltagirone was built during the nineteenth century by the engineer Luigi Spagna and subsequently expanded by Michele Fragapane and modified by Giovan Battista Filippo Basile. It is due to the latter the construction of the Music stage and the numerous consolidation works. The complex consists of three main parts among which the parterre and the large panoramic terrace stand out.
Caltagirone - Monuments Scalinata Santa Maria del Monte The Staircase Santa Maria del Monte di Caltagirone was built in 1606 with the intent of connecting the ancient part of the city with the new upper part. The structure is over 130 meters long and since 1954 has been presenting decorations in the elevations of the steps and ceramic tiles by the Caltagironesi Artisanal Majolica. The staircase is illuminated during 24 and 25 July for the feast of St. James, patron saint of the city.
Caltagirone - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Caltagirone The Castle of Caltagirone is located in the present ancient part of the homonymous city and was most likely built around the 12th-13th century. In fact, from documents dating back to 1239, the fortress is defined as the state property that is included in the number of castra exempta. Unfortunately, in 1256, the structure was damaged by the Manfredi and only the tower remained of the Castle. We proceeded to the construction of a room and a room annexed to the tower itself, but unfortunately, from documents dating back to the twentieth century, it is evident that only a few remains remain of the Castle.
Calatabiano - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Antico Diroccato The Old Castle Diroccato di Calatabiano is located in the homonymous town. It is one of the most important buildings in the area and has an ancient history. In fact, it dates back to 902 and was built by the Arabs after the conquest of the city of Taormina. The purpose was to defence and military. Currently, only a few parts have been received, especially the tower and the ruins.
Adrano - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Adrano Built in the 11th century by Count Ruggero, it is one of the symbols of the city. What catches the eye is the Islamic style of the building, which is perceived in the main entrance and in the interior. It rises 33 meters long for 4 floors, the walls are 2.3-2.6 meters thick. The castle was abandoned after the 1600s earthquake that destroyed its interior. Over the centuries, it has been transformed having assumed several roles as the residence of noble families, as the seat of a prison then from 1958 to the present day and Museum.
Acireale - Walls, towers and gates Torre Santa Tecla The Tower of Santa Tecla is located in the homonymous hamlet in Acireale. It is a small tower of only 3 meters per side, with a square plan in the shape of a parallelepiped. The building was built of irregular lava stone bonded with mortar. The northern part is characterized by the presence of two louvers. The front door, on the other hand, was created along the eastern wall. Today it is in excellent condition.
Aci Castello - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Aci The Castle of Aci was built in the 7th century by the Byzantines, for reasons of defense. Inside the building there is a Museum, which is divided into three sections, that of mineralogy, paleontology and archaeology. The ancient castle is located near the sea and offers a beautiful view.
Zafferana Etnea - Churches and places of worship Chiesa Santa Maria della Provvidenza The Church of Santa Maria della Providence was built in 1731, at the behest of the Dean of the Collegiate Basilica of Catania, Francesco Gagliano. It represents the Mother Church of Zafferana Etnea, as well as the most important monument of this city. Over the centuries, the property suffered several damage as a result of the earthquakes that occurred in 1818 and 1984. Thanks to the restoration works today we can admire the splendor of the building in its ancient form.
Zafferana Etnea - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Municipale The Municipal Palace was built in the late 19th century in a beautiful Art Nouveau style. After being made unusable by the 1984 earthquake, the building was restored and restored to its former glory.
Mineo - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Mongialino The Mongialino Castle dates back to the twelfth century and is one of the most particular castles in the area for its structure. In fact, it consists of a circular donjon and a wall of irregular shape. This building was donated by Bartolomeo de Lucy to his daughter. Nowadays, there are only parts of the whole building left.
Mineo - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Serravalle The Castle of Serravalle was built around the 14th century. It was built on Poggio Pizzuto, because it had the function of defending and protecting the southern part of Catania from attacks. Nowadays it is privately owned and is in good condition.
Catania - Theaters Teatro Stabile di Catania it is one of the most important cultural buildings of the town. It has three rooms: the Teatro Giovanni Verga (the main hall), the Teatro Angelo Musco and the Teatro Ambasciatori, offering the public a wide range of shows, in part self-produced.
Catania - Museums Museo del Giocattolo In the halls of Palazzo Bruca are exposed different toys for composition and origin, dating back to the '800 and the first half of the '900. There are several rooms dedicated to children's workshops, where performances and games are hosted.
Catania - Museums Museo Civico Belliniano In the Palazzo Gravina-Cruylas, the birthplace of Vincenzo Bellini, the five rooms are filled with memorabilia that trace the life of Bellini and his family, paintings, books, music sheets, musical instruments and the composer's death mask.
Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo degli Elefanti A beautiful palace, the city hall on the Piazza del Duomo.
Catania - Fountains Fontana dell’Elefante Represents the symbol of the city 'U Liotru'. The black elephant carries on its back a white obelisk. We find the animal in the arms of cities and universities.
Catania - Fountains Fontana di Proserpina The fountain was built at the beginning of the 20th century, designed by Giulio Moschetti. The monument represents one of the most famous myths in the area, the rat of Proserpina, whose legend is linked to the history of the city.
Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Biscari Palazzo Biscari is one of the most important private buildings in Catania. It represents a unique case, for the structure, the plant and the decorations. It was built at the request of the Paterno Castello family, princes of Biscari from the end of 600`. Inside the building, there is the “party hall”, in the Rococo style, decorated with mirrors and frescoes.
Acireale - Lighthouses and observation points Torre Sant' Anna (faro) The Tower of Sant'Anna dates back to the 16th century and the work on its construction lasted twenty years. It is located in Capo Mulini and was built to fortify the coast. Later, in 1868, the tower of Sant'Anna was transformed into a lighthouse. There was a guard body with the task of alerting the approach of racking ships. Today it remains a sighting beacon.
Caltagirone - Museums Museo Civico e Pinacoteca "L. Sturzo" The Civic Museum and the Art Gallery “L. Sturzo” were established in 1914 at the headquarters of the eighteenth-century Bourbon Prison. A first collection was made by the scientist and humanist Emanuele Taranto Rosso through the Cabinet of Archaeology and Natural History, established in 1843. The Art Gallery presents artistic works before the 16th century and among all stands out the canvas “Jesus in the vegetable garden” by Epifanio Rossi.
Caltagirone - Museums Galleria Civica d'Arte Contemporanea The Civic Gallery of Contemporary Art was founded in 1996 with the intent to welcome the donation of the collection of works by the well-known artist Gianni Ballarò at the behest of his wife Carmela Pasqualino. Added to this an anthological exhibition of the contemporary works of the Civic Museums of Caltagirone.
Caltagirone - Museums Mostra dei Pupi Siciliani The Sicilian Pupi Exhibition originates from the animator Don Gaetano Russo who with the Compagnia dei Pupi performed since 1981 in Caltagirone. About fifty pupi belonging to the Catania school are exhibited, distinguished by those from Palermo for their size and for the different handling techniques. The exhibition is also enriched by the exhibition of cart keys and historical texts.
Caltagirone - Museums Museo Regionale della Ceramica The Regional Museum of Ceramics was inaugurated in 1965 and collects about 2500 finds of ceramics made in Sicily since prehistory. The museum site is divided into six sections and provides an educational service with the use of multimedia and audiovisual devices.
Catania - Churches and places of worship Sito Storico Monastero San Benedetto It’ s possible to visit some amazing areas of the Benedictine cloistered Convent, the ruins of a roman domus recently found in its subsoil, the Church of Saint Benedict and its entrance: the stairs of the Angels. All this represents one of the most important baroque monumental complex. The tour includes the Macs – Museum of Contemporary Art of Sicily - located in the Convent ‘s little abbey.
Catania - Monuments Porta Garibaldi Arch raised in 1768 to celebrate the marriage of Ferdinand I and Marie Caroline of Austria.
Catania - Archaeological Sites Acquedotto Romano The Roman aqueduct of Catania was the greatest work of piping water in Roman Sicily.
Caltanissetta - Museums Museo d' Arte Sacra The Museum of Sacred Art is dedicated to the memory of Archbishop Giovanni Speciale who was its creator and founder in 1983. The Museum is distributed over 10 rooms of the building of the bishopric seminary of the city. Inside we find sacred works of art such as paintings, fabrics, goldsmiths, sculptures and sacred furnishings.
Gela - Museums Museo Archeologico Regionale The Regional Archaeological Museum of Gela was built and inaugurated in 1958 on a project by the architect Luigi Pasquarelli. The Museum houses about 4200 exhibits from the surrounding area covering the period from prehistory to the Middle Ages. The structure of the Museum is divided into two floors and exhibits several ceramic finds and bronzes that trace the history of Gela.
Butera - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Arabo-Normanno Diroccato o Chiaromonte The Norman Castle Roccato is also known as Chiaromonte. It is located in the historic center, surrounded by today's buildings. Initially, four or five corner towers were part of the structure. It was several times fundamental in the wars that struck the territory. This has contributed to having only a few ruins today.
Caltanissetta - Churches and places of worship Abbazia di Santo Spirito The abbey now stands in a place where there once was a place of Byzantine worship. Consecrated in 1153 and folllowingly entrusted to the Augustinian Friars, it is the first parish in the city of Caltanissetta.
Caltanissetta - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di San Domenico Built in the fifteenth century in the "Angeli" district,it has a concave design in the center and convex to the sides.The canvas located inside,showing Our Lady of the Rosary of the Tuscan painter Filippo Paladini,is precious and beautiful.
Caltanissetta - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di San Sebastiano In front of the cathedral city of Caltanissetta there is a church built in the sixteenth century as a tribute to San Sebastian by the population.The facade is refined and elegant and it is enriched by its columns in Doric, Ionic and Corinthian style.
Gela - Walls, towers and gates Torre Manfria The Tower of Manfria was built around the 17th century on the indications of the architect Camillo Camilliani. The Tower appears visible from all over the gulf of the city of Gela given its position erected on the hill above it. It is about 15 meters high with a base of 12.50 meters. It is in good condition except for the cornice that is semi-destroyed.
Lampedusa - Beaches Cala Pulcino Cala Pulcino is very close to the renowned Rabbit Island, from which it borrows the beauty of its waters. It is characterized by the beauty of the caves accessible by boat and small ravines where you can observe the different marine species.
Lampedusa - Beaches Spiaggia dei Conigli The famous beach of Rabbits looks like a long stretch of fine sand and clear blue sea. Given the unspoiled beauty of the land is necessary to reach the beach by a small walking path, consisting of paths rich in wildlife, after traveling for about 6 km the road that leads to the town of Cape West. From there you can see all the beauty of the splendid island. Being a protected land area has no specific equipment. It is, in fact, decided to leave intact the beautiful scenery offered to tourists.
Lampedusa - Beaches Cala Francese It is located along the road leading to the airport island. Frenchman's Cove (Cala Francese in italian) is a beach famous for its charming and romantic character, tied to a legend that evokes fertility to couples who come here. The different ravines scoliosis offer the opportunity to explore the seabed consists of a large variety of fish and shellfish.
Agrigento - Museums Museo Archeologico Regionale di Agrigento The Regional Archaeological Museum of Agrigento is located in the heart of the Valley of the Temples and is inserted in an archaeological complex opened in 1967. The Museum has 20 rooms in which materials relating to the ancient city are presented chronologically. Exhibits are exhibits that testify to prehistoric sites.
Agrigento - Parks and nature reserves Parco della Valle dei Templi The Valley of the Temples Park is divided into three zones: Zone I - archaeological: you can see monuments, architectural crops and archaeological sites. Zone II - environmental and landscape. This is the area around the first zone that allows us to guarantee the landscape values that characterize it. Zone III - natural equipped. It includes all areas of the Park for the preservation of landscape values; it is arranged as a link between the Park and the surrounding urban areas.
Montallegro - Parks and nature reserves Torre Salsa Torre Salsa is located in a nature reserve protected by the WWF. It is a landscape rich in pristine vegetation. In the area there is also a farmhouse that allows a magical stay where you can try various experiences that the place offers: swimming, hiking, jogging, cycling and more.
Lampedusa - Natural Areas Capo Grecale A descent is rather difficult to Cape Grecale, located North-East of the island. We will admire the flora and fauna . On the saddle of rock you will see the prairie, while in the more shade the croakers.
Lampedusa - Lighthouses and observation points Capo Ponente The Lighthouse of Lampedusa, which is to Capo Ponente, is taken as a reference point for sailors.
Lampedusa - Natural Areas Taccio Vecchio Staying in the northern part of the island, you can practice the immersion of Taccio Vecchio, a place defined by the sub truly magical. In this area, the bottom gets to be up to 8 meters deep. It is rich in fish, especially species of the colorful parrot. The more experienced, they can enter the tunnel into which the light creates the fabulous games mingling with the blue of the sea. Among the rocks, it is not uncommon to find the hermit crab Bernard and the mullet.
Lampedusa - Natural Areas Cala Calandra o Mare Morto To the east of the island of Lampedusa you can relax in one of the many coves thet you can find there. Among these we suggest Cala Calandra, also called "the Dead Sea". The latter nickname is due to the fact that it is sheltered from the winds, especially the mistral, which blows often on the island. On this beach, not sandy but rocky, you can enter the caves, or simply hire sunbeds and umbrellas.
Caltabellotta - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Caltabellotta ruderi The Castle was built around 1090 when the Normans arrived. Queen Sibyl resides in this building and was also the home of the Luna family. He changed owners several times, but until 1673 he remained with this family. The last to have it in possession was Antonio Alvares Toledo Duke of Bivona, until 1754. From that time on, the castle fell into a state of neglect. Today we can only see a small part of it.
Sciacca - Walls, towers and gates Porta Palermo The Palermo Gate was built during the reign of King Charles II of Bourbon to replace an already existing door. The exterior facade features the Baroque style. The structure consists of tuff blocks with a large attic. At the top is the coat of arms of the ruling house of time, in which an eagle with folded wings is depicted.
Sciacca - Walls, towers and gates Torre San Michele Torre San Michele was built in 1550, in the square adjacent to the church of San Michele a Sciacca. It was built at the behest of the Brotherhood of San Michele and has a square plan with two meters thick walls. The tower also stands three bells of which the largest was merged in 1587.
Agrigento - Archaeological Sites Tempio di Castore e Polluce The Temple of Castor and Pollux, built in the sixth century BC, is located in the heart of the Shrine of chthonic deities, and is considered an important symbol of the city of Agrigento,Sicily. It is well worth visiting.
Agrigento - Archaeological Sites Tomba di Terone The Valley of the Temples is home to the so-called Tomb of Theron, a tuff monument of considerable size with a pyramid shape. It is expected erected to remember the fallen of the Second Punic War.
Agrigento - Archaeological Sites Tempio di Giunone The Temple of Juno in Agrigento, Sicily, dating back to 450 BC, was used by the Greeks to celebrate weddings.This beautiful monument, located in the upper part of the ancient city is absolutely worth seeing.
Agrigento - Archaeological Sites Tempio di Vulcano Also called the Temple of Hephaestus, the Volcano Temple was a temple in the ancient city of Akragas. Located in the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento.
Agrigento - Archaeological Sites Tempio di Ercole Agrigento is full of history and beautiful temples, one of these is the Temple of Hercules,built in the eleventh century BC. It's a beautiful monument worth visiting in this interesting city of Sicily.
Agrigento - Archaeological Sites Tempio di Zeus Olimpio Agrigento is a city rich in ancient temples and one of these is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, built to celebrate the defeat of Carthage in 480 BC. Today only the ruins are left,but they are filled with history and meaning.
Alia - Natural Areas Grotte della Gurfa The Gurfa caves are an example of Sicilian rock architecture. They consist of six rooms dug into a red sandstone cliff. They are thought to date back to 2500 BC to 1600 BC Bronze Age. The Gurfa caves are divided into two floors connected by the bell cave (thòlos), the main room with a hole at its top that allows the illumination of the cave.
Alia - Museums Museo Etnoantropologico The Ethnoanthropological Museum of Alia is located in the “Pittà” house. The museum houses objects from private collections and testifies to the agro-pastoral culture of the city. In fact, the museum exhibits tools and tools in use in the past centuries, necessary for the processing of iron, wheat, care for cattle and craft creations. The collection was divided into four sections.
Carlentini - Churches and places of worship Chiesa Madre The Mother Church: a jewel set in the heart of the city of Carlentini. This is the best definition for describing the beauty and majesty of this Church.
Carlentini - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo comunale The Municipal Palace of Carlentini is undoubtedly the most beautiful civil building in the Carlentina city. It is located in Piazza Armando Diaz. Built at the beginning of the 19th century in neoclassical forms, the Municipal Palace was modified and embellished in 1876 at the expense of the Coomendator Carmelo Scavonetto (who then held the post of Mayor of the town) . The City Hall of Carlentini suffered serious damage due to the earthquake of 13 December 1990, but after years of restoration, it returned functional again.
Alia - Monuments Palazzo Guccione Palazzo Guccione is the most important example of residential building of the last century in Alia, built in Art Nouveau style. This was erected in the highest and oldest part of the country, namely in the Rapatello district. The building is eclectic with strong references to Sicilian Liberty.
Alia - Churches and places of worship Chiesa Maria SS. di tutte le Grazie The Church of All Graces was built between 1630 and 1639. The building is in late Renaissance style, with arches and round and some decorative elements in Baroque style, among which stand out the stuccoes of the apse with gold reliefs.
Alia - Monuments Archi Feudali The feudal arches were built in the middle of the last century and their history is closely linked to the power of the Guccione family. In fact, in 1852, they had the arches built on a public road in order to connect their homes.
Trapani - Caves Grotta Mangiapane Custonaci in the Province of Trapani, is an international marble center, with 136 quarries in activity from which the famous marble called “Pearl of Sicily” is extracted. One of the most famous caves is the Mangiapane cave, often used as a location for important film and television productions.
Ragusa - Theaters Teatro Donnafugata The Donnafugata Theatre dates back to the second half of the 19th century and is inserted inside the homonymous palace. This theatre is among the youngest in Italy and one of the most characteristic. Composed of 95 seats, it also has a large bar room and other adjoining rooms, respectively called Sala Vicky and Sala Costanza, the names of the owners.
Agrigento - Churches and places of worship Chiesa Santa Maria dei Greci The Church of Santa Maria dei Greci rises on the homonymous street, on the hill of Girgenti. It corresponds to the ancient temple of Athena or Zeus Atabirios, which dates back to the time of Terone. The entrance is embellished by a remarkable archiacute portal, whose key has a shield. The interior has three naves.
Pantelleria - Archaeological Sites Acropoli Punico-Romana di San Marco e Santa Teresa The Phoenicians founded a colony, Cossyra, whose archaeological remains are located on the hills of San Marco and Santa Teresa in the immediate afterland of the current capital. Cossyra soon entered the orbit of the nearby Carthaginian power.
Capo d'Orlando - Fountains Fontana Drago From an uncertain era and recently restored. Completely made of sandstone, it is decorated with majolica from the school of Naso (between the 17th century and the beginning of the nineteenth century). A gentle coat of arms embellished the fountain, but unfortunately it was stolen in 1985.
Capo d'Orlando - Museums Museo Fondazione Famiglia Piccolo di Calanovella The museum is located inside a refined and elegant villa, late 19th century. The famous writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, author of “The Leopard” stayed here often, linked by a particular friendship with the Piccolo. In the museum-foundation you can admire paintings, photographs, ceramics, antique weapons.
Milazzo - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo settecentesco dei Marchesi d'Amico This is an example of eighteenth-century architecture in the historic center. It is the work of the Messina architect Francesco Arena, on commission of the Marquises D'Amico, realized in the years 1733-35. In 1975 it was subjected to protection and artistic and cultural bond and in the 80s it was acquired by the Municipality that made it the headquarters of the Municipal Library.
Monreale - Churches and places of worship Duomo It makes one of the magnificent monuments in Palermo. The Monreale was built in 1172 by King William II. With Moorish-Norman art, the building is one to marvel at. Though the exterior part is attractive, the splendour within is unimaginable. The Romanesque bronze doors conspicuous and one can easily notice them while touring the area.
Agrigento - Archaeological Sites Quartiere ellenistico-romano The daily way of life of ancient times can be understood by walking through the Hellenistic-Roman Quarter in the heart of ancient Akragas, now called Agrigento,in Sicily.
Agrigento - Museums Santuario della Divinità Ctonie This sanctuary is a rich archaeological area, full of ruins and remains of temples and altars dedicated to the goddesses Demeter and Persephone. It is the ideal place for those who love history and mythology.
Caltanissetta - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli Situated near the Pietrarossa Castle,the church took its name thanks to the donation of a painting of Our Lady of the Angels,now preserved in the church of Mary's College.
Caltanissetta - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di San Giovanni This beautiful church,founded around 1100,is situated in the old part of the historic center.The current appearance of the church is the result of reconstruction after complete destruction during the Second World War.
Enna - Caves Grotta della Guardiola Place of worship in a time prior to city's birth. It is the largest of the necropolis perched at the foot of the mountain on which Enna is.
Enna - Churches and places of worship Chiesa della Madonna di Valverde Inside, of great value, two oils,one depicting Our Lady of Valverde and one Our Lady of Graces,two statues, one of St. Joseph and the other of Mother Mary holding the Infant Jesus, banners, robes embroidered in gold and vestments.
Messina - Churches and places of worship Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata Medieval monument of great historical importance, it was built in Norman times on the ruins of the ancient temple of Neptune. Re-emerged following the 1908 earthquake that brought down the additions.
Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo della Cultura Multifunctional center of the city of Messina, it was built in 1975 on a project to form an inverted pyramid. Within it has an auditorium, an outdoor theater, a library and an exhibition center.
Caltanissetta - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di Sant'Agata al Collegio In the late sixteenth century,the Jesuit order was invited to Caltanisetta and entrusted with the church.In the shape of a Greek cross,and one of the richest in the city with the interior filled with marble decorations and stuccos of fine elegance.
Caltanissetta - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Benintende This building built by architect Joseph Bartolo, has an interesting peculiarity, being characterized by a mixture of different architectural styles, with Ionic columns on the main floor and in Doric style on the second floor.
Enna - Walls, towers and gates Torre di San Giovanni What remained of the Church of St. John the Baptist. Restored in the '60s and '70s, has a construction of a small Arabic Norman dome in place of the conical spire in majolica that originally surmounted it.
Enna - Museums Museo Multimediale Musical Art Another unusual museum. Presents the paintings of the greatest Sicilian artists or who worked in Sicily from the fifteenth to the twentieth century, accompanied and described by purposefully composed soundtracks.
Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzetto Coppedè Designed by renowned Florentine architect Gino Coppedè, from whom takes its name, Coppedè building is a building in eclectic style easily recognizable thanks to the unmistakable majestic eagles that are included in the grates of the balconies.
Ragusa - Walls, towers and gates Porta Walter Walter Porta ( or Vattiri) is the only one of the five entrances (south) to the ancient city that has endured for centuries. Today's door, high 5 meters and wide 3 meters, was built in the first half of '600 during the visit of the Viceroy of Sicily
Cefalu' - Churches and places of worship Cattedrale Dating back to the time of Norman Sicily, it was erected at the behest of Roger I. The cathedral presents the union of different architectural styles coming from the peoples who occupied the Island, from Arab art, to that Byzantine etc. has two majestic crenellated towers.
Ispica - Archaeological Sites Parco Forza di Cava Ispica Beautiful naturalistic and archaeological site not to be missed.
Terrasini - WWF Oasis Riserva Naturale Orientata di Capo Rama The Capo Rama Nature Reserve was established in 2000 on behalf of the WWF Italia Onlus. The reserve covers fifty-seven hectares of area. In the area you can see limestone rocks dating back 200 million years ago, rich in fossils and corals that populated the seabed. The flora is composed of specimens of Olivastro and a rare species of Sicilian Thorny Oak.
Mineo - Castles, palaces and mansions Casa natale di Luigi Capuana The Birthplace of Luigi Capuana is located in the homonymous palace where the well-known Sicilian writer and journalist was born. Inside there are manuscripts, furniture and paintings by the writer as well as correspondence with contemporary writers such as Ibsen, D'Annunzio and Pirandello. A particular collection of photographs is also exhibited that testifies to the great activity of the writer.
Gela - Archaeological Sites Ingresso citta' greca (VII sec.aC) Gala is one of the oldest Sicilian cities, the first appropriations take us back to the 5th century BC. The name comes from the Doric colony founded in the 7th century BC which took possession of all Greek Sicily. Do not forget also the Federican period in which Terranova was built, a new city on the ruins of the Hellenic metropolis. In 1943 there was the first arrival of the Allies, in 1948, instead, the great archaeological discovery of the fortresses of Capo Soprano. In 1956, with the discovery of oil deposits, the city became of great importance, assuming fame and fame throughout the nation. Over the decades, as a result of the latest events, Gela took on a negative image.
Ragusa - Museums Museo Regionale di Kamarina The Museum of Kamarina preserves the planimetric characteristics of the nineteenth-century beam built on the ruins of the Temple of Athena in the city of Camarina. It collects inside the archaeological documentation of the territory from the prehistoric to the medieval age coming from the excavations carried out in the necropolis, in the port area and in the inhabited center. Of great interest, is also the Amphorae Pavilion, which houses one of the richest collections in the Mediterranean.
Noto - Archaeological Sites Castelluccio - Zona Archeologica (Xviii Sec.Ac) Castelluccio di Noto is an archaeological site located in Syracuse. The site was discovered by Paolo Orsi and resembles a necropolis of over 200 artificial grotticella tombs. From this site come ceramic materials, bronze artifacts and 2 tomb hatches that have been exhibited at the “Paolo Orsi” museum in Syracuse.
Noto - Archaeological Sites Villa romana del Tellaro These are the remains of a Roman Villa from the 4th century AD. The excavations have brought to light the remains of an ancient dwelling with an area of 6000 square meters. It is located on the right bank of the Tellaro River, and since 2008, following a long renovation process, it is open to the public. Behind the Villa you can admire the beautiful vineyards, where even today the traditional grapes of the territory are cultivated.
Avola - Archaeological Sites Dolmen di Avola The Dolmen di Avola or the so-called Dolmen di Ciancio, named so in honor of Prof. Archaeologist Salvatore Ciancio, is located in the municipality of Avola in the province of Syracuse in Sicily. The dolmen is a prehistoric single room building. The Dolmen of Acola was realized from the 5th millennium BC to the end of the III millennium BC. It belongs to the Neolithic Age. It is located a few kilometers from the center of Avola. It was built with stones of three or four vertical legs that support one or more horizontal slabs. It was discovered in 1961.
Augusta - Archaeological Sites Città Greca Megara Hyblaea (729 A.C.) The Greek city Megara Hublea (Iblea) is located within the municipal territory of Augusta, north of Syracuse in Sicily. It was built in 729 BC by Megaresi, a Greek colony. It was demolished in 483 BC by the tyrant of Gela, and in 213 BC by the Romans. It has a location directly overlooking the sea. Today there are the ruins of the Greek city including the remains of the Hellenistic Sanctuary, the Hellenistic Temple, the Hellenistic Baths and the Heroon, the Western fortifications and finally the metallurgical workshop.
Acireale - Archaeological Sites Aci Catena - Terme Romane di S.Venera al Pozzo The Roman Baths of San Venera al Pozzo are located in Acireale. Since ancient times, the territory has been known for the conspicuous presence of beneficial waters coming from springs including sulphurous. The archaeological site consists of two covered rooms. The oldest of the findings dates back to a period between the first and second century AD.
Termini Imerese - Archaeological Sites Himera - Tempio della Vittoria The Temple of Victory was located in the ancient city of Himera. The building was built in 480 BC after the epic battle between the Greeks of Sicily and the Carthaginians. During the siege of 409 BC the latter destroyed and set fire the Temple, of which today only a few remains remain. The city plan included the construction of several shrines including the Temenos of Athena, located in the northeastern part of the city. The archaeological area includes the urban area defended by the city walls and the necropolis located along the exit paths.
Piraino - Viewpoints Torre Saracena Built between the twelfth century with defense purposes for the sighting of any invaders from the sea, it is located in a strategic position from which a vast stretch of coastline dominates with the gaze. It is 16m high, and is divided on three levels and a terrace, connected to each other by an internal ladder.
Piraino - Churches and places of worship Chiesa S. Caterina Considered from an ancient era, over time it has been modified and embellished several times. It was a parish already at the end of 1500 and continued until 1960. On the left side of the Church a short staircase leads to the Chapel of SS. Ecce Homo.
Piraino - Historic Centres Piraino, quattro passi nella storia Piraino, located at 416m above sea level, according to tradition, the toponym between origin from the name of the Piracmone Cyclops, which built the first nucleus inhabited around the year 827 BC, is a place capable of surprising for its landscapes and the cultural intertwines of its people; his is a very ancient story, between myths and legends.
Piraino - Churches and places of worship Chiesa del Rosario The Church of the Rosary, almost at the entrance of the country, was called in ancient times of the Holy Trinity and served for some time as the main Church; it was set on fire and destroyed in the middle of 1500 during a raid of Saracen pirates and rebuilt in 1635 by the Brotherhood of SS. Rosary.
Corleone - Natural Areas Paesaggi corleonesi Corleone is characterized by a unique landscape: is wedged between two rocks, the Sottana with remnants of a Saracen Tower, and Soprana (on which stands the convent of the Franciscans)
Caltanissetta - Churches and places of worship Santuario del Redentore Sanctuary built on top of Monte S. Giuliano, consisting of a bronze statue of the Redeemer who blessing
Finale - Natural Areas Pollina Collection of manna in the Pollinese region. Ash trees produce manna. the "white gold" of Pollina.
Villafrati - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Filangeri Palazzo Filangeri was the baronial seat of the Filangeri family in 700. Characteristic is the iron door, on which the initials of Count S. Marco triumph. Part of the furniture is located in Palermo at Palazzo Mirto.
Villafrati - Churches and places of worship Chiesa della SS. Trinità The Church of SS. Trinity was built between 1750 and 1765. It was enriched with an artistic reed organ, four matroneums and artistic oil paintings and statues, among the authors: Vinci Randazzo, Guastaferro and Corbella.
Acireale - Parks and nature reserves Riserva naturale della Timpa Lava ridge degrading on the sea of the cyclops. Spontaneous vegetation among oaks, euphorbias, olive trees, ramnos, basculars interrupted by lemon plantations. There are several paths to the sea by the forest.
Villafrati - Natural Areas R. N. O. Cefalà Diana Chiarastella The R.N.O. was created for the preservation of an area of 137 hectares between the municipalities of Cefalà Diana and Villafrati. It includes Pizzo Chiarastella, relevant for flora and birdlife and the Arab Baths, the only example of Arab baths of the 10th century in Sicily.
Villafrati - Fountains Fontana a due cannoli The fountain with two cannoli was donated by Count San Marco in 1849, it is made of cast iron, it has artistic workmanship and coat of arms of the Counts Filangeri. Characteristic are the two cannoli, in the shape of a dragon head, from which water flows.
Gioiosa Marea - Archaeological Sites Gioiosa Guardia Gioiosa Guardia was a city built by Vinciguerra of Aragon as a fortress to defend pirate raids. At the end of the eighteenth century, due to the high seismicity of the territory, the city was abandoned. Today we can only admire the remains.
Siracusa - Archaeological Sites Catacombe S.Giovanni Evangelista The Catacomb St. John the Evangelista is one of the most special archaeological sites in Syracuse, and dates back between 315 and 360 A.D. The atmosphere of the places of the Catacomb is immense and full of mystery and curiosity. From all the catacombs present in Syracuse, the catacomb St. John the Evangelista is the most easily visited.
Lampedusa - Natural Areas Punta Parrino The island of Lampedusa is protected from the wind by Punta Parrino. Here you can swim in stretches of Posidonia Oceanica being careful to the sea current. There are so many fish species that you may encounter.
Lampedusa - Monuments Madonna del mare A few feet below the surface of the sea, near the rock visible from the island of Rabbits, you can admire the Madonna del Mare. It is a life-size statue that was donated to Lampedusa by a photographer who was saved while he was diving. Here you can dive even at night. The show is guaranteed.
Lampedusa - Natural Areas Le Corna The more daring can try their hand at downhill Le Corna where it goes down to -45 meters and where groupers are the masters without being frightened by the presence of divers.
Lampedusa - Natural Areas Scoglio del Sacramento Among the most beautiful island rocks figure the Scoglio del Sacramento. Nearby you can see the stack and below it the cave that takes the same name. The bay where the rock is located is called the Madonna because there is a limestone formation that recalls.
Lampedusa - Natural Areas Scoglio della Vela A rock to see is called the Vela. It is located in the highest point of the island. If you visit the island by land you will find yourself in an area characterized by a small round building which encloses a wooden crucifix. Beyond the low stone wall, you can see the stack called the Vela and the cliffs that drop to the sea. The rock of the sail is considered as the stack for excellence in Lampedusa due to its beauty and suggestiveness, especially at sunset.
Lampedusa - Viewpoints Punta Alaimo To the north coast of Lampedusa is characterized by rather different with jagged peaks. Among these Punta Alaimo that stands as a symbol of a coastline characterized by almost untouched and wild nature. Along with it you can also find Cala Ruperta and Punta Taccio Vecchio. Some caves and coves can only be reached by swimming.
Lampedusa - Churches and places of worship Santuario della Madonna di Porto Salvo From the undisputed beauty is the shrine of Our Lady of Porto Salvo (patron saint and protector of the island), a small building that has its origins in a past not well defined but still around 1202. It is considered a beautiful flower garden. At this shrine is linked to the most important festival of the island which is held in September.
Lampedusa - Natural Areas Punta Cappellone Going to the northern part of the island of Lampedusa, along terraces and bottoms, you get to Punta Cappellone. In this spectacular jump, you can do several meetings: tuna, kingfish, moray eels, snappers, groupers and lobsters as well as salpe colored swim in droves. If you push on the rocks resting on the sand, in the most shade you can see the huts of croakers and musdee.
Lampedusa - Natural Areas Le Grottacce The Grottacce are famous and unique in the world because of their natural cavities but they are not proper caves. The West is 7 meters deep with a cavity submerged 17; Eastern Eurasia, however, is a circular open air.
Alicudi - Caves Grotta della Palumba The Palumba Cave is located in the lonely and western island of Alicudi, a young volcanic complex and one of the smallest islands of the Aeolian Islands, in a wonderful setting where the protagonist is a wonderful crystal clear sea. A surreal place with natural charm, where silence is broken only by the sound of the wind and that of the sea.
Filicudi - Caves Grotta del Bue Marino The Grotta del Bue Marino, located on the north west of the island of Filicudi, is the largest cave in the Aeolian Islands. It takes its name from the monk seals that lived in the past and its interior offers special play of light and the magic of the sound of the sea that resembles the bellowing of an ox.
Filicudi - Caves Grotta dei Gamberi The Grotta dei Gamberi is located on the island of Filicudi and is very popular for scuba diving since this is one of the best diving places on the island thanks to the presence of shrimp and fish of every kind on the inside. Particularly striking is the effect of the wall of the cave that ends on the sand at about 50 meters deep.
Panarea - Caves Grotta degli Innamorati The Cave of Lovers, located near the islet of Lisca Bianca, about 3 km from the Island of Panarea, is located in a place of great suggestion where the sea is wonderfully clear and crystal clear. The cave is renowned for a legend that tells that couples in love who kiss each other inside will remain united for life.
Pantelleria - Archaeological Sites Sese Grande o Sese del Re The island of Pantelleria archaeological ruins from the Neolithic period as the "Sese Grande", a monument built with dry stones. It starts from an oval base to wrap on itself and ending towards the top in a spiral shape. Inside the dead were buried in a fetal position with his head facing west.
Lampedusa - Beaches Tartaruga Caretta Caretta What makes famous the beach "I conigli" is the spawning of sea turtles "Caretta Caretta". During the month of June they usually lay their eggs along the shores of the sea waiting for their hatching, usually after about sixty days. This species is protected and shelter in this place as it is considered one of the few areas not yet affected by exasperated tourist trade.
Lampedusa - Beaches Cala Galera Cala Galera is accessible on foot or by scooter along a path. Within this area you can see a perfect combination of pristine vegetation with remains of old military buildings. Also, you will be fascinated by the beauty of the different wells of water source that will peek out.
Lampedusa - Beaches Cala Tabaccara To the west of the Isle of Rabbits (Isola dei Conigli in Italian) and located in the Punta Pruvulina is Cala Tabaccara. The beach is characterized by a calm sea and clear, you can easily walk to paying attention to the steep slopes leading to it.
Lampedusa - Beaches Cala Maluk Very close to the airport, in the eastern part of the island. The cove is formed of rocks prevalentamente much to have been used for a long time for the treatment of sponges, body, part of the marine habitat of the area.
Lampedusa - Beaches Cala Pisana Cala Pisana is characterized by a small rocky waterfront to use as a launching pad for diving. The bay, only 10 meters, is located east of the island.
Lampedusa - Beaches Baia del Sole It’s situated in Cala Croce. The uniqueness of the place is a fantastic natural swimming pool with sunbeds and umbrellas. For those who want to relax and at the same time, swimming in a fascinating glimpse of the island.
Lampedusa - Beaches Cala Madonna This beautiful glimpse of the sea is a great place for fishing enthusiasts. The set, consisting of a cane, is characterized by its crystal clear sea. In these beautiful waters will be possible to observe different marine species that inhabit the area and be fascinated.
Lampedusa - Beaches Cala Croce Located east of Guitgia Beach, is characterized by the presence of two different coves of fine white beach. At this point of the island you can swim in a calm sea sheltered from the winds. The area is characterized by the presence of beautiful stalls near the sea.
Lampedusa - Beaches Cala Guitgia It's the greatest of all the coves in the area and is easily accessible thanks to its positioning within the town. For tourists who reach the island by boat is the first cove where you can enjoy their beauty thanks to the fact that comes close to the harbor bay. The cove has initial low rocky shores that end with a long stretch of fine sand.
Vulcano - Natural Areas Capo Testa Grossa On the island of Vulcano it is possible to dive in the area of Capo Testa Grossa, which forms a vertical wall full of wonderful sponges. It has very jagged canals, caves and rocks.
Vulcano - Natural Areas Scoglio Quaglietto The Scoglio Quaglietto area allows one of the most beautiful dives that the island of Vulcano can offer. It is possible among other things to immerse yourself in a cave where there is a statue representing Our Lady.
Panarea - Beaches Spiaggia di Calcara At the northern end of the island of Panarea, the beach is located in a Valley and is well-known and highly respected for volcanic phenomena, typical fumaroles. Likely location of an extinct volcano, the air that we breathe here is characterised by volcanic aroma.
Pantelleria - Beaches Cala Cottone The territory of Cala Cottone has been used thousands of years ago as a precise point where it traded loads of cotton came from afar. The cove is characterized by the prevalence of rocky areas overlooking the sea. Here you can see a small well built by the Arabs.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Secca di Campobello Driving around the island in search of the most interesting diving spots, proceeding from northeast to south, the first stop is the wonderful Secca di Campobello, full of bream, bogue and clouds of damselfish, which offers the opportunity to discover hidden among the rocks lobsters, groupers and moray eels and large the passage of some amberjack.
Scopello - Archaeological Sites La Tonnara The tuna Scopello is one of the most important historical monuments of Sicily, probably the only intact evidence of tuna fishing in the Mediterranean sea. The building is privately owned
Siracusa - Beaches La spiaggia delle Fontane Bianche About 15 kilometers from Syracuse, there is the beach of the white fountains which has nothing to envy of those exotic areas that we often see on television or on the internet. It is made up of natural white stones and very fine white sand. Its particular name is due to the fact that on it there are numerous freshwater fountains as well as bathing establishments, hotels and fantastic nightclubs. Here, the possibility of practicing water sports in complete tranquility is offered.
Portopalo di Capo Passero - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di San Gaetano The Church of San Gaetano, Patron of Portopalo, is located in the heart of the village and in the heart of the villagers. Located on the corner of Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Lucio Tasca.
Pantelleria - Viewpoints Saltalavecchia To enjoy a view overlooking the sea you have to go to "Saltavecchia" which is one of the highest points of the cliff. It 'an exciting experience, although care should be taken to the friability of the soil.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Monte Gibele Who likes to take walks can visit Monte Gibele, an extinct volcano which is reached by a path that leads directly to the crater. Along the path you will find the "Favara Grande" a powerful jet of steam of hot water that comes out from the soil.
Pantelleria - Water spa and wellness Cala Nikà Among the most important spa towns there is Cala Nikà, located in the south-west of the island. It is characterized by different pools of water where it is usual to observe small animals intent on finding refreshment. The bay is characterized by a cave with thermal water, whose temperature is likely to touch 40 ° C. This temperature appears to be the ideal to treat phlebitis.
Pantelleria - Caves Grotta dei Briganti The first of the amazing caves of Pantelleria is certainly one of the Brigantes, located to the west of the island and reached by a long descent, from the green of Big Mountain, penetrates the darkness of volcanic cavity. The name, of course effect, it is due to a tragic incident that occurred during the unification of Italy, a group of young people after refusing to perform military service, he just hid in this cave. When the police found them, they were publicly executed: that is why the name "Dei Briganti".
Pantelleria - Caves Grotta del Freddo The Freddo (cold) Island is the third island of Pantelleria, known as "Aryeh du Nutaro" (meaning: the notary's hole). It is located in contrada Bukkuram and is characterized by a very special event: a vent below the rock sucker that emits a cold air. This temperature is around 10 degrees and is thrown with the same circulation inside the cave.
Pantelleria - Beaches Cala del Bue Marino La Cala del Bue Marino is very close to the town of Pantelleria, hub of tourism on the island. The point of interest is particularly characteristic due to the presence of a sea cave in which it is assumed whereabouts precise point of playing the monk seal species in danger of extinction. It is composed of a low cliff and a crystal clear sea;
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Punta Liscetto Snappers, groupers, lobsters and accompany the descent in Punta Liscetto that allow divers more 'experts To advance up to 40 mt. along a rock wall collapsed.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Parete dei Saraghi It's ideal for the newbies: they descend up to 24 meters deep and over in the company of bream and lobster admiring the thousand forms of sponges and the different types of nudibranchs.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Punta Rubasacchi Those who enjoy the the bright colors of the seascape,have to dive into the waters at Punta Rubasacchi.They will be welcomed there by a bunch of grouper, snapper, kingfish, lobsters, octopus, up to giant morays and sea fans.
Pantelleria - Archaeological Sites Relitto Ras Jedir Since 2002, it is possible to visit the wreck of the vessel Libyan "Ras Jedir" that ran aground carrying illegal immigrants. It 'was in the bay of Cala Tramontana, in sailing trim. From the portholes you can see how the people of the Mediterranean have made this wreck their new home, from groupers to bream.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Cala Armani Lush greenery and brightly colored houses an archaeological Cala Armani, immersion of which will enjoy the less experienced, which shows the archaeological wonders of the world Punic-Roman, guarded by schools of fish that make the guard.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Faraglione di Punta Tracino Between Cala Tramontana and Cala Levante rises from the depths of the sea up to 35 mt. height of the stack of Punta Tracino that offers one of the most exciting diving of Pantelleria because of the clarity of the water. Making its way around the boulder meet asteroides among herds of sea bream, grouper amberjack and blue fish but the wonder is when, going down you discover products and multicolored sea fans, as well as boulders in a purple dotted with dazzling white sand {This whole sentence is unclear. Revise for clarity}.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Martingana Continuing south of the Stack of Punta Tracino meets another dive spot or Martingana. The descent is along a spit of volcanic rock that slopes gently into the sand. The seabed is rich in shrimp, octopus, moray eels, grouper, lobster, snapper and amberjack. It will not be unusual to see old nets or anchors lost at sea.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Punta Li Marsi Among the dive sites to be counted on the island of Pantelleria can not miss Punta Li Marsi immediately after Martingana.E 'characterized by a wall that descends slightly towards the bottom and offers, arrived at 32 m depth, the vision of a mine placed there for years now.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Secca di Nikà On the west side of Pantelleria, in search of the best spots to dive, we must mention Nicà a special corner for both the spiers covered with roses for the sponges in which magnificent surf undisturbed snapper and amberjack, barracuda as well as. Interesting for those who enjoy underwater photography.
Pantelleria - Natural Areas Taglio di Scauri e Punta Tre Pietre Cutting Scauri is an area of ??Pantelleria where you can dive up to 40 meters. The sandy bottom is inhabited by lobsters, snapper and amberjack while increasing Punta Tre Pietre the thing that leaves you speechless is the rock wall covered with corals, sferococchi and colonies of axinelle.
Filicudi - Viewpoints Faraglione la Canna The Faraglione is the result of the last eruption of volcano Filicudi, which occurred about 40,000 years ago. The rock has the shape of a tower 71 meters high, on top of which, the mountaineers, they placed a statue of the Madonna. It is inhabited by protected species of hawks and lizards. The palce is nice for scuba diving with a lot of fishes and even lobster.
Filicudi - Natural Areas Scoglio della Fortuna It is one of the most fascinating attractions of Filicudi. Its particular shape, similar to a basin, means that inside it forms a sort of natural pool. The crystal clear water allows you to fully enjoy the pleasure of the dive, up to a maximum of -23 meters, and to admire and photograph the natural caves and the beautiful local flora and fauna.
Filicudi - Natural Areas Scoglio Gianfante The Scoglio Gianfante has a volcanic origin. The name is due to its similarity with the elephant, which in Sicilian dialect is called just "Giafante." The depth of the water around the basalt formation attracts numerous divers.
Pantelleria - Churches and places of worship Santuario della Madonna della Margana This is the most rural church and the oldest on the island, it dates from the passage of Charles V in Sicily. Inside is preserved an icon depicting Mary nursing the infant Jesus, and you can admire a precious wooden crucifix of the Sicilian school. The Virgin Mary depicted in the icon of the Virgin Mary was called Margana, protector of the fields, in Arabic means marginal field.
Pantelleria - Monuments Hangar Militare It can be considered a masterpiece of modern architecture, in many ways unique, the gigantic underground hangar by Pierluigi Nervi, still used for military purposes. On the occasion of Armed Forces Day, visitors can gain access to military installations through guided tours. Last date of opening 4 November 2009.
Pantelleria - Caves Grotta di Benikulà Cave considered genuine natural sauna bath or dry. It consists of two rooms: the frigidarium, outside, consisting of stone seats and extensive views over the plain of the Monastery, from the inside, through a crack in the rock, intermittently, escaping water vapor at a temperature of about 40 degrees.
Panarea - Monuments Relitto di Lisca Bianca Right off the island of Panarea is located the ship wreck of Lisca Bianca, one of the vast ship wrecks that are located in the archipelago. While the other shipwrecks in the area are to deep to allow viewing this is one of the few wrecks where it is allowed to view on a sport dive because of its depth while the other wrecks in the area are far to deep to allow for such a dive, it is kept in a very bad state, even though its modern.
Panarea - Natural Areas Le Formiche Ants are a group of rocks that are part of an extended low bottom and so called for their small size. Diving is undemanding especially in case of calm sea and transparent water allows you to visualize the scenic seabed.
Salina - Natural Areas Secca di Pollara La Secca di Pollara has rocky walls rich in ravines, coves, caves and canyons. Precisely because of its shape it is the ideal environment for starfish, sea fans and numerous fish species such as moray rees, octopuses and grouper.
Lipari - Natural Areas Monte S. Angelo By moving to the central part of Lipari, it is possible to walk along the road that leads to the top of Monte S. Angel. A strategic position to admire the whole walkway. Il Monte, of volcanic origin, portrays evidence of contact between the water and magma and belongs to the second volcanic period, a geological characteristic of the island.
Lipari - Water spa and wellness Terme di San Calogero The Terme di San Calogero are an ancient spa already known by the Greeks for their waters used for treatments. So They may be the oldest spas in the Mediterranean area. They are only open for sightseeing.
Stromboli - Natural Areas Scoglio dello Strombolicchio Just north of Stromboli is located Strombolicchio, a reef that has a lighthouse opened during the summer. The coral coast is a true paradise for divers.
Alicudi - Natural Areas Monte Filo dell'Arpa e Sciara dell'Arpa The island is dominated by Monte Filo dell'Arpa, located at 675 meters above sea level, which can be reached from the path that passes through the church of San Bartolo, passing through landscapes surrounded by greenery, heather plants and prickly pears. From Filo dell'Arpa you can easily get to the valley of Sciara dell'Arpa, an inlet crossed by lava that dropped to the sea from the old volcano now inactive for centuries.
Alicudi - Natural Areas Scoglio della Galera The Rock of Galera is a natural wonder not to be missed in the western part of the island that can be carried 'like a sword' from the sea to the coast. It looks like the head of a dragon because of the conformity of the rocks that make it almost scaly and that will surely stimulate the imagination of the little ones. The Scoglio Galera is very well seen by sea so a tour of the island on a boat or a canoe is suggested.
Alicudi - Viewpoints Punta Roccazza e Scalo Vecchio Punta Roccazza marks the end of skiing (from the plural “sciarì” in Sicilian that are indicating the landslides) arriving at the Scalo Vecchio where the sailors sheltered the boats from the wind of Tramontana.
Alicudi - Natural Areas Rupe del Perciato Impossible not to visit the Cliff of the Perciato, a splendid natural arch furrowed in rock at sunset makes the island really very suggestive.
Salina - Natural Areas Punta Perciato Beautiful to see for its enchanting natural scenery is the dry of Punta Perciato, which develops in length parallel to the coast and consists of some big rocks from the morphology and extremely jagged walls. A great place recommended for divers and many diving enthusiasts.
Sciacca - Walls, towers and gates Porta San Calogero The Gate of San Calogero represented one of the 5 entrances to the city of Sciacca and led directly to the upper part of the city, where at that time the noble residences of the city were located, but also bordered the district of the Cadda, where the Jews lived. The construction does not have some important architectural features, however, the fact remains that it has remained perfectly preserved.
Sciacca - Walls, towers and gates Torre del Pardo The Torre del Pardo was built in 1550, on the directives of the Brotherhood of San Michele. In fact, it is located next to the church called firriatu of S.Micheli. The structure has a square plan with thick walls. Originally, three bells were also built merged at the beginning of the 16th century.
San Vito Lo Capo - Walls, towers and gates Torre Uzzo The Uzzo Towers were built in 1583 by the Florentine architect Camillo Camilliani and later were the subject of numerous restorations. All towers are built with a square base structure.
Sciacca - Walls, towers and gates Torre del Tradimento The Tower of Betrayal was built around the fifteenth century with the task of defending the area of the homonymous Cala. The structure stands between an ancient house with pergola on the outside and another with metal frames. The composition is cylindrical with a diameter of six meters and has a terrace cover for collecting rainwater.
Sciacca - Walls, towers and gates Porta San Salvatore The Porta San Salvatore was the main entrance door to the city of Sciacca. It takes its name from the homonymous church that is located near, and as the oldest door it presents different architectural constructions. The construction consists of different ornaments, cornucopias and commas that fascinate anyone interested in visiting it.
Siracusa - Archaeological Sites Latomia del Paradiso Latomia del Paradiso is located near the Syracuse Greek theatre and is the most famous among the latomies of Syracuse. It is bare and vertical walls where different vegetations of oranges, palm trees and prickly pears unfold. Its peculiarity lies in being the place where the cave stands called “The Ear of Dionysus” that the tyrant had made up to act as a prison and listen to the conversations of the prisoners.
Siracusa - Natural Areas Latomia di Santa Venera The Latomia of Santa Venera is located in the eastern part of the Neapolis park in Syracuse. It is assumed that Latomy was excavated as early as the 5th century BC, and used until Roman times. For a long time it was transformed into a garden with a sub tropical vegetation. The Latomia of Santa Venera together with the other Latomies located in the Neapolis park represent one of the most fascinating places in Syracuse.
Siracusa - Archaeological Sites Latomia dei Cappuccini The Latomy of the Capuchins is located on the eastern border of the Greek Pentapoli in Syracuse, constituting one of the most beautiful and ancient places in the Sicilian city. The name comes from its function as a quarry that over the centuries has provided construction material for the whole Syracuse city. Instead, the name of the Capuchins is given to her, since the University of Syracuse, in 1582, gave it to the friars minor of St. Francis to build a fortified convent in the area above, with the intent of defend the coast from pirates.
Siracusa - Archaeological Sites Foro Siracusano The Syracuse Forum is located at one of the busy intersections of the city. The Forum was known, until 1910, as the 'Square of Weapons'. Inside you can visit the temple dedicated to Zeus. Currently, the Forum is under restoration, with the aim of restoring the splendor of the past.
Siracusa - Archaeological Sites Antico Arsenale The Ancient Arsenal was a shipyard of the Greek age, where the merchant and war boats of the Syracuse fleet were manufactured and adjusted. In this building the majestic ship 'Siracosia' was built, which served as both a warship and a merchant. The ship was donated to Ptolemy of Egypt by Heron II as a sign of gratitude as an ally. The arsenal structure could contain more than three hundred ships.
Siracusa - Churches and places of worship Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime The Sanctuary was built as a reminder of the miraculous tearing of a plaster painting depicting the Immaculate Heart of Mary, placed in the bedside of the residence of the Iannuso spouses. Construction began in 1966, under the direction of the architects Michel Andrault and Pierre Parat, following the winning of the international competition for the construction of the sanctuary. Work was completed in 1994, and the splendid building was inaugurated by John Paul II.
Pollina - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Pollina Historical news has been reported of the Castle of Pollina since 1081, when it was mentioned as a farmhouse of the diocese of Troina. Instead of its construction there are references during the Swabian era. The Castle rises above a wooded hill and is bordered by two sliding streams located one to the east and the other to the west. The fortress remains the perimeter walls and the tower located at the top of the summit. Close to the walls are the houses of the town built during the following centuries.
Pollina - Walls, towers and gates Torre di Finale The Finale Tower was built in 1597 as a Spanish sighting facility. During the nineteenth century the Tower was placed under the superintendence of Baron Michele Collotti of Castelbuono. Later, over the years, the building was enriched with a terrace able to offer tourists a suggestive panorama of the coast.
Pozzallo - Walls, towers and gates Torre Cabrera The Cabrera Tower was built at the beginning of the fifteenth century by the will of Count Giovanni Bernardo Cabrera. The tower served as a defense and protection against pirate invasions. In 1693, part of the tower was destroyed due to a strong earthquake. Not much time passed and the structure was renovated. Currently, the tower is a National Monument and it is also the coat of arms of the city.
Prizzi - Walls, towers and gates Torre del Castello di Prizzi The Tower was part of the castle built in 745 during the period when Sicily was under Byzantine rule. The building was built for reasons of defence against the attacks of the Turks. The castle was composed of three towers of which only one remained. The three-meter-high tower was restored by Matteo Bonello.
Randazzo - Walls, towers and gates Porta San Giuliano o Aragonese The Gate of San Giuliano, otherwise recognized as the Aragonese Gate, dates back to the 13th century. Above the door, the banners of Peter I of Aragon are visible. It is one of the four doors which were part of the walls of Randazzo. It extends on the longest side of the city walls. Near the door, customs officers were allocating who checked the products arrived in the city.
Sambuca di Sicilia - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Sambuca ruderi The Castle of Sambuca, in the province of Sicily, was built by an Arab emir in the 9th century. The stone structure was also used as a prison. The castle, through the staircase, opens onto the Baldi Centellis square. We received little news and few remains of the castle, including a small terrace.
San Vito Lo Capo - Walls, towers and gates Torre Torrazzo The Torrazzo Tower was built between the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th century, for reasons of defence from enemies. It has a circular structure with large stones. The Torrazzo Tower is one of the oldest towers in San Vito Lo Capo and it is for this reason that it is also called “old tower”.
Palermo - Walls, towers and gates Torre Saracena The Saracen towers are fortifications that date back to Roman times, with greater expansion in the Kingdom of Naples. We can distinguish these buildings in defense and sighting towers. Over the centuries the towers have often changed shape, moving from a circular shape to a square, this for strategic reasons, in fact needed them to defend against the attacks of cannon blows.
Palermo - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello della Cuba The building was build on 1180 and originally used as a leper’s hospital.its actual intention as to why it was built is however not clearly known.
Partinico - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello o Palazzo Ram (Ramo) Ram Palace or Castle was built by the homonymous noble and powerful family of Catalonia in the late 16th century. During the course of history it has changed its employment, and the structure has also undergone slight changes. One of the main functions was that of protection and defence. Today it is in excellent condition and is open to the public.
Siracusa - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Eurialo The Castle of Eurialo was built between 402 and 397 BC, at the behest of Dionysius I and is located on the terrace of the Epipoli district, not far from Syracuse. The Castle was intended to protect the city from sieges and enemy attacks. The structure is special because it was followed by several galleries that used to move troops from one point of the castle to another without being seen by enemies.
Sortino - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Sortino There is no precise news of the castle due to the earthquake that destroyed it entirely in 1693. It is certain, however, that the fortress belongs to the Norman age, and over the centuries it was owned by several families. Today we don't find any trace of the building. It was a quadrangular construction, with rooms under the ground, and a tower also quadrangular, with windows embellished with battlements to the Guelph. The only documentations that we can still find today are a pictorial representation and an oil fresco on canvas. Lately, the municipality has decided to act and restructure it.
Termini Imerese - Walls, towers and gates Torre Battilamano The Battilamano Tower consists of a room on the ground floor and two rooms on the first floor. Currently, the Tower has become a high quality restaurant that hosts many important events.
Terrasini - Walls, towers and gates Torre Toledo Diroccato The Toledo Tower was built in 1405 by Martino the Younger. The building has a circular structure and was used to spot pirates. Work on the restoration of the tower began in 2007 and ended in 2008.
Canicatti' - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Bonanno Unfortunately, the few remaining ruins do not even make us assume the original form of the castle. It is thought to have been built by Ruggiero the Norman in 1089, but there are various hypotheses about the construction period and its form. Some say it was built on the already present foundations of an Arab fortress. It is currently located in the town and is surrounded by neighboring buildings.
Canicatti' - Walls, towers and gates Torre Orologio The Canicatti Clock Tower was built around the 1930s by the engineer Luigi Portalone after the previous one was knocked down during Fascism. Inside are the ancient seventeenth-century bells that until a few years ago marked the hours of the day.
Trabia - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Trabia The Castle of Trabia, built by the sea, had the function of defense and sighting. It looks like a fortress with crenellated walls and a cylindrical tower. Currently the building has been restored and from its terraces there is a beautiful view of the beach.
Trapani - Castles, palaces and mansions Bastione Sant' Anna Erected to defend the city from the continuous raids of Turkish pirates, it was wanted by Carlo V. Designed by the engineer Ferramolino from Bergamo who also protected the city from the use of the new tools of war: firearms. Subsequently, the city walls were strengthened thanks to renovation works for reasons of exposure to the strong winds
Trapani - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Terra Before the construction of this castle, there were the remains of a Carthaginian fortification built by Amilcare. The castle was built in the twelfth century with an almost regular quadrilateral with half cylindrical curtain towers and rectangular towers at the corners. In the 1970s, in order to build its offices, the police took down the castle, but it regained its splendor thanks to subsequent restorations, the last one in 1992.
Trapani - Castles, palaces and mansions Bastione Impossibile The Impossible Bastion is an important monument in the province of Trapani. It dates back to the first half of the 16th century and was erected to strengthen the city walls of Trapani. It is located in the southeastern corner of the ancient city walls, it was so called (Impossible) because of the muddy terrain on which it seemed impossible to build it.
Ustica - Walls, towers and gates Torre San Maria The Tower of Santa Maria is located in the Municipality of Ustica. The building was created for defence reasons and was used to report dangers. In 1972, the Archaeological Museum and the Municipal Art Gallery were set up inside the tower. Currently, restoration work is underway on the first floor.
Zafferana Etnea - Monuments La Cisternazza The Cisternazza is a monumental complex consisting of a cistern, a garden, a beautiful portal and a raised courtyard. “A Cistirnazza “, as is said in Sicilian, was erected by the bishop of Catania Andrea Riggio in the 17th century. The cistern is about ten meters deep and has an octagonal opening.
Zafferana Etnea - Castles, palaces and mansions Villa Manganelli Villa Manganelli was built between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries by the Catania family Paternò-Manganelli. The building is built with the style typical of the Viennese Secession and is surrounded by a large park of trees. It is currently the property of the Etna Park Authority. Although many years have passed since its construction, the villa is in good condition.
Messina - Fountains Fontana Falconieri The Falconieri Fountain was designed by the architect Carlo Falconieri inspired by the Tuscan neo-Renaissance. The fountain was built in 1842 and is located in Piazza Bascio in Messina. Three years after the inauguration, four sea monsters were added with heads of man, lion, griffin and dolphin.
Messina - Fountains Fontana di Gennaro The fountain of Gennaro di Messina dates back to the 17th century is located along Corso Cavour. It is composed of a statue of a young Aquarius, placed on a globe that represents the world and is surrounded by the band of the Zodiac. After the 1908 earthquake, the fountain was restored only in 1932.
Messina - Streets and Squares Piazza Unita' D'Italia Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia is located near the historic center of Messina and consists of the Prefecture Palace and the Fountain of Neptune that dominates the entire central space. The latter is the work of Giovanni Angelo Montorsi depicting the God of the Sea as he announces to the Messina that he had subsided the currents of the Strait.
Messina - Fountains Fontana Senatoria The Senatorium Fountain of Messina is located in via Consolato. Initially, it stood at the Piazza del Palazzo Reale and only in 1937, with the arrival of Benito Mussolini in Messina, it was moved to the current site. The fountain consists of a circular marble basin from the center of which stands a base that holds a cup, decorated with baccelletti, on which the seven names of the Messina senators are engraved and the year of the creation of the tank, 1615.
Messina - Fountains Fontana della Pigna The fountain of the Pigna dates back to the 18th century and was built by city artisans. Until 1988, the fountain was located in the center of Viale Boccetta, then it was moved off Seguenza, due to the increased traffic. It consists of a tub on three steps and a column that supports a tray topped by a pine cone from which the name of the fountain also derives.
Messina - Fountains Fontana dei 4 Cavallucci The “Quattro Cavallucci” Fountain of Messina dates back to 1635, it was built at the behest of the administrators of that time. The fountain has a Baroque style and took its name from the four seahorses present in the fountain from which the water came out.
Longi - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Longi o Medievale Longi Castle dates back to the Middle Ages. We know that it was enlarged during the domination of the Lombards, around the twelfth century. This building has been refurbished several times. The last renovation was done in the 19th century. It is thought to be used for civil purposes, rather than military, since there are no towers in the structure. Today there are only ruins left.
Marsala - Monuments Complesso Monumentale San Pietro The Monumental Complex San Pietro di Marsala is located at the Monastery of the Benedictine Sisters and was founded in 595 after Christ. At the end of the 13th century, the church dedicated to St. Peter was added to the monastery. To be emphasized for its beauty is the square tower that thanks to a lighting system is made clearly visible from every corner of the historic center. The property also has a conference room, a multipurpose room and some leisure facilities.
Marsala - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Marsala The castle of Marsala was built in the eastern corner of the city. Official documents demonstrate for a castle of Nosmanna origin (but without being able to exclude a fortress of Byzante). It was built in the twelfth century.
Marsala - Walls, towers and gates Torrione di Mozia The Tower of Mozia is part of a massive plant consisting largely of square blocks and large masses of raw bricks. This makes us think of the various shifts of matter that have been there over the decades. It is assumed that the great activity of moving materials dates back to the 6th and 5th centuries BC. The Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the area, since it is a great testimony to the fortifications of the Moziesi.
Messina - Walls, towers and gates Torre Bianca o Mozza The White Tower, otherwise called Torre Scollato, has a truncated conical shape. In addition to the main function of defending production and commercial activities against pirate attacks, it was used as a place for collecting and collecting groceries and was also a support for radio and television antennas. The construction was modified and today's appearance is due to military use during the British occupation in the 19th century. The tower has great cultural and architectural importance.
Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions Forte San Jachiddu The fort is located in the center north of Messina and enjoys an excellent view as it is located on a high level. It has a symmetrical trapezoidal shape and is equipped with a drawbridge entrance. The whole structure consists of three levels that are connected by two ramps and numerous internal and external stairs. For many years it was in very bad condition, but, after being renovated, the building has been excellently recovered and is often used as a venue for events and exhibitions.
Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions Castellaccio The Castellaccio, a building of ancient origins, is located on a hill 150 meters above sea level and, most likely, stands on walls built by populations before the Hellenes. Over the centuries, the structure has been rebuilt several times and, of the original project, only the rectangular plan remains.
Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Matagrifone trasformato The castle of Matagrifone is located on Viale Principe Umberto, where today stands the Shrine of Christ the King. Its position on a dominant hill, close to the historic center, has always made it a privileged point for controlling the city. The building has an octagonal shape with a high dome where eight bronze statues are added, and at the top of the access staircase is a statue of Christ the King.
Messina - Walls, towers and gates Bastione San Vincenzo The Bastion of San Vincenzo was positioned in the homonymous fort, already existing in the ancient city walls of Messina. It was built at the behest of Charles V, and designed by the architect Antonio Ferramolino, with the aim of strengthening the defense of the city and providing an urban planning of Messina.
Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions Batteria Menaja o Forte Crispi Battery Menaja or Forte Crispi was built in 1887 near portella Arena di Messina. Over the years, the structure has performed several functions, moving from a pseudo stable to an abusive landfill. Currently, the fort is managed by individuals, but this has not led to any improvements regarding its state of degradation.
Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions Forte Gonzaga The Gonzaga Fort was built on a robust natural relief known as Montepiselli. The fort is shaped like an irregular star and is surrounded by ditches. The small, but imposing defensive structure has a low silhouette with a strong escarpment and a star plan with six large angular ramparts of triangular shape. Today the fortress is the property of the Municipality, and is in excellent state of preservation.
Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions Real Cittadella The Real Citadel is a fortress built in the 17th century with the function of defense of the port of Messina. Located on the San Ranieri peninsula, it was built by engineer Carlos de Grunenbergh. Access to the Citadel was through Porta Grazia, beautifully decorated by Domenico Biondo. The structure was in the shape of a pentagonal star with five angular ramparts.
Messina - Castles, palaces and mansions Bastione Santa Barbara The Bastion was part of a monastic complex built by Charles V and dedicated to the homonymous Saint that was built around 1537. Today of the bastion and the city walls that surrounded it, there is not much left, only the ancient homonymous staircase that was restructured following the earthquake.
Ficuzza - Castles, palaces and mansions Real Casina di Caccia The Real Casina di Caccia was erected in 1799 on a project by Carlo Chenchi, at the behest of King Ferdinand III of Sicily. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the building represented the most coveted holiday spot by the Palermo nobles. In 1871 it was entrusted to the Forest Administration. Since 2009, the property has been open to the public.
Fiumefreddo di Sicilia - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello degli Schiavi The Castle of the Slaves of Fiumefreddo di Sicilia is among the most beautiful Baroque castles of the 18th century in the resort. Its name comes from an ancient legend. The building is spread over two floors, dominated by a tower. This was used several times as a movie set after the mid-20th century. Today the castle villa is used as an exclusive location for events and weddings.
Fiumefreddo di Sicilia - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Diana The Diana Castle is presumed to date back to the 18th century since there are no certain sources. This has the form of a noble palace, rather than a real castle. In fact, it's not very impressive as a construction. It is currently in fair storage conditions and is privately owned.
Francofonte - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Chadra ruderi The Chadra Castle was built in 1270 and was also known as 'Chadra'. The construction has been disputed several times among several important families in the area. Its structure had the shape of a master tower. In addition, there was also a large courtyard. Today we can only see ruins of this whole complex.
Francofonte - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Francofonte The castle of Francofonte is located in the province of Syracuse, in the highest part of the town. There is no precise information about the origins of the structure but it is assumed to be around 1350, with the initial construction of the eastern cylindrical tower, to which the twin tower will follow. In the two towers the baronal houses were settled. The castle, at the beginning, had a rectangular shape.
Gangi - Walls, towers and gates Torre Saracena The Saracen Tower was built in the Middle Ages with the function of defense and control of the surrounding territory. It owes its name to the cylindrical shape it holds. The Tower was accessed through a ladder of pegs that led to the opening from the ogival arch located in the north. Currently the property is located in the area of relevance of the Capuchin Monastery of Gangi.
Gangi - Walls, towers and gates Torre dei Ventimiglia The Ventimiglia Tower was built in 1337 by Francis I and is characterized by a Gothic-Norman structure. In 1560 it was attached to the Mother Church of which it constitutes the bell tower. The tower has a square structure divided into three levels and shows on the upper floors a clock placed in 1758.
Gangi - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Gangi The Castle of Gangi was built around the 14th century at the behest of the Count of Geraci, Francesco I Ventimiglia. During the eighteenth century the fortress underwent transformations passing from castle to noble palace. He then went into a state of neglect until it was acquired by the Milletari family, which still maintains possession of part of the building. In the second part of the 20th century, the structure was home to schools.
Gela - Castles, palaces and mansions Castelluccio The Castelluccio di Gela dates back to the 13th century and is located on a chalky relief dominating the surrounding area. Its main function was defensive and it appears to have been in the possession of Anselmo da Moach in the fourteenth century to pass in the management of the Aragonese. The structure has a rectangular plan with powerful walls and its corner towers. Of the main floor there are only a few remains while there are still rooms on the ground floor with the function of stables and armory houses. The Castle is currently in a state of neglect.
Mineo - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Ducezio There are only ruins left of the Ducezio Castle. This is because it is very ancient and in fact dates back to the 7th century. However, there is news of this construction already around the 7th century BC. Today the remaining ruins are public property.
Nicosia - Walls, towers and gates Torre Campanaria del Duomo The Bell Tower is an excellent example of Gothic-Norman architecture of the Sicily region and is part of the Cathedral of Nicosia. It was recently rebuilt as long ago it was damaged by lightning at the top.
Messina - Fountains Fontana Bios The Bios Fountain was designed and built in 2005 by the Messina painter and sculptor Ranieri Wanderlingh. This work was donated to the city of Messina by the “Gazzetta del Sud” for the 50th anniversary of its foundation. The Bios fountain, 18 meters long and 6.90 meters high, is composed of two elements tapered in reinforced concrete and symbolizes the continuity of life generation after generation.
Nicosia - Churches and places of worship Basilica S. Maria Maggiore The Basilica of S. Maria Maggiore of Nicosia was built in 1767 on the place where the original Basilica was previously built in the Norman era and destroyed in 1757 during a landslide. The structure of the building has a splendid Baroque portal and the interior is dominated by the six-story monumental work “Cona” by Antonello Gagini built in 1511. There are also historical materials such as the so-called Chair by Charles V, in which the emperor sat down in his visit to Nicosia in 1535.
Nicosia - Churches and places of worship Chiesa S. Michele The Church of San Michele has historical news dating back to the fourteenth century. It was built at the behest of Count Roger and donated to the Abbot of the Monastery of Patti. The structure has two round apses and elegant frames. The windows were originally opened but over time they were closed. The façade seems to date back to the eighteenth century; in a prominent position we find the fifteenth-century tower consisting of three floors.
Nicosia - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Grande ruderi The Castle of Nicosia is located in the highest part of the city. The structure consisted of 4 towers where all the soldiers lived. The building was built in such a way that it was protected from enemies. Outside the walls there were small buildings that were used to warn the inhabitants of dangers. In 1065 the building was purchased by Count Roger who made it a fortress. Today there are few things left of the castle that prove its existence.
Noto - Hermitages Eremo di San Corrado Fuori le Mura The Hermitage of San Corrado Outside the Walls is located in the Valley of Miracles not very far from Noto. It was inhabited by San Corrado Confalonieri in the period between 1322 and 1351. The church of San Corrado Outside the Walls was built during the eighteenth century in the place where this hermitage was located. Inside there is a statue dedicated to the Saint as well as a canvas of the “Madonna and Child” and a shovel depicting San Corrado.
Noto - Theaters Teatro Comunale Vittorio Emanuele The Teatro Comunale Vittorio Emanuele is located in front of the Church of San Domenico and dates back to the end of the 19th century. It was inaugurated in 1870, and, since then, the stage of the theater has hosted the most famous artists such as Tina di Lorenzo, Pierantonio Tasca and Eleonore Duse. The theater has a capacity of 320 seats and a gallery with 80 seats. In 1990 the theater was renovated and reopened in 1997.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di Montevergine (San Girolamo) The Church of Montevergine or San Girolamo was built between 1695 and 1697, for the Cistercian Sisters of Monte Vergine. The church is dedicated to St. Jerome, doctor of the Church. The building has a concave façade, with two bell towers and has an interesting scenographic aspect. At the top of the staircase stands the door, bordered by six pilasters and two quadrangular columns. The Church has a single nave, surrounded by Corinthian columns with a classic look, surmounted by stuccoes and half-reliefs of angels.
Noto - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Ducezio - Sala degli Specchi The building dates back to the 18th century and is the seat of the Town Hall. The biggest attraction of this building is the Hall of Mirrors, which has an oval shape decorated with gold stucco and beautiful mirrors. The central painting was carried out in 1826 by the master A. Mazza and depicts an allegory of the king of the Sicilian. The room is used to host illustrious delegations and prestigious events.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Chiesa del Collegio - San Carlo al Corso The church of the College of Noto is the church of the Jesuit convent, and is dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo. The façade has three levels, and is characterized by free columns, instead, the interior reserves numerous works of art and various paintings on canvas. The bell tower of the church consists of three bells. From the church you can admire the panorama of the historic center of Noto.
Palermo - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Speciale-Raffadali The Palazzo Speciale-Raffadali in Palermo was built in 1468. Unfortunately, between the 17th and 18th centuries it was demolished and rebuilt by the Raffadali family, who owned it. The style is catalanizing and with elements dating back to the '400, the '600 and '700. Two peculiarities to mention are: the niche that is located on top with a bust attributed to Domenico Gagini. The other thing is that inside the building there is a secret garden hidden by high walls.
Palermo - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Vanni Palazzo Vanni belonged in the 17th century to the Vanni family. Today the palace is called by another name, Morana. The structure has undergone restoration in recent years. In the facade of the building you can still admire the remains of capitals and columns, as well as arches dating back to the nineteenth century.
Palermo - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Sambuca Palazzo Sambuca in Palermo has been renovated for a few years now due to its poor condition. It is now among the most beautiful buildings in the surrounding area, especially because it is very old.
Palermo - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Roccella The Palazzo Roccella in Palermo is located in the historic center and is a noble palace that belongs to the '500. Its name comes from its owners who were called La Gruta, Rivaroli and Vanni, but throughout the area they were known as the princes of Roccella. Today the building is divided into 17 mini apartments rented. The building is in excellent condition.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Chiesa Santissimo Crocifisso The church of the Most Holy Crucifix is the second largest church in the municipality of Noto. It was designed in the first decades of the eighteenth century by Rosario Gagliardi. Inside it has 3 naves, decorated with marble altars and covered by domes. On the right headboard is the most important work, the marble statue of the Madonna della Neve by Francesco Laurana, coming from Noto Antica, which dates back to 1471, on the other hand, in the left nave is find the Chapel of Landolina decorated with stuccoes and frescoes.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Chiesa S. Francesco d Assisi The church of San Francesco D'Assisi is among the most impressive religious buildings in Noto. The church was built at the end of the eighteenth century. Its peculiarity is clearly visible on its facade, in the transition from the Baroque style to the classic one. Of particular interest, is the tabernacle of the high altar in bronze and silver embossed and chiseled.
Noto - Walls, towers and gates Porta Reale Ferdinandea The Ferdinandea Royal Gate of Noto is the symbol of entry into the city. It was designed in 1838 in honor of King Ferdinand II of Bourbon. The construction was completed in the same year and is still well preserved today.
Noto - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Reale ruderi The royal castle of Noto, also known as the old castle, is located in Noto Antica, on Mount Alveria, about 10 km from Noto. The castle is the only well-preserved monument in the entire medieval town. A hanging wall, which can be seen even from afar, is what is left of the tower. The fortress walls are covered with graffiti and written left by the prisoners. We can still find crosses, dates, names and even Galeoni's imaginative drawing. On the floor there are several rectangular engravings used for game with checkers.
Noto - Walls, towers and gates Porta d. Montagna The door to the Mountain, from which you access Monte Alveria, is located in the “Ancient Noto”, the ancient town of Noto destroyed in 1693 by a powerful earthquake. Noto had powerful walls (fortifications) from which it was accessed through two north and south gates and seven smaller gates, one of these precisely “The Gate of the Mountain”. The fortifications were erected during the Arab domination between the 800 and 900 the door is still well preserved.
Noto - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Impellizzeri Since the Impellizzeri were opposed to building the city on the Colle delle Meti, they were at odds with the other noble families of the time so they decided to build the palace in the upper part of Noto. The style used is a blend of the Baroque with the Neoclassical characterized by a large portal surmounted by the coat of arms of the family and several pillars. At the entrance there are two memorial tombstones concerning the family, while in the different rooms you can see decorations with stuccoes and canvases from the 18th century.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Chiesa S. Chiara The church of Santa Chiara was erected around 1730 and follows the model of the Roman churches with the central plan of elliptical shape. Outside there is a bell tower adorned with 2 capitals. Of great interest, are the 12 internal columns on which there are the statues of the apostles and the Baroque architectural style that is recognized above all inside the church with the decorations in stucco and putti.
Calatabiano - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello San Marco The beautiful Castle of San Marco stands like a beautiful Baroque mansion dating back to the end of the seventeenth century. The fact that it was a dwelling explains its compact structure. It is currently in excellent condition and private use, as it is one of the most prestigious hotels on the coast of Taormina characterized by class and elegance.
Caltagirone - Libraries and archives Biblioteca Comunale Emanuele Taranto The origins of the Library of Caltagirone date back to the 16th century when the Jesuit Fathers established the library archive located in the College. But in 1767, when they left the city, the library was transferred to the University of Catania. After so many protests it was decided to establish a library that was based in Caltagirone and only in 1785, the Regio Spiaccio made official the opening of the new library. An important collection of volumes was donated by Prince Niccolò Interlandi who in this way enriched the library's offer.
Carini - Walls, towers and gates Torre Muzza Torre Muzza was built during the course around the 16th and 17th centuries and was also called Torrazza. Its function was purely defensive of the Sicilian coast and was in visual connection with the Tower of Isola delle Femmine and with two other towers in the area. It is currently in a state of disrepair and only the base remains of the original structure.
Catania - Water spa and wellness Terme Achilliane The thermal baths are located under Piazza del Duomo, and date back to the fourth century. It is an underground spa of Roman origin. Inside, it preserves numerous architectural details such as inscriptions and tombstones, which tell the story and the period when it was discovered and put into operation. The structure suffered serious damage during the earthquake of the '600, the remaining parts were discovered over the years.
Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo dell'Università Today's Palazzo dell'Università was built in 1696, by Giovan Battista Vaccarini, Francesco, Antonino Battaglia and many other architects of the time. The majesty of the structure occupies a large area. The building has well-groomed 18th-century architectural decorative elements. On the façade you can see the coat of arms of Aragon, while inside there are numerous frescoes, works by Giovan Battista Piparo. Since 1696, the building has been home to the University of Catania, from which it also took its name.
Cefalu' - Walls, towers and gates Torre Calura The origin of the tower dates back to the 16th century, commissioned by Marco Antonio Colonna as part of the defensive system of the coast. It is a typical sighting structure of a square plan, which at the time used to control almost the entire adjacent area. Today, the building is privately owned, but does not show up in a good state of preservation.
Carini - Walls, towers and gates Torre Ciachea Torre Ciachea or Ciachia is located in the locality of Carini. This type of construction was built because the area was very swampy and swampy and therefore there was a need to have buildings that were raised and allow the cultivation of the products of the area. Today it is privately owned and is used for events, such as ceremonies or weddings.
Carlentini - Walls, towers and gates Torrioni di Carlentini Diroccato The towers of Carlentini date back to the sixteenth century and are defensive fortifications that were built by the Spaniards. Unfortunately, the construction of these buildings has not been completed. Also for this reason, only parts of the structure are visible today. The towers are located in the historic center, incorporated with the rest of today's buildings.
Cefalu' - Castles, palaces and mansions Bastione Marchiafava The Bastion of Marchiafava dates back to the seventeenth century. It is located in the town of Cefalù, in the cliff north of the town. Although it is very old, it is in an excellent state of preservation and is easily accessible.
Cesaro' - Castles, palaces and mansions I ruderi del Castello di Bolo The Castle of Bolo dates back to 1139 during the Norman domination. The walls of the castle were built with sketched stones. Currently, there is nothing left of the fortress, only a few ruins as a testimony of the existence of the castle itself.
Cinisi - Walls, towers and gates Torre Molinazzo The Mulinazzo Tower was built in 1552 by Viceroy Juan de Vega. In 1584 the tower was completed, and today it is presented on a pyramidal trunk structure.
Cinisi - Walls, towers and gates Torre dell' Orsa The Tonnara dell'Ursa tower is a coastal defense tower, located in the Municipality of Cinisi, in Palermo. In 1401 the building was owned by the Abbey of San Martino delle Scale. Currently, the whole complex, including the tower, are owned by the Municipality of Cinisi.
Collesano - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Collesano Diroccato The Castle of Collesano was built during the Norman domination. Due to the 1693 earthquake, much of the castle was destroyed. The structure was completely abandoned and today there are only a few walls.
Corleone - Hermitages Eremo San Bernardo o Castello Sottano The Hermitage is located in the basin area, called “rock of males”. It was part of a castle divided into two parts, the high and the low one. The construction was managed by the Capuchin Friars. It is a real particularity that deserves to be seen.
Corleone - Walls, towers and gates Torre del Castello Soprano The Tower of the Soprano Castle is the only part still clearly visible structurally that has arrived until today. This construction dates back to the second half of the 13th century and was erected on a cliff, to defend and control the various settlements in the area. But in general, there are only ruins of the structure.
Corleone - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Sottano Castello Sottano was built around the 13th century with the function of defending and controlling the settlement created by the arrival of the Lombards. The building is located in an elevated position from the town. The fortress was used as a prison until the post-war period and is currently home to the Franciscan Friars.
Acireale - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Musmeci Built in Baroque style, the Musmeci Palace is located in the historic part of the city. The facade, full of balconies, at the height of the cornice has a series of white stone windows that give the decorative touch. Inside you can see the historic decor and the courtyard with statues. In 1806 the palace was the residence of King Ferdinand.
Agira - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello San Filippo d'Argirò The construction dates back to the 14th century above an already existing structure. What is left of the castle today are two different structures. The first is the walls with an irregular perimeter. Then there are also the towers, the first one that is located on the southwest corner, the second that heads towards a gap in the boundary wall and then the third that follows another wall gap about 15m long. Inside the building is also the church of San Filippo, the facade of which is rather recent.
Aidone - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Aidone The ruins left today of the castle are those of the construction that dates back to the 11th century. The 1693 earthquake completely destroyed it. It is called the Gresti castle or Pietratagliata, because it is located in the Gresti district. The ruins of the castle are privately owned and have been abandoned for a long time.
Aidone - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Gresti The Medieval Castle consists of a set of underground spaces located to the east of the rocky coast and on the western slope of the cliff. The tower and other masonry environments give the structure the idea of a fortress. You have access to the castle through a narrow path cut into the rock, and then reach two accesses: a portal and a staircase of which today only a trace remains in the masonry.
Augusta - Walls, towers and gates Torre Avalos The Tower of Avalos was built in 1570 by Viceroy Don Francisco Fernandez Avalos de Aquino. It is located on the island that is located in the Ionian Sea, in Sicily. Officially it is part of the municipality of Augusta in the province of Syracuse in Sicily. The Tower and the Lantern were demolished in 1678 by the French, in 1681 it was rebuilt. The tower of Avalos has a height of 26 m. It was used by the Navy as a port control zone until the 1970s. It belongs to medieval times.
Augusta - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Svevo di Augusta The Swabian Castle of Augusta dates back to medieval times, and is located on the highest point of the small peninsula near the city of Augsburg. The building has a remarkable historical and architectural value, and offers a beautiful view of the sea. It is currently open to the public and is well preserved.
Augusta - Castles, palaces and mansions Il Rivellino Around 1640, during the major works of strengthening the Piazzaforte to defend from the ground, the isthmus was cut by creating two moats, from that moment this area was called “the cut”. In place of the isthmus, three rivels were built in 1682 in military architecture: Quintana, Sant'Anna and Santo Stefano. The only one that still exists today is the Rivellino Quintana, placed on an artificial islet of a triangular shape built at the same time as the fortification of the city.
Augusta - Castles, palaces and mansions Forte Garcia Fort Garcia was built in 1567 by the Spanish Viceroy Don F.Garcia de Toledo. It is located inside the port, near the seaplane area and the Hangar Park. During the Kingdom of Italy it was under the military administration of the Royal Navy and served mainly as a warehouse.
Augusta - Castles, palaces and mansions Forte Vittoria The Fort of Vittoria stands in the municipality of Augusta, in the province of Syracuse in Sicily. It dates back to 1300 and was built by Frederick II of Swabia, who was the Duke of Swabia until 1132. Until 1950 it was used by the Navy. At the center of the fort is an ancient Norman tower. It is currently open to the public.
Aragona - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Principe Naselli Palazzo Principe Naselli dates back to the 18th century and has a typical noble structure. It took its name from Baldassare Naselli Branciforti, the prince of the area at the time, and the person who commissioned its construction. Inside you can admire the numerous frescoes and the ancient art gallery that houses several works of great cultural value for the area. Currently the palace is home to the Town Hall of the area and the women's orphanage.
Acireale - Churches and places of worship Chiesa S. Antonio da Padova Built on the original church of S. Sebastiano, the structure of San Antonio di Padua was built after the earthquake of 1693. The Gothic style portal is that of the '400 of the first original church. It is the oldest church in the city as well as the only one dating back to the period of Aquilia Nuova.
Acireale - Churches and places of worship Chiesa S.Maria del Carmine The church has an architecture from the 18th century, but the construction dates back to the '500. It strikes the loggia of the bell tower open on all its sides; the construction is formed of white and lava stones. Inside it we can find famous eighteenth-century paintings.
Acireale - Churches and places of worship Chiesa S. Maria del Suffragio Built in 1638, then renovated after the earthquake of 1693, the church is located in the 'Quarter of the Dead'. Inside the structure we find frescoes with the complex “Eucharistic Mystery” and the episodes of the sacred biblical book reported and represented on the walls. The Baroque style portrays the salvation of the souls of Purgatory.
Acireale - Churches and places of worship Chiesa Madonna dell'Indirizzo The church was built in 1709 in neoclassical style. Inside you can find some canvases depicting scenes from the life of “Santa Venera and Sant'Agata”. The church, once surrounded by a lemon garden, is now located in the “Cervo” district.
Acireale - Churches and places of worship Chiesa del SS. Salvatore One of the oldest churches in the area, the sources tell us that it dates back to 1531. From 1603 it was transformed from Newsstand to Church, the year in which the roof was also realized. He owns an ancient crucifix dating back to 1693. It is of historical, religious and artistic importance. For years now the church has been transformed into an ordeal for the Easter holidays.
Acireale - Caves Presepe XVIII Sec. Chiesa S.Maria d. Neve The Nativity Scene of Santa Maria della Neve in Acireale was set up in 1752 in the cave annexed to the church, which is a lava ravine used until the mid-18th century as a refuge for bandits and fishermen, then transformed into a Bethlehem cave. Note in this crib the 32 life-size figures with wax faces and sumptuous robes and above all, the magnificent realization of the Magi. Today it is one of the most visited cribs.
Acireale - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Scammacca fantasia The castle, built at the end of the 19th century, consists of battlements and ogival arches of neo-Gothic style. Inside there is an elegant chapel with frescoes. Outside it is preceded by a beautiful garden full of trees and flowers.
Acireale - Castles, palaces and mansions Fortezza del Tocco The Fortress of Touch is a military fortress that was used as a defensive castle in the 16th century during the war against the Turks (Battle of Lepanto). In the 17th century the fortress was used to make forced labor for the convicted. For this reason, the fortress was expanded and a cannon was placed, with which the people were warned of the attack of the enemy. From this use the monument takes its name.
Acate - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Principi di Biscari The Castle of the Princes of Biscari was built in 1494. Reborn from the restoration done recently, it is now in perfect cultural and aesthetic harmony with functional needs. The castle has been the symbol of the Biscari for five centuries.
Aci Bonaccorsi - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di Sant'Antonio e Consolazione The church of Saint Anthony and Consolation is entirely frescoed with figures of Saints and scenes from the New Testament. The first construction of the building dates back to the period around the 11th and 12th century AD and was modified in the 18th century. Inside we can find several paintings and statues among which the most important are: the stoning of Saint Stephen Protomartyr and the statue of the Protomartyr. The church is one of the oldest in the area.
Aci Bonaccorsi - Churches and places of worship Chiesa Madre S.Maria dell'Indirizzo The Church dedicated to Our Lady of the Address is a construction of the fifteenth century. Outside the church there is a staircase, the stone portal on the side facade, worked with ornamental reliefs and the bell that was built in 1817. Instead, inside there are three naves enriched by refined decorations and works of high artistic value.
Aci Catena - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di San Giuseppe It was designed by Francesco Battaglia in 1730, who in those years took care of rebuilding Catania. The unique Byzantine Arabic style is noticeable in colors and shape. The garden once stretched around the whole building. Today it is a subsidiary of the Parish Mother Sanctuary Maria SS.ma della Catena.
Aci Catena - Castles, palaces and mansions Municipio ex Convento S.Antonio da Padova The Town Hall and former Convent of Saint Anthony of Padua was built in 1636 in Aci Catena. It is one of the most beautiful and elegant buildings to which the Catenotes contributed. The staircase gives an extreme harmony to the whole building and inside there are most of the best works in the country. The cloister is decorated in the lunettes with frescoes depicting the life and works of the Franciscan Saints. It is among the most visited and best preserved monuments in the city.
Aci Catena - Churches and places of worship Santuario Maria Santissima della Catena The Sanctuary has a very elegant architecture. Interesting to see are the apse, the transept, the dome and the two side chapels. Also worth admiring are the frescoes, in particular the icon of the Madonna, painted on stone, dating back to the 16th century. The Madonna looks majestic thanks to some details: a golden mantle surmounted by a precious crown and the child who wears in her arms that makes this icon a real work of art.
Aci Catena - Hermitages Eremo di Sant'Anna The hermitage of Sant'Anna, was founded in 1751, by Friar Rosario Campione. The hermitage is located close to a hill from which you can admire a splendid panorama of the Ionian coast. The original plant was composed of a small church with two small rooms immersed in the vegetation to which later added a large cistern for the collection of water. In 1756, the cells and the chapel were added. Among the works in the church you can admire the Madonna with the Child and Saint Anne. Inside, you can observe the cloister and the Mediterranean garden.
Aci Sant'Antonio - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di San Michele The Church of San Michele was built on another church that already exists, although always dedicated to the Archangel of St. Michael. The treasure of the church is the original bell tower of 1753. After the 1693 earthquake from which it was destroyed, the building was rebuilt to a larger size.
Aci Sant'Antonio - Monuments Duomo di Sant'Antonio Abate The Cathedral of Sant'Antonio Abate, built in the 18th century, is distinguished by a facade in limestone worked very finely. The interior of the Duomo is luxuriously decorated with frescoes by local artists.
Acireale - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di S. Michele The Church of St. Michael the Archangel was built as early as 1540; the earthquake of 1693 destroyed it and was then rebuilt in the 18th century. The church became a parish in 1922, inside it we find a nave with four side altars that, subsequently, became five. Currently we can admire the plaster statue of the Virgin.
Acireale - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di S.Giuseppe The church of San Giuseppe was built above the old one with the same name at the end of the '600. It was built on three columns that incorporate and move vertically the wall surface. The interior is the one built in the 19th century.
Acireale - Churches and places of worship Chiesa S.Maria dell'Odigitria The Church of Santa Maria Dell'Odigitria was built on the ruins of the oratory, after the earthquake of 1693. It is an autonomous parish and is dedicated to Our Lady of Odigitria, the patroness of Sicily. Inside we find the polychrome dome and the most interesting canvas, that of the “Epiphany”.
San Marco d'Alunzio - Museums Museo Parrocchiale The Parish Museum, built in 19 May 1996, is located in the church of San Giuseppe. Inside the museum it is possible to admire about 300 pieces from the Aluntine churches. The Hall of 'Aluntini Liturgical Silvers', the true treasure of the museum, contains different liturgical objects made by skilled Sicilian artisans.
Taormina - Museums Antiquarium del Teatro Greco Romano It 's the small archaeological museum in the Greek theater, where archaeological finds in the centuries have been recovered in the area and temporarily assigned to the largest museum of Syracuse.
Trapani - Museums Museo Regionale "Conte Agostino Pepoli" The Regional Museum “Count Agostino Pepoli” is located in the former building of the Convent of the Carmelite Fathers. The Museum, inside, is divided into three fractions: marble and tombstones, paintings and industrial arts. Among the different objects, he owns paintings, sculptures, cribs, sacred parameters, goldsmiths, period clothes, majolica, memorabilia. All of these items acquire greater importance as the original set-up.
Capo d'Orlando - Museums Museo Fondazione Famiglia Piccolo di Calanovella The Fondazione Famiglia Piccolo di Calanovella manages the villa-museum of the families of the noble family of Palermo Lucio, Agata Giovanna and Casimiro Piccolo. The institution was founded in 1971, after the death of the poet Lucio Piccolo, to preserve and enhance the entire artistic and cultural heritage of the villa. Inside the Museum there are photographs, paintings and ceramics that testified by the belle époque nebroidea.
Castelvetrano - Museums Museo Civico The Civic Museum was set up, in 1997, inside the Errante House located in the historic center of Castelvetrano. Among the works on display we find the “Ephebo of Selinunte”, a Greek original from the 5th century BC with a bronze composition. In addition to a collection of ceramics and a large number of coins, the Museum also houses an interesting statue depicting the Virgin and Child from the workshop of Francesco Laurana.
Castroreale - Museums Pinacoteca Parrocchiale The museum was created on 20 August 2005 on the Church of S. Maria degli Angeli. The heritage of the Church has always been preserved and never made fully usable. Currently, only a few works and statues are shown. The collection is divided into four parts: the mystery of the Redemption, of the Incarnation, of the Eucharistic and the Church. Among the frescoes presented there is one by Antonello Riccio dated 1587: “S. Leonardo da Porto Maurizio” and one by Friar Simpliciano from Palermo: “S. Lorenzo” of the 16th century.
Castroreale - Museums Museo Civico The Civic Museum is located in the former Oratory of the Filipino Fathers and has been open to the public since 1989. The building has been recently restored. Inside it is possible to admire works of art by artists from the province. Unfortunately, a strong earthquake in 1978 caused serious damage to the entire artistic heritage. The Municipality has taken steps to bring back all the finds in good condition and today it is possible to observe them here.
Enna - Museums Museo "G. Alessi" The Museum presents numerous pieces of goldsmiths from the 13th century until 800. Among the pieces we can name necklaces, pendants, bracelets worked in precious stones such as rubies, sapphires and diamonds. The treasure has a strong piece like the Crown of Mary SS of the Visitation, patroness of the city. The archaeological collection boasts Egyptian vases up to the pieces depicting the goddess Kore and the vast monetary collection with more than 4000 Greek, Roman and Sicilian coins.
Gangi - Museums Museo Civico The Civic Museum of Gangi was established in 1958 and since 1995 it was placed on the ground floor of Palazzo Sgadari. The Museum consists of four rooms and two sectors where we can admire archaeological finds from nearby Monte Albucchia and Gangi Vecchio.
Marsala - Museums Museo "G. Whitaker" The “Giuseppe Whitaker” Museum is located in a building built in the nineteenth century and with a beautiful garden of eight hectares. It was created with the aim of maintaining and curating the historical and artistic heritage. The Museum preserves inside the “Statue of the Youth” of the classical era found during an excavation campaign; among other objects, we remember a couple of cloisonné enamel elephants coming from the Beijing imperial palace, paintings from the 1800s Sicilian, a late eighteenth-century Russian sleigh and porcelain collections.
Mazara del Vallo - Museums Museo Civico The Civic Museum was founded in 1921 and is one of the oldest institutes in the area. Its headquarters are located in the former Jesuit College. The museum houses artifacts from the Upper Palaeolithic, medieval sculptures and paintings dating back to the 17th century. Of particular interest and beauty are the decorated ceramics that date back to the Arab period, since the town was occupied by the Arabs in ancient times.
Mazara del Vallo - Museums Museo Diocesano The Diocesan Museum is housed in the Palace of the Episcopal Seminary of Mazara del Vallo, built during the 18th century. The museum site welcomes sacred materials and objects from the Treasure of the City Cathedral. There are numerous silver and vestments dating from the fourteenth and nineteenth centuries. The cross, coming from the church of Salemi in 1386, represents the oldest piece.
Milena - Museums Antiquarium Comunale The Antiquarium Comunale di Milena is located inside the Priorale Palace of Otricoli. The museum houses a collection of archaeological objects belonging to the Roman city of Ocricolum and is open to the public.
Militello in Val di Catania - Museums Tesoro di Santa Maria La Stella The Treasure Museum of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella was founded in 1996, and is located in the homonymous sanctuary. The exhibition is divided into the three rooms, where in the first section you can admire the works dating back to the fifteenth century, in the second are exhibited the precious vestments made between the 17th and 18th centuries, while in the last room there are statues and liturgical objects that date from the fifteenth century to the nineteenth century. The collection also includes the Treasure of Santa Maria della Stella which consists of 587 jewels, among which you can admire necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.
Militello in Val di Catania - Museums Museo di San Nicolò The Museum of San Nicolò is set up in the interior rooms of the Church of San Nicolò, located in the historic center of the village. It was born thanks to the contribution of the citizens of Militello. The museum shows to the public sacred furnishings, silver, sculptures and valuable paintings dating back to the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries.
Modica - Museums Museo Ibleo delle Arti e Tradizioni Popolari "S. A. Guastella" The Iblean Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions “S. A. Guastella” collects a considerable collection on local life. There are fifteen different sections in it, all collected in a large house with courtyard and other typical premises. There is also a room that presents popular religiosity and how it developed.
Agrigento - Museums Museo Civico di Santo Spirito The historical museum of Agrigento, built between the 9th and 13th centuries, is located in the center of the city, near the monastery of Santo Spirito. It is built in light-mountain style. The museum reflects the historical testimonies of the city from the time of the Roman Empire to the present day.
Agrigento - Museums Casa di Pirandello Pirandello's House dates back to the end of the nineteenth century and has a rich garden, surrounded by olive trees and oaks. In the building, the Pirandello family took refuge to defend themselves from the cholera epidemic that attacked the city in 1867. Since 1949, the house has been declared a national monument. In 1952 this was purchased by the Region, which took care of the restoration and arrangement of the same. Today the house is a museum that presents to the public paintings by Pirandello, his most famous works. Since 1987 the house has been a single institute with the Luigi Pirandello Library.
Catania - Theaters Camera Teatro Studio The Camera Teatro Studio, active since 2002 in Catania on initiative of the Centro Teatrale Siciliano, focuses its work on the new theater and contemporary drama, as well as on the training of the public.
Catania - Theaters Teatro dell'Accademia It houses, in addition to the cabarets also the laboratory of laugh. A real school to become a real comic-comedian, a workshop for everyone who loves humor and irony, with an eye to clever satire.
Palermo - Museums Museo d'Arte e Archeologia Owned by the Fondazione Banco di Sicilia, 1958 there are on display findings from, mostly, the necropolis in Sicily. In addition, it owns ceramics, collections of numismatics and philately.
Noto - Museums Museo Civico The Civic Museum of Noto is divided into two sections, the first archaeological that collects all the finds found from the excavations of the ancient archaeological complex of Noto and the second artistic is the Art Gallery contemporary E.E. Pirrone, created by the donation of the works of the sculptor Giuseppe Pirrone, famous at national level.
Agrigento - Museums Antiquarium Iconografico della collina dei Templi "Casa Barbadoro" The Iconographic Antiquarium presents drawings and engravings of the Valley of the Temples that were made by archaeological and travelers from the past of the '700 and '800. It is located in the rustic center of Casa Barbadoro. It is divided into rooms where reproductions of the 18th and 19th centuries are presented, details in Doric order, etc. In the other rooms, the public can admire the plants of the Temple of Juno.
Agrigento - Museums Antiquarium di Paleocristiana “Casa Pace” The early Christian and Byzantine Antiquarium of 'Casa Pace' provides great help to highlight the importance of the Christian era. The museum has three rooms: the first is occupied by the cult buildings of the III-IV century after Christ. The second describes in detail the diocese of Agrigento and the third presents the archaeological objects of the territory such as vases and other objects of everyday life.
Agrigento - Museums Museo Civico The Civic Museums of Agrigento are divided into three important sections. The first archaeological section exposes the materials found near the territory of Agrigento, in the second one can admire the paintings of the 15th-18th century, thus constituting the artistic section, and in the end the third ethnoanthropological section that illustrates the agricultural traditions of the area.
Agrigento - Museums Museo Diocesano The Diocesan Museum of Agrigento is located at the Archbishop's Palace. The historical mobile furniture and the entire collection tell the story of the diocese from the period of the 12th - 19th century. In one of the rooms we find the marble and rare elephant of the Norman period, a Christological symbol. Among other objects you can also see some boards of the wooden ceiling of the Cathedral of 1964. The other rooms such as that of the Silver, the Meeting Room and the various photos on display enrich the museum by offering visitors a very rich collection.
Augusta - Museums Antiquarium di Megara Hyblaea The Greek colony of Megara Hyblaea, founded by the megarese in 728 BC, was razed to the ground twice, in 483 BC by Gelone, tyrant of Gela, and, in 213 BC, by the Romans. The necropolis is located outside the walls, leaning against the oldest city. One of the characteristics of the site is based on the fact that you can still read the various phases of life in the city, starting from the archaic remains that the buildings of the Hellenistic period have overlapped. Most of Megara's archaeological heritage is now kept in the P. Orsi museum in Syracuse.
Avola - Museums Museo Civico The Civic Museum of Avola, is located in the south of Piazza Umberto and is located in an eighteenth-century building. It was born to collect and present archaeological findings to the public. Inside the museum, we can admire a rich collection of archaeological objects from Avola Antica. In addition to this we also find prehistoric Sicilian, Greek, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance finds. It is currently open to all interested parties.
Bagheria - Museums Museum The Museum was founded in 1997 by the current director Ezio Pagano. The main intention is to make contemporary Sicilian artists known. There we can find paintings, sculptures by Carla Accardi, Augusto Perez, Salvatore Scarpitta and many others. The Museum is extremely modern, equipped with a rich library and also a video library that tries to promote video art.
Raddusa - Museums Museo Nazionale Italiano del Tè The Italian National Tea Museum is located in a building in the center of the city. In the museum, various ancient and modern materials on the production of tea are exhibited. The instruments are divided into sections according to the country they come from. In the Museum we can also admire a small experimental garden where there are tea plants but also medicinal plants.
Ragusa - Museums Museo Archeologico Ibleo The Iblean Archaeological Museum is set up inside the first floor of the Palazzo Mediterraneo where from 1955 to 1960, the first museum nucleus of the Antiquarium was located. The purpose of the Museum is to collect materials that illustrate the ancient and archaeological history of the territory from the Neolithic to the late antiquity.
Camastra - Walls, towers and gates Torre Castellazzo Its construction can be dated to different periods. A part of the structure belongs to the Paleolithic age while the terrace to the 16th century. Currently, the tower is in a state of abandonment and decay.
Burgio - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Burgio Burgio Castle was built on hard rock, and is surrounded by two streams, Garella and Tina. Its origins are Arab but there is still no information on the date of its creation. To get to the stronghold you have to walk up a difficult and long stairway. The entrance to the fortress is formed by a Gothic arch, while a large cross is located on the square. The structure was renovated several times and today is in good condition.
Bivona - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Bivona Historical news of the Castle of Bivona has been reported starting from the 13th century and it turns out to be built in the Middle Ages with the function of defending the territory and the locality. In fact, it was one of the few fortifications that were built inside the town. Currently, only a few ruins declared a national monument are visible of the castle.