The history of Sicily is full of bright events and unexpected turns. The island has been inhabited since time immemorial, in the VIII century BC. Phoenicians and ancient Greeks founded their colonies here. For several centuries, bloody wars unfolded on the Sicilian lands. Then Sicily was part of the Roman Empire, and after its fall in the 5th century it was successively conquered by the Vandals, Visigoths, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans, the latter founded the Sicilian kingdom, which existed from 1130 to the 13th century. Then the Angevins came to power, and then the Aragonese and Sicily became part of the Spanish kingdom. For some time, the island was under the control of the Savoy dynasty and Austria, and at the end of the 18th century the Bourbon rule was established, who united the Sicilian kingdom with the Neapolitan kingdom and in 1816 the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was formed.
In 1860 Sicily became part of the united Italy. This became a rather difficult historical moment, which is still actively discussed. The official history presents everything from a positive side, but in fact everyone knows about the "backward" Italian south and the more developed north. Before the unification of Italy, everything was exactly the opposite.
By 1856, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies ranked third in the world in terms of industrial development, and its fleet was the fourth largest in the world.
What else could the south of the peninsula boast of before the unification of Italy? The first metallurgical production in the Apennines was founded here, the first inter-Atlantic liner was built in Sicily.
After the unification of Italy, the economy of Sicily began to decline, as the policy of the newly baked country was aimed at developing the north.
History is written by the winners, let it remain on their conscience, and for tourists Sicily is a unique mixture, to which each ruler made his own artistic, artistic and gastronomic contribution. What could be more amazing and attractive than going on a journey, plunging into centuries, traditions, legends and myths!
Most of Sicily is occupied by hills, mountains account for 25% of the total area, the plain accounts for 14%.
There are several volcanoes in Sicily, the most famous of which are Etna, Stromboli, Vulcano.
Because of its triangular shape, Sicily was called Trinacria in ancient times.
Sicily's main city
Western Sicily
Northern Sicily
Sicily center
Caltanisetta
Eastern Sicily
Taormina
Acireale
Etna volcano
Etna volcano
Sicilian Baroque cities
Southern Sicily
Mardzamemi
Sulfur mining in Sicily. Travel through abandoned mines.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily - Staircase of the Turks (Scala dei Turchi)
Earthquake in Belich
Salt mining in Sicily (between Trapani and Marsala)
Interesting facts about Sicily
Sicilian Baroque
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Highlights
Sicily reaches an impressive size. The total length of the coastline is about 1000 km. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and also one of the most populated, with a population of about 5 million. The territory of Sicily is the only part of Italy that has an autonomous status (since 1946). It is divided into 9 provinces and its capital is Palermo.
The mild Mediterranean climate and the abundance of sun contribute to the rapid growth of island vegetation. Today, pristine forests can be seen only in the protected natural areas of Sicily - near Mount Etna, as well as in the provinces of Messina and Agrigento. The mountain slopes are covered with thickets of beech, cork and tamarisk, and the river valleys are covered with lavender, oil pistachio, dwarf palm, oleander and rosemary. The rest of the island is occupied by cultivated citrus plantations, extensive vineyards, olive orchards, almond groves, as well as plantings of figs, persimmons, bananas and pomegranates. Fruit horticulture is developed on the plains and hills in the central and southern regions of Sicily. In addition, the locals are engaged in wheat and orchid cultivation, fishing, winemaking and beekeeping.
Etna volcano
In terms of industry, it is best developed in Palermo and Catania. The richest industries are engineering and shipbuilding, as well as the petrochemical industry. Fisheries make a significant contribution to the economy, about 20% of all fish caught in Italy is caught in the waters around Sicily. The island is not rich in natural resources, although oil and gas were found, in particular, near Ragusa, and salt is mined in Trapani.
Along with agriculture and industry, tourism brings a significant income to Sicily. Many modern and comfortable resorts have been built along the coast, offering excellent beach holidays, diving, sea fishing, sailing, wellness programs and thermal treatments. Travelers from different parts of Europe, Asia and America come here to see ancient monuments, medieval temples and palazzo, many of which are protected by UNESCO. Among the guests of Sicily there are also lovers of food, wine tours and ecological tourism.
origin of name
The name of the Italian island has ancient roots. The tribes that once inhabited these places called themselves "Sikans", and their lands - "Sikania". Time passed and the name changed to "Sicela" or "Sicily". In ancient times, the island, washed by three seas, was also called Trinacria, the island of the Three Capes, and its symbol was a maiden head surrounded by snakes, wings and three bent legs.
History of the island of Sicily
The first Sicilian buildings appeared in the Paleolithic era. Finds confirming this have been made by archaeologists in caves on Mount Pellegrino in the vicinity of Palermo, as well as on the small island of Levanzo, which is located near the western tip of Sicily.
The Pantalica necropolis, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is very popular among travelers. The necropolis consists of more than five thousand tombs hewn in the Ibleian mountains in the 13th-7th centuries BC.
From the 7th century BC, colonies began to appear on the island, founded by the inhabitants of Greece and Carthage who came here. First of all, settlers mastered the eastern coast of Sicily, and the first colony city of Naxos appeared right at the foot of Etna. The Greeks built the famous cities of Syracuse and Messina. The ruins of city buildings, temples and ancient roads have been preserved from the great culture on the island. The most significant ancient monuments are in Agrigento, Segesta and Selinunte.
From 241 BC to the middle of the 5th century AD, Sicily was a Roman province and supplied the inhabitants of Ancient Rome with food. In the early Middle Ages, it was ruled by Vandals, Ostrogoths, the Byzantine Empire and Arab conquerors. In the XI century the Normans came here, followed by the rulers of the Anjou dynasty, and in the XIII century the kings of Aragon began to rule the sunny island.
Rich fertile lands have always been a pretext for wars and interstate conflicts. Austria ruled Sicily from 1720, and the Bourbons ruled from 1735 to 1860. Then there was an uprising and the island became part of the Italian kingdom.
Geographical location and climate
Sicily and its surrounding small islands lie in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. About the same distance separates them from Gibraltar in the west and the Suez Canal in the east. Between the mainland and Sicily is the Strait of Messina, and the shortest distance to the island is only 3 km. It takes 20 minutes by ferry. Sicily lies just a few kilometers southwest of the Apennine Peninsula and 140 km from North Africa
Geologically, Sicily is an extension of the Apennine Peninsula, and its landscape is mainly defined by hills and mountains that form three mountain ranges - Peloritani, Nebrodi and Madonie. In the interior of the island, the hills, cut by numerous valleys and sloping downward to the south, reach a height of 1000 meters. The eastern part of the island is covered with volcanic rocks, here Etna rises - the highest Sicilian peak. A small area of \u200b\u200bplains occupies only 14% of the island's territory and is located in the province of Catania. There are thirty-seven more small islets around Sicily.
The climate on the Italian island is Mediterranean. It can be hot in summer, winter is usually short, and the thermometer never drops below zero. Most of the rain falls from October to March. Among all Italian resorts, Sicily is the recognized leader in the number of hours of sunshine, there are up to 2,500 hours of sunshine per year.
The sea around Sicily is warm most of the year. In the winter months it is never colder than +16 ° С, and in the middle of summer the sea water temperature reaches +27 ... + 28 ° С, so the holiday season on the island lasts from May to November.
Beaches
Sicily is considered a real paradise for connoisseurs of a leisurely beach holiday. Almost the entire coast is a long beach area. The beaches are covered with soft white sand, pebbles and fine black sand, which was formed from volcanic lava ground by the sea. There is especially a lot of black sand on the beach strip near Catania.
Beautiful beaches sheltered from the wind are located near the Sicilian city of Syracuse. The local places are suitable for families with children, and are also popular with fans of diving. Lovers of the underwater world are attracted by the variety of marine fauna and deep-sea caves near Syracuse.
In the Palermo area, Mondello is considered the best coastal resort. It attracts not only foreign tourists. Many Sicilians themselves come to local beaches on weekends. The entrance to the sea is shallow, and around the beaches there are many excellent restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as inexpensive markets.
Another popular beach destination in Sicily is the town of Taormina. It is located on the east coast of the island, halfway between Catania and Messina. Taormina has a rocky coast and so clear water that you can easily see small fish, crabs and crustaceans. However, it is unpleasant to enter the water barefoot here, and you need to use shoes. People come to Taormina not only to sunbathe. The coastline around this resort is popular with windsurfing enthusiasts.
Sicily landmarks
Acquaintance with the island usually begins with its capital - Palermo. Many architectural monuments of different eras have survived in this city - temples, monasteries and castles. In the center of Palermo, on Liberty Square, there is a majestic royal palace - Palazzo Normanni. On its second floor is the famous Palatine Chapel, decorated with mosaics made during the Byzantine Empire.
In Palermo, there are the Capuchin catacombs - underground funerary galleries, in which the local nobility were buried in the 16th-19th centuries. In the capital of Sicily, it is also interesting to visit the magnificent botanical garden, spread over an area of \u200b\u200b10 hectares.
Many travelers come to Sicily to see with their own eyes the main natural attraction of the island - the active volcano Etna. In size, this volcano is higher than Vesuvius, and it is surrounded by an extensive protected area. Small eruptions happen every few months, and large ones happen every few years.
At the foot of the volcano is the ancient city of Catania, which has preserved many Roman, early Christian monuments and medieval buildings. In Catania, there is a beautiful Baroque Cathedral in honor of Agatha and Ursino Castle, where the Municipal Museum of Catania is open today.
In addition to Etna, a cave located near the city of Syracuse is considered a popular natural attraction in Sicily. It is called the "Ear of Dionysius". According to one of the legends, the cave got this name for its characteristic shape and excellent acoustics. According to another version, the ruler Dionysius I created a prison in a spacious cave where criminals were serving their sentences. The inmates talked and told about their plans, and the sound of their voices echoed in all directions. The guards guarding the entrance to the prison heard all the conversations and reported them to their ruler. However, many centuries have passed, as a result of erosion, part of the cave vault collapsed, and today the “Ear of Dionysius” can no longer boast of such an impressive echo.
Traces of the ancient Greeks can be seen in various places in Sicily. In the ancient city of Selinunte, on the southern coast of the island, the ruins of three temples have survived, the largest of which measured 70 m by 25 m.On the way from Selinunte to Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples stretches - a large architectural complex built in the V-IV centuries BC ... The oldest temple of the island - Tempio di Ercole - stands in the east of this valley. It was built in 520 BC. The temple of Olympian Zeus, located in the west of the famous Valley of the Temples, is considered a masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture. It was rebuilt in the early 19th century and therefore looks like new.
Sicilian Mafia
Sicily is an island known throughout the world for its reputation as the "home of the mafia". Although today Mexican criminal groups, Colombian cartels, Chinese triads and Japanese yakuza pose a great threat, the mafia originated in Sicily. The island became famous thanks to the cult film "The Godfather", which was filmed here. Some tourists visit Sicily in order to plunge into the romantic and dangerous atmosphere of the mafiosi, visit the city of Savoca (in the film - Corleone), see Castello dei Schiavi (castle of slaves), look into the Church of St. Nicholas (where the wedding of Michael and Apollonia took place) and have a snack in the famous bar Vitelli.
Savoca town
However, for Italy, this is a "bad name", and the government is trying with all its might to eradicate the Sicilian mafia. Every week in the country there is news about the arrest of another criminal, but ... the mafia is immortal. More than a third of all illegal businesses in Italy are still controlled by representatives of Cosa Nostra. In the 21st century, the Italian police made significant progress, but this only led to the fact that conspiracy increased in the ranks of the mafiosi. Now this is not a centralized grouping, but several disunited clans, the heads of which communicate only in exceptional cases. Today Cosa Nostra consists of 5,000 members, 70% of Sicily's businessmen are forced to pay tribute to the Mafia.
Holidays and festivals
Whenever travelers come to Sicily, there is always some kind of civic or religious celebration, and it seems that island life is all about holidays. Every Sicilian city has its own patron saint, and there are processions, artist performances and fairs everywhere.
As in any Catholic country, Christmas in Sicily becomes the main event of winter. The Christmas holidays end on January 6 with the Epiphany celebration. This theatrical celebration is dedicated to the kind witch Befana. Italian children are eagerly awaiting the gifts that, according to legend, the sorceress arriving on a broomstick brings through the chimneys. To treat Befana, the Sicilians usually leave a glass of homemade wine and sweets on the fireplace or table.
Christmas in Sicily
In February, when Russia has a snowy winter, the residents of Agrigento celebrate a cheerful holiday of blooming almonds. And Catania at this time shows reverence to the Christian martyr Saint Agatha, who died in this city during the period of the persecution of Christians (251 years).
Before the beginning of Lent, a colorful festival is held in the beautiful resort town of Acireale, which attracts many tourists. During it, a series of huge carts follows the city streets, each of which represents one of the sides of Sicilian life.
In the spring, all the islanders are busy with Easter week, and then a series of regional holidays follows. On the first Sunday of the month, they celebrate the day of the heavenly patroness of Syracuse - Saint Lucia, and on the last Sunday of May in the south of the island, in the city of Ragusa, they pay tribute to John the Baptist. On the third Sunday of May in the capital of Sicilian Baroque - the city of Noto - a colorful Day of Flowers takes place. During this festival, one of the streets, 122 m long and 6 m wide, is decorated with a colorful floral carpet.
In mid-June, Palermo celebrates for several days the day of the patroness of the townspeople, the Christian hermit of Saint Rosalia (1130-1166). And in Messina on August 13-14, a procession of life-size puppets is held along the streets of the city. Giant figures on horseback depict the founders of the city, Mata and the Griffin, and they are transported throughout Messina, accompanied by a carnival procession.
In mid-August, when the country's traditional summer holidays begin, all of Italy celebrates Ferragosto, a national celebration once established in honor of the founder of the Roman Empire, Octavian Augustus. The name of this holiday comes from the Latin words "Feriae Augusti", which means "August's rest". Today the summer holiday is dedicated to the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. During it, it is customary to have picnics with friends, get out into nature and go on excursions. Crowded religious processions take place in the cities and villages of Sicily, and in Palermo, men carry a statue of the Madonna through the city streets. On Ferragosto, the inhabitants of the Italian island traditionally prepare "gelu di muluna" - frozen melon jam, which is decorated with jasmine flowers and lemon leaves.
Restaurants
Sicily is highly regarded by gourmets around the world. It is hardly anywhere else that they know how to cook with such pleasure and get so much pleasure from food as in Sicily. The portions in local cafes and restaurants are large, and it is customary to start dinner with delicious snacks, which are called "antipasti" here. Sicilian restaurateurs skillfully manipulate the island's mafia reputation and hang ominous signs on their establishments: “Ice cream with explosives”, “Pizza from the godfather”, “At the mafia”.
Seafood and fish dishes are popular on the island, and one of the delicacies is "spada" or swordfish. Compared to mainland Italy, salads are expensive in Sicily. Meat dishes include salsiccia sausages, polpette meatballs, involtini alla siciliana rolls and scaloppine veal schnitzels. And as a side dish, you can order a caponata eggplant ragout.
The local pizza "sphinchini" is famous throughout Italy. Sweet tooths will love Sicilian ice cream with pistachios, almonds, cinnamon and fruit pieces, biscuit cassata with candied fruit and ricotta and neat cannoli waffle rolls.
Sicilian cuisine has several differences from the culinary traditions of Italy. In Catania, for example, they love horse meat dishes. They add ricotta to the sweet buns that Sicilians prefer to eat in the morning. Carbonated or plain water is poured for free in Sicilian cafes and restaurants. In addition, it is customary here that the visitor is the first to contact the seller or the waiter.
Transport
The Italian island has a well-developed rail network and many highways. Trains connect the major cities of Sicily - Messina, Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, Catania, Alcamo and Trapani. However, the railway lines are laid only along the seashore, and it is often more convenient to get from one city to another by bus. Bus stations are located close to railway stations, and bus tickets can be purchased from drivers, at ticket offices, as well as at kiosks selling tobacco and newspapers.
Transportation within the cities is carried out by the company "AST". In Sicily, in order for a passing bus to stop, you must raise your hand. To avoid a fine, passengers should remember to punch train and bus tickets while traveling.
In Palermo, in addition to the bus service, you can travel around the city by metro. This type of transport began to transport citizens and guests of the Sicilian capital in 1990. Today, Palermo metro consists of two lines with 16 stations.
Regular sea transport also runs along the coast of the island. It connects Sicily with small islands. In addition, the sea is easily accessible from Palermo to Milazzo and some other places in Sicily.
Souvenirs
Some of the original things, reminiscent of a trip to Sicily, are products made from the frozen lava of Mount Etna. These are pendants, ashtrays, figurines and even wine in bottles made of lava. These souvenirs look great and are inexpensive.
Many people buy the famous Sicilian ceramics as a keepsake of their stay on the island. Ceramic products in the form of fruits, female and male heads, and colorful plates on the wall are especially popular. Women love jewelry made from coral. White corals are sold in Messina and Catania, red corals in Trapani and Sciacca, and black corals can be found in Palermo.
Syracuse sells original puppet puppets. Such dolls depict knights, kings, queens and Saracen warriors. They are very carefully made and expensive. Syracuse is also the world's second largest producer of papyrus, so the original scrolls can be brought from this city.
Tasty souvenirs in Sicily include the finest island wines - Nero d "Avola and Corvo, fresh farmed olive oil, cheeses and honey, while those with a sweet tooth love the artfully crafted marzipan fruit sold in patisseries and cafes.
- Under Sicily, there is a junction between two powerful tectonic plates. On the surface, the place of the "meeting" of the Eurasian and African plates is marked by the largest volcano in Europe - Etna (3329 m). It is distinguished by a rebellious disposition and erupts regularly. In addition to Etna, the island has several "dormant" volcanoes. The vast area around Etna has been declared a state reserve.
- In 1743, the famous adventurer, alchemist and mystic Alessandro Cagliostro was born in the Sicilian city of Palermo.
- The Italian island produces excellent quality extra virgin olive oil. Connoisseurs really appreciate its taste.
- Trinacria is considered the symbol of Sicily - a sign that unites the sun and the moon. Trinacria can be found everywhere on the island: on buildings, posters and souvenirs.
Special offers for hotels in Sicily
How to get there
You can get to Sicily by plane or by sea. There are two airports on the island, which are located near the cities of Catania (Fontanarossa) and Palermo (Falcone-Borsellino). There are no direct flights to both Sicilian airports from Moscow, and you can only fly with a transfer.
Fontanarossa Airport is located 5 km south of Catania, and buses run between it and the city's train station. Falcone-Borsellino Airport is located 35 km west of the center of Palermo and has the status of the island's main air gate. From there you can get to the city by taxi, bus and Trinacria Express trains.
In addition to airplanes, a significant number of travelers reach Sicily by ferry. Regular passenger service with the island goes from mainland Italy, as well as from Tunisia and Malta. Some tourists get to Sicily on cruise ships that stop at the ports of Palermo, Catania, Messina and Syracuse.
Not only a bridge between Europe and Africa, but also a platform between the eastern and western Mediterranean. The island was once at the center of the world.
Here peoples constantly changed - mythical and historical, one after another, one instead of the other. "They say that the most ancient among them were the Cyclops and Listrigones," writes in the 5th century BC. Tricidid. - "Immediately after them, the Sikans settled here, in all likelihood ... And therefore the island was named Sikania, while earlier it was known as Tricankria."
Later, Siculas arrived here, and the island began to be called Sicela (Sicily), a name that has survived to this day.
"All over the island," continues Tucidides, "the Phoenicians also lived, but when a large number of Greeks arrived from overseas, they left the greater territory of the country ...".
The Greeks landed near Taormina in the early summer of 734 BC. For Sicily, this was a turning point, marking the beginning of the island's own history. The very name that the Greeks gave to Sicily and the southern provinces of Italy - Greater Greece - suggests that for the Greeks, Sicily was not just another colonization of new territories, but rather fate. It is no coincidence that in Sicily the Greeks abandoned their traditional self-designation "Hellene" and began to call themselves "Sikeliotes". The root of this word contains the image and idea of \u200b\u200bSicily. Several generations have changed, and Sicily has not only reached the level of Magna Graecia, but has become even richer and more powerful.
The Greek language spread almost over the entire territory of the island, historians, poets, and philosophers wrote in it. The Greeks founded dozens of cities along the coast, some of them, like Syracuse, Catania, Taormina, Gela, Agrigento, have survived to this day. In these cities, among other monuments and buildings, the Greeks erected famous theaters and temples, which constituted the most important cultural heritage of ancient Sicily.
It was not for nothing that the ancient Greeks called Sicily Trinacria - 3 capes give it the shape of a triangle: the shores of Sicily are washed by three seas - the Ionian, Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian. Sicily includes 3 archipelagos: the Aeolian (Lipari), Aegadian and Pelagian Islands, Sicily is separated from the Apennine Peninsula by the Messina Strait, whose width at its narrowest point is 3 km. And even Etna, the largest active volcano in Italy, surpasses its "neighbor" Vesuvius by almost 3 times.
When the Greeks sailed to the shores of Sicily, various nationalities already lived there, but only the Phoenicians could offer them worthy resistance or compete. Arriving on the island from Lebanon long before the Greeks, the Phoenicians founded several cities here, among which were Mozia, on an island near Marsala, and Palermo, which later became the capital of Sicily and today has 700,000 inhabitants. In 241 BC. Sicily becomes a Roman province. Unlike the Greeks, who adorned the island with wonderful works of art and turned Agrigento into one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world, the Romans systematically plunder Sicily and actually turn it into an agrarian appendage of the Roman Empire, into a kind of slave-owning latifundia. In the Roman period, a small number of new buildings were erected, architects are more engaged in the restoration of Greek theaters intended for comedy performances and tragedies, as well as old circuses, in which gladiatorial fights are held. The only remains of the Romans are the ruins of country villas. Some of them are distinguished by great luxury, which speaks of the high standard of living of the Roman rulers, their delicate taste and love for exquisite entertainment. Passing through Silesia, Germany, France and Spain, the vandals reached Morocco, and then, having conquered Algeria, settled on the territory of Tunisia. From here a strong flotilla of vandals headed for Sicily.
The Vandals ruled the island from 468 to 476, leaving no monuments behind. They were followed by the Ostrogoths who occupied Sicily until 535, until the island was conquered by the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium.
In 827 a new page in the history of Sicily was opened: Muslims landed on the island from Tunisia. In 831, the main city of the island, Palermo, fell, which later became the capital of Muslim Sicily, proclaimed in 948 as an independent emirate. Almost 250 years of Muslim domination left an imprint not only on history, but also on the culture of the island, giving it a special character and determined its further development.
In 1061, the invasions of the Normans begin. Having set out on conquests from Normandy, where they settled about a century ago, this people of Scandinavian origin, also called "northern people", "Vikings" or "Varangians", simultaneously occupy Sicily and England.
The Sicilian Operation or Operation Husky is one of the main military operations of the Second World War. A large-scale airborne operation (the largest at the time) was followed by six weeks of fighting on land. As a result of this operation, Benito Mussolini was removed from power, and Sicily was freed from fascism.
The war with Sicily lasted 30 years and ended in 1091 mountains. In 1130, the Norman Roger II initiated the Sicilian monarchy. Thus, after the Greek and Muslim periods, a new milestone begins in the history of Sicily. This new Sicilian-Norman kingdom was distinguished by its ethnic diversity and cultural identity. Palermo's gleaming cosmopolitan courtyard is beginning to attract the finest artists and scientists from all European countries. Thanks to the patronage of King Roger II, the most famous astronomers, geographers, mathematicians, philosophers, sculptors, architects and artists of the 12th century come to Palermo. Remarkable masters of architecture and mosaics erect magnificent, richly decorated churches throughout Sicily. Thanks to the flexible policy of the king, it is possible to harmoniously combine the various cultures represented on the island: Greek, Muslim, Jewish. After the death of the childless Wilhelm II, the crown passes to the son of Emperor Frederick I, Emperor of the 1st German Reich, Henry IV. The latter was married to Roger's daughter P Costanza. Thus, power passed to the Staufen dynasty, who continued the policy of the Norman kings.
Thanks to the educational activities of King Frederick II, the Palermo court continues to be the largest multinational cultural center in Europe; the first poetic works in Italian were also created here.
In 1268 the crown of the Kingdom of Sicily passes to the French dynasty of Anjou, who defeated the Staufens. In 1282 a revolt, known in history as "Sicilian Vespers", broke out against them. Twenty years later, in 1302, the Aragonese dynasty was established in Sicily, and a long period of Spanish rule began, ending in 1713. In 1815, by the decision of the Congress of Vienna, Sicily under the name "Kingdom of the Two Sicilies" was transferred to the Neapolitan kings of the Bourbon dynasty, who ruled the island until 1860. In the same year, Garibaldi's expedition unleashed a revolution here that overthrew the rule of the Bourbons. In 1861, after a referendum, Sicily decides to become part of the Italian state. The last important historical event in Sicily was the landing of the allied troops that came from Tunisia on the night of July 9-10, 1943. As a result of the "Sicilian Operation", carried out by the joint efforts of the Americans, British, French, New Zealanders, Australians and Poles, Sicily was freed from the Nazis.
Sicily - a green riot in the Mediterranean, characterized by varied landscapes, as well as a cosmopolitan island and historical center of various coups. This is the southernmost and most remote part of the Peninsula. Sicily separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina and washed by the Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean seas.
One of the paradises of southern Italy that beckons to explore, discover and simply follow countless routes to suit all tastes. It seems that nature is the main wealth of the island. Mountains, hills and, of course, the sea, which with its wonderful color, perfectly clear water and endless beauty of the depths is incomparable with any other sea. Archaeological finds that tell about the origin of Trinacria (the ancient name of Sicily) and various monuments that have come down to us through the centuries are of particular attractiveness.
In ancient times, the island was part of the rest of Italy and separated from it due to rising sea levels. This is evidenced by the Peloritani Mountains, which are composed of the same rocks as the other mountains around the Strait of Messina. The shores of the island are covered with sheer cliffs and sandy beaches with numerous bays with crystal clear water.
Its location on three main platforms - Ionic, African and Tyrrhenian - made it the center of the ancient world, like another Greek island, and a frontal zone near the borders of the Arab-Islamic world, which, by the way, left its indelible mark on the cities and culture of the island.
Provinces of Sicily: Palermo (capital), Agrigento, Catania, Caltanisetta, Enna, Messina, Ragusa, Syracuse and Trapani.
Sicily since the Paleolithic times it looked attractive from the point of view of its strategic position. After the Sicans of Iberia, the Elim of Libya and the Siculs from the continent with 735 BC existed here greek colonies... IN 265 BC appeared in Messina romans.Under their rule Sicily divided into provinces and became the granary of the Empire. After the Gothic-Byzantine War in 552 AD. and up to 9 century. the island became part of the Eastern Roman Empire as a peripheral province.
FROM 827 began arab conquest Sicily: from Mazzara del Vallo to Taormina. From that moment on, the golden age of the island began, because Palermo became the capital of the emirate of Kalibi. On the territory of Val di Noto and Val Demon, however, the Greco-Latin civilization remained.
FROM 1061 Sicily captured by the Normans: Ruggiero D'Altavilla became king of Apulia, Calabria and Sicily. During the period of the Norman conquests Sicily reached its peak. Islamic culture merged with the new organization of the island. Al Idrisi, an Islamic geographer and traveler, who settled in Palermo at the court of Ruggiero II, in his notes speaks of magical Sicily, a crossroads of cultural exchange: “The island of Sicily is a pearl of its time, sparkling with beauty and abundance [...]. All travelers and traders from all over the world admire its magnificence [...] ”.
Under the rule of Zvev, this was the cradle of the empire of Federico II, who placed the court in Palermo and made the city a literary and scientific center: it was during this period that the Sicilian poetry school was born and an attempt was made to create a literary language - a mixture of folk Latin and torn. With the arrival of the Angevin, French rulers, the people raised an unusual revolt in Palermo "Sicilian evenings", but in the end they had to surrender to the new invaders - the Aragonians, Spaniards and the enemies of the Anjou.
IN 1415 the spaniards made an island viceroy... It is impossible not to mention the treatise of Utrecht 1713 d, since at this time the Spanish rule ended and Savoy came to power. Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, King of Naples, in 1812 d united the two Sicilies and abolished feudal privileges. After the revolution in 1848 The Bourbons lost power and were finally defeated by Garibaldi's troops in 1860 .
Various conquerors succeeded each other in Sicily until its accession to the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century. After all the conquests, due to the terrible economic crisis, a mass emigration of people to America began.
IN 1948 Sicily was declared an autonomous region of Italy, being in a state of social and economic crisis.
Sicily - nature
The delightful cities of the island are full of history and traditions that have passed through the centuries: the whimsical Sicilian Baroque against the backdrop of Easter processions and holidays in honor of the saints, Sicilian carriages and a puppet theater brought from Spain in the 18-19th century. - all of this is worth seeing when traveling around the island.
It rises majestically above everything Etna - the highest point in Italy and an active volcano. He is also called the mountain of the volcano, the god of fire, the blacksmith of the gods; other legends say that here is the grave of the philosopher Empedocles, who committed suicide by throwing himself into the crater, or that it contains the soul of Queen Elizabeth of England, who during her reign made a deal with the devil. Saint Agatha, the patroness of Catania, once miraculously protected people from an eruption, and to this day the inhabitants call to her, asking for shelter from fire and lightning.
Around the island, like satellites, is the Aeolian, or Lipari archipelago, which includes seven large volcanic islands: Salina, Lipari, Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea and Stromboli, the only active volcano for many years; to the west of Trapani are the Aegadian Islands (Levandzo, Favignana and Marettimo), which were once part of Sicily. The history of the Aeolian Islands is inextricably linked with the volcanoes, artists and sculptors who created this natural masterpiece, where you can plunge into the transparent depths of the sea, look into the coastal caves, sunbathe on small beaches washed by the purest water, before enjoying excellent cuisine, naturally based on fish dishes. In the South - Pantelleria Island, also volcanic, is another pearl that attracts tourists with its unearthly beauty of its nature. And finally, the Pelagic archipelago, which includes Linosa and Lampedusa, geographically related to Africa.
Sicily remains an exciting island: it is not easy to get to it, but once you visit it, you will never forget.
What to see in Sicily
Sicily has many places to visit related to nature, history and tradition.
Among the special attractions are two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Etna is located in the eastern part of the island and should not be missed if you travel this land. The spectacular eruptions have over time made the landscape in the area truly unique in the world.
Those interested in landscapes should choose protected areas the parks of Etna, Madonie or Nebrodi, the volcanic paradise of Pantelleria, rich in captivating views such as Pertuza di Notaro (a grotto with the purest air) and local bungalows built of volcanic stones.
Beauvais Valley with natural walls up to 1000 m high,
An ice cave with the only eternal glacier preserved at this latitude,
Gole Alcantara, a dense network of canals crossing the river of the same name, is just a small fraction of all the natural wonders of Sicily.
Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.Another treasure of humanity on the UNESCO list is the archaeological site at Arguento, one of the greatest cities of Magna Graecia. The Valley of the Temples is hidden in the green of olive, almond, citrus and vine trees that stretch all the way to the sea. With its monuments, it recalls the unreal atmosphere that prevailed here 2500 years ago, when the ancient Akagras Agrigentum was a political and cultural center.
Syracuse and UNESCO sites
In the south-east of Sicily is Syracuse, another UNESCO heritage site (2005, together with the necropolis of Pantalica). This ancient Greek colony overlooks a natural port, overlapped in the east by the island of Ortigia, an even more ancient urban center. In the city, at every step you come across archaeological evidence of Magna Graecia. Syracuse and the Aeolian Islands are home to two other UNESCO sites not to be missed: the eight late Baroque towns of Val di Noto and the Roman villa in Casale.
Taormina. << Если тот, кому предстоит провести на Сицилии всего один день, спросит: «Что я смогу посмотреть?» я не раздумывая отвечу: «Таормину». Это лишь природа, но такая, что способна запросто завладеть вашим взором, разумом, фантазией.>\u003e This is how the famous French writer Guy de Maupassant describes Taormina. A few words that capture the essence of this diamond between Messina and Catania.
What to do in Sicily
The undisputed ruler of this land is the sea, revealing the rich potential of beaches and waves on which you are tempted to do it windsurfing or kitesurfing.Yes, because the power of the sea, combined with the power of the wind, allows you to rush, even almost fly over the surface of the clear waters that caress the coasts of Cape San Vito, Mondello, Cefalu, Marina di Ragusa, Taormina, the Aeolian Islands, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Ustica.
Hiking, horses, motorbikes and golf. Hikers should definitely take a stroll through the picturesque natural parks of Sicily. Those who do not like to walk will enjoy horseback riding or motorcycle riding. Recently Sicily began to attract golf lovers as well. New courses are being built and the Open Tournament is held annually.
Thermes.Italy has always been famous for its thermal springs - a kind of natural therapy. Land of water and volcanoes Sicily offers a wide range of thermal resources with various services, including beauty treatments. The most famous are the Baths of Calogero, the caves in which the steam maintains a temperature of about 40 °, and the Baths of Acireale, in which sea water is mixed with the rich gray water from Etna.
Literary places
For lovers of cultural tourism Sicily invites you to take a journey through history, art and culture. Writers such as Salvatore Quasimodo, Giovanni Verga, Luigi Pirandello, Leonardo Shash, Tomasi Lapedusa were inspired by the local atmosphere and climate. They were inspired to write such masterpieces as "Ocelot" or "Laziness".
The atmosphere has not changed over the years, and today you can travel to the places described in the novels to relive the impressions received by the authors who wrote their works here.
Sicilian Great Greece. Those who want to plunge into the past should visit the temples of Selinunte and Syracuse, Agrigento and Imera, the Greco-Roman theater of Taormina and the cathedrals of the Norman era. Especially in Palermo (Church of Martorana, Saint Giovanni Hermit in San Cataldo).
Those interested in tradition should definitely see the Sicilian Puppet Theater, featuring plays by Orlando Furyoso.
Sicily Holidays
A wide choice awaits those who love holidays and cultural events.
Taormina organizes many events every year, the most famous of which is the film festival, where the best new works are selected.
The fervor of the Sicilians leaves an imprint on the celebration of the Carnival - the most important and noisiest event of the year. The carnival in Acireale is called the best in Sicily for the originality of the decoration with flowers and ribbons of fake papier-mâché carts, accompanied by a crowd of colorful masks.
There are also numerous holidays dedicated to the patron saints of Sicily (a mixture of faith, folklore and tradition), which speak of the deep religiosity of the Sicilians. Saint Rosalia's Day in Palermo and Saint Agatha's Day in Catania are just a couple of the huge number of holidays celebrated every year throughout the territory.
What to try in Sicily
The abundance of warmth from the earth is reflected in Sicilian cuisine, which speaks of the passion and concern of the people who serve these delicious dishes. Snacks like rice zraz or cazzilli (delicious potato balls) or Catanian pancakes will whet your appetite. Pay attention to the first courses.
Many dishes contain eggplant (caponata, parmesan pasta). Lots of fish dishes, from trapani couscous to sardines. Enjoy the taste of the local tuna, swordfish, hake and shark. The most interesting meat dishes will be badduzze (meatballs) and cooked warbler (bird).
Don't miss the famous Sicilian sweets with ricotta and almond paste, especially the Christmas sweets.
Noteworthy are the products of the DOP and IGT brands, which put Sicily in the first place among the Mediterranean countries famous for their food export.
Extra virgin olive oil, juicy red oranges, sweet Canicatti grapes, Pachino tomatoes, Pantelleria capers, Indian figs and Nocellara Belice olives. These are the products for which she is famous Sicily.
Don't forget about the cheeses: Ragusano, pecorino, as well as sausages, such as salami from Sant'Angelo, and, finally, wonderful pastries like paniotta - a round roll from Dittaino.
Along with this, there are excellent Sicilian wines with a tart and mature taste. Choose from Marsala, Trapani, Belice or Vittoria.
Sicily is located on the island of the same name off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The total area, together with the nearby islands, is 25.7 thousand km², which is 8.5% of the entire country. The population is 5,019 million people (9% of the Italian population). Sicily includes adjacent to it - Pelagian, Ustica, Pantelleria and Aegadian.
The region is divided into nine provinces, and the administrative center of the island and the region is the city (Palermo), which has 651 thousand inhabitants, and with its suburbs 945 thousand people.
Geography
Major cities: Mazara del Vallo, Acireale, (Agrigento), Vittoria, Bagheria, (), (), Ragusa, (Catania), Gela ( Gela), (Marsala), (Siracusa), (Messina).
The largest island in the Mediterranean. It is separated from the Apennine Peninsula by the Strait of Messina, from Africa by the Sicilian, and from the island of Malta by the Strait of Malta. In the south and west, the island of Sicily is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, in the north by the Tyrrhenian Sea, and in the east by the Ionian Sea. The coastline is 1,039 kilometers long.
Climate
Mediterranean type, with mild rainy winters and hot dry summers. The average temperature in Palermo in January is + 10.3 ° С, and in July +23.6 ° С. Mountains occupy 25% of the island's territory, 61% hilly and 14% plains. In the southeast of the island there is the highest active volcano in all of Europe - Etna (3340 m). All the rivers of Sicily are short: Simeto, Alcantara, Platani, Salso. Pergusa is the only lake of natural origin located in central Sicily. The shores of the island are indented by numerous bays: Augusta, Noto, Gela, Catania, Castellammare, Milazzo, and others.
Transport
At the moment, several modern ones have been built on the island: Catania - Palermo and Messina - Catania. Over the past hundred years, the quantity and quality of railways has hardly changed.
Is part of the transport system of Sicily. Most of the region's rail network is owned by the Italian national company Ferrovie dello Stato and has a standard European gauge. The only exception is the narrow gauge railway Ferrovia Circumetnea.
There are direct passenger trains to connect Sicily with and. And since Sicily has no connection with the mainland of Italy by tunnel or bridge, trains are transported by ferry across the Strait of Messina.
In two cities of Sicily, and Palermo, there is a subway, and in - a tram.
The international airport is located in Palermo, while the local airports are in Trapani and Catania.
Industry
Industry plays a very important role in the economy of this area, it is represented here in two sectors: modern, in the provinces of Messina, Agrigento, Syracuse, Catania and Caltanissetta, and traditional, which is spread throughout Sicily. Among modern industries, oil refining, petrochemical, electronic, metalworking, machine-building, and chemical are distinguished. And among the traditional industries is the food industry, primarily the production of pasta, canned vegetables and olive oil.
Also in Sicily, mining is very developed: oil, natural gas, sulfur, sodium chloride and potassium salt.
Agriculture
Agriculture is successfully developing in Sicily, thanks to the fertile soils and the mild climate of the coastal plains. About 650 thousand hectares on the island are allocated for sowing agriculture.
Even the instability of water supply is not a hindrance to agriculture being one of Sicily's most important economic resources. The production of cereals is very important here, for example, wheat is one of the most valuable types of hard grain, necessary for the production of the best varieties of pasta. Olives are grown in significant quantities here, from which high-quality olive oil is later produced.
The most important fruit grown in Sicily is persimmon, for which the Misilmeri commune is famous. There, a holiday dedicated to this fruit is celebrated in November. Fruit cultivation is economically important for the island, and it grows exotic fruits such as mango and kiwi, as well as bananas, almonds and pistachios.
Floriculture is also developed here. Mostly orchids are grown to suit the local climate. Sicilian flowers are exported to European countries.
In addition to all this, beekeeping is also developed in Sicily.
Fishing
Sicily's precious resource is fishing. There are many large fishing ports on the island. The backbone of the fishing industry is mackerel, sardines, tuna and anchovies, all typical blue fish of the Mediterranean, supplying the canning industry with all the necessary materials for the production of canned fish and smoked fish.
Breeding of goldfish, oysters, catfish and some other molluscs is also practiced here.
History
Sicily is easily accessible by sea, which is why it was almost the first of the populated regions of Italy.
The first traces of man on the island date back to the Paleolithic era. In the early Neolithic period (7000–6000 BC), the region was inhabited by carriers of the culture of Cardiac ceramics. Until the beginning of the early literary era, the development of Sicily took place almost simultaneously with the neighboring island of Malta, where the same cultures dominated. The only exception was the absence of megalithic temples on the territory of the island, which gives historians reason to believe that in relation to Malta, Sicily could occupy a subordinate position.
The oldest known inhabitants of the island are the Sicans, Siculs and Elimians. The Phoenicians came for them. The Greeks invaded Sicily in the 8th century BC. They rebuilt the Phoenician settlements and founded a number of new colonies (Catania, Palermo, Agrigento, Messina, Syracuse). They gave impetus to the development of agriculture and trade. At that time the island was called Trinacria, which really characterized the shape of the island. Most of the Greek cities were located on the east and south coast of the island. These cities developed very quickly and became the centers of the Greek civilization of the central Mediterranean. Some of the many structures from this era; survived to this day.
The famous Greek scientist Archimedes was born and died in Syracuse. The poets Theocritus and Pindar, Aeschylus, the philosophers Plato, Pythagoras, Diodorus, Gorgias and Empedocles also lived here at different times. And Sicily became at that time the center of Greek science and culture.
The era of Greek rule was accompanied by continuous internecine wars. And during the first Punic War, the island became the scene of battles between the Carthaginians and the Romans.
In 227 BC. Sicily became a province of Rome, and was turned by the Romans into the granary of the republic. New roads were built here, existing settlements were fortified. But the increased exploitation of a large number of slaves who labored on the local latifundia led to slave revolts that escalated into wars.
Sicily was invaded by the Vandals and the Goths in the 5th century AD, in 535 the Byzantine rule was established on the island, and in the 9th-11th centuries Sicily was plunged into raids by Saracen pirates.
In 1061, Sicily was invaded by the Normans, creating the Kingdom of Sicily. Their reign helped bring the island back to its former prosperity. The port of Palermo was fortified and expanded, and the city of Palermo was practically rebuilt. Agricultural production has grown significantly due to irrigation. Many new crops were grown, such as jasmine, cotton, sugarcane and citrus fruits.
In 1266 Charles I of Anjou took possession of the Kingdom of Sicily. A popular uprising broke out against him in 1282, as a result of which the Anjou dynasty lost its power over Sicily. After that, the Aragonese established themselves on the island.
To the Bourbon dynasty, power in Sicily passed in the 17th century according to the Utrecht peace. Then the cultural and political center moved to Naples.
Sicily became part of the united Italian state in 1860, and in 1946 received the status of an autonomous region.
The Sicilians were very good at cooking, in which they added watermelon, pistachios, almonds, cinnamon and jasmine. Also famous all over the world are the Sicilian - strong, tart and noble "Faro di Messina", "Regaleali", "Nero D'Avola", "Marsala", "Moscato", and others. It is also produced in Sicily which is deservedly considered one of the best in the world.
You should also try purely Sicilian desserts and dishes such as Cassata, Cannoli Siciliani made from sheep's cheese, aromatic Limoncello liqueur, and dishes such as Parmiggiana and Caponata di melanzane.
Tourism and attractions
Sicily is one of the most beautiful and interesting islands in the Mediterranean, it has managed to preserve its original beauty. These are bizarre cliffs in numerous bays and coves, beautiful sandy beaches, valleys immersed in green citrus and olive gardens, majestic mountains, Etna, the highest active volcano.
Palermo is the administrative center and the largest city and port of the island of Sicily, located on the north coast. It was founded by the Phoenicians. Since 1130, the city of Palermo has become the seat of the kings of the Kingdom of Sicily. Local attractions are the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti and Martorana, which combine the Romanesque style with elements of Byzantine and Arab architecture. Palazzo Reale is a Royal Palace that was rebuilt from an Arab fortress. Another architectural monument of Palermo is the famous Cathedral, whose construction was started back in 1170. The best museums in Palermo are the National Gallery, the National Archaeological Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Cathedral Treasury and the Ethnographic Museum.
The town of Enna is of great interest to tourists; it is located in the central part of the island. The founders of this city were the Greeks, but then it came under the rule of Rome. Here a major slave uprising began in 136 BC, led by the Syrian Euno. This uprising was then spread throughout the island, and even escalated into a war that lasted seven years. Here in ancient times, the cult of the goddess of fertility, Demeter, was quite widespread, therefore, in this area they were mainly engaged in agriculture. And at the highest point of Enna, the temple of Demeter was built.
Remains of ancient Greek temples have been preserved near Agrigento and Messina. The erection of cathedrals in Montreal and Cefalалу dates back to the Norman period. They are well preserved, and in their interiors you can see beautiful mosaics that were made by Byzantine craftsmen.
Mount Etna can be recommended for climbing lovers of active tourism. From it in clear weather a wonderful panorama of the entire island opens. Snow on this mountain lies almost until the end of May, so you can ski here both in winter and in spring.