Sicily

Overview

Sicily is an autonomous region with the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea separated from the Italian Peninsula by the Strait of Messina and boasts of a beautiful landscape with smaller group of islands scattered around the coast. Here you will find the Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe.

Its regional capital is Palermo. Together with the provinces of Catania, Messina, Syracuse, Trapani, Enna, Caltanissetta, Agrigento, Ragusa and famous towns of Cefalù, Taormina, Bronte, Marsala, Corleone, Castellammare del Golfo Francavilla di Sicilia, and Tripi comprise the Sicilian region.

Located compactly at one central crossroad, all surviving ancient monuments and structures showcase a variety of architectural styles which may be seen in the historic district of Palermo: the hybrid Norman-Arab-Baroque Cattedrale-S.Maria Assunta and Palazzo dei Normanni (Royal Palace), the mosaic-decorated chapel of the Cappella Palatina, Norman churches of La Martorana and San Giovanni degli Eremeti, Baroque style of San Giuseppe dei Teatini.

Sicily is also well known for its art. Many artists and famous poets were born in this region. The like of Luigi Pirandello, Giovanni Verga, Salvatore Quasimodo, Gesualdo Bufalino and the poet Ignazio Buttitta. Other Sicilian artists include the composers Sigismondo d'India, Vincenzo Bellini, as well as the sculptor Tommaso Geraci.

Caltagirone is a mountain town famous for its traditional hand-made ceramics. One of the most famous festivals celebrated during July 24 and 25 is dedicated to S. Giacomo and is celebrated with the use of luminarie - huge images with colored lights.