What to see in Sicily
Perhaps Napoli is Palermo's closest rival in the What road-rules? contest, but this aside the capital of Sicily is a melting pot of cultures, colours, tastes, architecture, history and experiences. Writers, poets and artists have all tried to capture the charm and spirit of the town over the years, and the eastern influences only add to the atmosphere. The outer surface may look scruffy and dilapidated but look a little closer and you will see the hybridisation of buildings from various invasions over the centuries - Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Normans have all left their mark on this extraordinary city. 13th C Gothic churches topped with 10th C minarets, Spanish baroque buildings inlaid with Persian mosaics, just when you think you know when it was built, look again. Check out the Palazzo Reale, Capella Palatina, Il Capo Cathedral and the Museo Archeologico Regionale .
Sitting in the shade of Mt Etna , Sicily's and probably one of the world's most active volcanoes, Taormina has been the location to build a villa since the time of the Romans. Emperors and kings have stayed there and more recently British and German foreigners have begun building their holiday getaways in the picturesque location. The mild climate, spectacular sea views, make it a popular tourist resort town.
Brush off the glad rags for this the more upmarket town on this isle. It was once given the nickname 'Milan of the south' and not just for the fashions walking around on the ground. The architecture is a nice break from renaissance opting for the more graceful baroque, built this way due to devastating eruptions from the neighbouring Mt Etna in 1669 and reconstruction of much of the city. Check out UNESCO listed Piazza del Duomo , the intriguing Fontana dell'Elefante and the cathedral dedicated to resolute patron Saint Agata You can view her prison cell in Sant'Agata al Cacere or take part in the impassioned Festa di Sant'Agata in February and feel the fervour.
Greeks, Carthaginians, tyrants, Romans and finally Sicilians have all made Agrigento their home. The town is particularly noted for its almond trees and the blossoms that coat the countryside during January and February. This event is celebrated in the almond blossom festival , or Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore held around the same time. Architecture is as varied as the inhabitants with Greek temples, Roman gates and tufa churches all cohabiting the area.
The location of Mazara is ideal for those wishing to take in historical, artistic and natural sites of interest along the south-west coast of Sicily. Such as the impressive Acropolis remains in Selinunte , 25km east, and the archaeological park in Segesta . Mazara del Vallo itself is a resort town descended from a Phoenician port and supports the local rock fishing trade.
This town has been an attractive port to many civilisations and invasions over the centuries. More for it's location along the southern trade route than it's current claim to fame of being home to the famous desert wine . The first winery was begun in 1796 by a dedicated fortified wine fan named John Woodhouse, exporting 20,000 litres of the stuff back to England. Today it is Sicily's most eastern town between Mazara and Trapani.
The lagoon area, Sicily's largest is now a reserve of ecological significance. The salt works, here and at Saline, have operated for centuries. In some places there are remains of the original windmills that pumped the water and ground the salt deposits into fine grains. The pools bear resemblance to paddies with low strips of land dividing them, and the salt content makes for interesting reflections in the summer sunlight.
Trapani is the point where you can begin day trips by ferry to the islands of Egadi, Marettimo and Favignana , or make your way to the summit town of Erice and admire the view over the whole area below. During the Holy Week of Easter Trapani hosts a popular local procession through the town of ancient religious icons made by local craftsmen. The procession lasts all day and night with around 20 groups of these icons carried aloft finishing on Good Friday at the Church of the Purgatorio where they are housed. A must-try delicacy is Cuscus di Pesce, obviously a by-product of the many north African influences on the island. If you are a seafood fan of any dish you have come to the right island as Sicily is renowned for it's delicious seafood dishes.