Joys of Sicily
Last Winter we stayed in Licata, Sicily and were able to travel around the island to enjoy many of the sites, tastes and cultural events of Sicily. Many people have influenced the Sicily of today and while visiting around one can sometimes pick out a particular group’s influence and historical accomplishments.
One of the most impressive historical site is found in Agrigento, where you will find the Valley of the Temples built by the Romans and also there are many amazing churches in the town.
Temple of Jupiter, Agrigento
Majestic Church, Agrigento
Another ancient site is Villa Romana del Casale where one can see some of the most amazing preserved tile floors and while in the area visit the hill town of Piazza Armerina. The only thing to be careful of in Italian hill towns is the narrow streets, which can be a challenge to even the locals.
Floor Mosaics, Villa Romana del Casale
Elaborate Moasics, Villa Romana del Casale
Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina
Street Challenges, Piazza Armerina
Many churches, Piazza Armerina
I got lost in Piazza Armerina and had to pass through this way several times through narrow roads before I found the right road down the mountain. Hill towns are amazing to me and there are many, one in particular that we enjoyed was Modica.
Modica is famous for it’s Aztec styled chocolate, using the recipe from the Americas containing no milk products but adding natural flavors to enhance it. Each year there is a chocolate festival there and we enjoyed it immensely.
Modica
Modica Chocolate Festival
Speaking of festivals, there are many Mardi Gra celebrations throughout Sicily. We celebrated in Sciatta with lots of people, characters and color.
Sciacca Carnival Characters
Sacrificial Carnival Character, Sciacca
Sciacca has a bit of a twist to their main character in that after Carnival he is sacrificially burnt. There must be some message that we didn’t get, but a ritual that is essential there. Also, throughout Easter there are parades of images and processions through the streets to welcome participation.
One of my favorite towns is Trapani were you can get the best Arancini, cones of rice filled with meat and vegetable, which is unique to Sicily and comes from the Arab influence.
Just northeast of Trapani is a town up on a mountain called Erice, which has the best views all around and is an amazing old town in it’s own way.
View from Erice, Sicily
View from Erice Castle, Sicily
There are so many magnificent moments we had in Sicily and beautiful ones that I could not put them all in a blog unless it became a job, so I will just add here at the end a few more joys of Sicily. My next blog will probably be on Sardinia.
Opera House, Catania, Sicily
Imaginative fountain, Catania, Sicily
Interesting Food Displays, Sicily
Pastoral Views, Sicily
Example of Street Art, Sicily
Hope you enjoyed this small trip through Sicily through pictures and may you be able to visit this fascinating island.
No comments yet.