Italian News Headlines 05-12-2024: A museum dedicated to Lord Byron is set to open in a house in Ravenna, where the English poet conducted a love affair with the aristocratic owner's wife --- Via Montenapoleone, in Milan, has overtaken New York's Fifth Avenue, to become the most expensive retail destination in 2024, according to a report be real estate group, Cushman & Wakefield --- Matilde Lorenzi, 19 year old Italian junior ski champion, has died following a crash while training in northern Italy --- Italian doctors in Turin have saved the sight of a baby in a surgical procedure that used 3D technology in a world first --- Italian yacht, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, loses to Ineos Brittania in the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Series in Barcelona --- Salvatore (Totò) Schillaci, FIFA World Cup winner in 1990, has died at the age of 59. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 --- Charles Leclerc wins at Monza for Ferrari in Italian F1 Grand Prix --- 7 dead as luxury, Italian-built superyacht sinks off the north coast of Sicily --- Controversy as tennis no.1, Jannik Sinner, is cleared of doping charges

Region of Sicily

Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. It is one of the autonomous regions of Italy. The region has an overall area of 25,708 square kilometres and a population of five million. The capital of Sicily is Palermo and the provinces are: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani. Sicily's closest neighbour is Calabria, 3 kilometres to the east across the straits of Messina. The straits widen to about 16 kilometres at the southern end.

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Throughout much of its history, Sicily has been a valuable prize, fought over by many warring nations, mainly due to its important position on the Mediterranean trade routes. Cicero described Siracusa as the greatest and most beautiful city of all Ancient Greece. Archimedes, one of the ancient world's greatest mathematicians, was a native Sicilian, born in the city of Siracusa.

Sicily has a rich and unique culture, particulary in the arts, music, literature, food, wine and architecture. The Sicilian economy is largely based on agriculture, and in particular orange and lemon orchards. More recently international tourists have begun to value the natural beauty of the Sicilian countryside. Sicily is also home to many historic sites such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Greek theatre at Taomina and the Roman ruins at Siracusa. The great baroque cities of Ragusa, Modica and Noto are also well worth a visit.

Marsala, on the western side of the island, was the starting point for Guiseppe Garibaldi and his army of 'i Mille' (The Thousand) in their campaign to unify Italy, 'The Risorgimento'.

Sicily is well known as the home of one of Europe's most spectacular volcanoes. Mount Etna, rising to 3,320 metres, is the tallest, active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. It is located near Catania on the eastern side of the island. The Aeolian Islands, to the north-east of Sicily, include Stromboli which is currently active, and also Vulcano, Vulcanello and Lipari which are all dormant.

Sicily is equally well known for organised crime. Epitomised by the Corleone family in the Godfather films, Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian Mafia, has played a significant part in Sicilian life since the mid 19th century. Their battle against the government reached a low point in 1998 when magistrates Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino were assassinated outside Palermo. The ensuing public outcry and subsequent government crackdown has severely restricted Cosa Nostra operations ever since.

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a captivating region that embodies the essence of Italy's rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, this diverse region has been shaped by a multitude of civilizations throughout the centuries, resulting in a unique blend of influences that can be seen in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. From ancient ruins and medieval towns to stunning coastlines and fertile plains, Sicily offers a wealth of experiences for travelers seeking an immersive and unforgettable journey.

Sicily's strategic location has made it a coveted prize for many civilizations throughout history. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish have all left their mark on the island, shaping its cultural and historical landscape. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento stands as a testament to Sicily's Greek heritage, with its well-preserved temples dedicated to various gods. The archaeological park of Syracuse showcases the remnants of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, including the stunning Greek theater and the Ear of Dionysius, a cave with remarkable acoustics. Additionally, the Arab-Norman architecture in Palermo and Monreale, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exemplifies the island's diverse cultural influences.

Sicilian culture is a rich tapestry woven with influences from various civilizations. Its cuisine, in particular, is renowned for its flavors and variety. The island's fertile lands yield an abundance of fresh produce, resulting in delicious dishes that combine Italian, Greek, Arab, and Spanish influences. Sample traditional Sicilian specialties such as arancini (fried rice balls), caponata (a sweet and sour eggplant dish), and cannoli (sweet pastries filled with ricotta). Sicilian craftsmanship is also highly regarded, with intricate ceramics, delicate lacework, and vibrant puppetry being notable examples. Visitors can explore traditional workshops in towns like Caltagirone and Taormina to witness the skilled artisans at work.

Sicily's architectural heritage is a testament to its rich history and cultural diversity. Norman and Arab styles dominate many of the island's structures, blending harmoniously with Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. Palermo, the regional capital, boasts architectural wonders such as the Palermo Cathedral, a magnificent blend of Norman, Gothic, and Baroque styles, featuring stunning mosaics and royal tombs. The Cappella Palatina, within the Royal Palace of Palermo, showcases extraordinary Byzantine mosaics. The Cathedral of Monreale, with its breathtaking golden mosaics depicting biblical scenes, is considered one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture. The hilltop town of Erice, with its medieval streets and ancient fortifications, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, while the Baroque town of Noto dazzles with its ornate facades and grand piazzas.

Sicily's diverse geography is a playground for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The island's coastlines are adorned with picturesque beaches and azure waters. Taormina, with its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the towering Mount Etna, is a popular destination that combines natural beauty with ancient ruins, such as the Greek Theater. The Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a tranquil escape with their volcanic landscapes, hidden coves, and charming villages. Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, is a major attraction, drawing visitors who want to witness its fiery eruptions and explore its lunar-like landscapes. Inland, the Madonie and Nebrodi mountain ranges provide opportunities for hiking, offering breathtaking vistas and encounters with quaint villages that seem frozen in time.

Sicily's vibrant festivals and traditions offer a glimpse into the island's lively spirit and deep-rooted customs. The Holy Week in Enna, known as the "Sicilian Jerusalem," is a deeply religious event, featuring processions and reenactments that depict the Passion of Christ. The feast of Saint Agatha in Catania is a grand celebration, honoring the city's patron saint with a spectacular procession and elaborate fireworks display. The Infiorata in Noto is a remarkable floral festival, where intricate designs made from colorful flower petals adorn the streets. The Carnival of Acireale showcases vibrant parades, costumes, and masks, while traditional puppet shows, known as Opera dei Pupi, are still performed in Palermo, preserving a centuries-old tradition.

Sicily is a region that captivates the imagination with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Its ancient ruins, architectural marvels, and delectable cuisine offer a glimpse into the influences of various civilizations that have shaped the island over the centuries. From exploring archaeological treasures and indulging in mouthwatering delicacies to immersing oneself in vibrant festivals and basking in the beauty of its coastlines and mountains, Sicily offers a remarkable journey that combines the allure of the past with the wonders of the present. A visit to Sicily is an opportunity to delve into a region that seamlessly weaves together history, culture, and natural beauty, leaving travelers with indelible memories and a deep appreciation for this enchanting corner of Italy.

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Flag of Sicily
Flag of Sicily
Location of Sicily
Location of Sicily
Provinces of Sicily
Provinces of Sicily
  • Comunes of Sicily
    • Agrigento
      • Agrigento
        Alessandria della Rocca
        Aragona
        Bivona
        Burgio
        Calamonaci
        Caltabellotta
        Camastra
        Cammarata
        Campobello di Licata
        Canicattì
        Casteltermini
        Castrofilippo
        Cattolica Eraclea
        Cianciana
        Comitini
        Favara
        Grotte
        Joppolo Giancaxio
        Lampedusa e Linosa
        Licata
        Lucca Sicula
        Menfi
        Montallegro
        Montevago
        Naro
        Palma di Montechiaro
        Porto Empedocle
        Racalmuto
        Raffadali
        Ravanusa
        Realmonte
        Ribera
        Sambuca di Sicilia
        San Biagio Platani
        San Giovanni Gemini
        Santa Elisabetta
        Santa Margherita di Belice
        Sant’Angelo Muxaro
        Santo Stefano Quisquina
        Sciacca
        Siculiana
        Villafranca Sicula

    • Caltanissetta
      • Acquaviva Platani
        Bompensiere
        Butera
        Caltanissetta
        Campofranco
        Delia
        Gela
        Marianopoli
        Mazzarino
        Milena
        Montedoro
        Mussomeli
        Niscemi
        Resuttano
        Riesi
        San Cataldo
        Santa Caterina Villarmosa
        Serradifalco
        Sommatino
        Sutera
        Vallelunga Pratameno
        Villalba

    • Catania
      • Aci Bonaccorsi
        Aci Castello
        Aci Catena
        Aci Sant’Antonio
        Acireale
        Adrano
        Belpasso
        Biancavilla
        Bronte
        Calatabiano
        Caltagirone
        Camporotondo Etneo
        Castel di Iudica
        Castiglione di Sicilia
        Catania
        Fiumefreddo di Sicilia
        Giarre
        Grammichele
        Gravina di Catania
        Licodia Eubea
        Linguaglossa
        Maletto
        Maniace
        Mascali
        Mascalucia
        Mazzarrone
        Militello in Val di Catania
        Milo
        Mineo
        Mirabella Imbaccari
        Misterbianco
        Motta Sant’Anastasia
        Nicolosi
        Palagonia
        Paternò
        Pedara
        Piedimonte Etneo
        Raddusa
        Ragalna
        Ramacca
        Randazzo
        Riposto
        San Cono
        San Giovanni la Punta
        San Gregorio di Catania
        San Michele di Ganzaria
        San Pietro Clarenza
        Santa Maria di Licodia
        Santa Venerina
        Sant’Agata Li Battiati
        Sant’Alfio
        Scordia
        Trecastagni
        Tremestieri Etneo
        Valverde
        Viagrande
        Vizzini
        Zafferana Etnea

    • Enna
      • Agira
        Aidone
        Assoro
        Barrafranca
        Calascibetta
        Catenanuova
        Centuripe
        Cerami
        Enna
        Gagliano Castelferrato
        Leonforte
        Nicosia
        Nissoria
        Piazza Armerina
        Pietraperzia
        Regalbuto
        Sperlinga
        Troina
        Valguarnera Caropepe
        Villarosa

    • Messina
      • Acquedolci
        Alcara Li Fusi
        Alì
        Alì Terme
        Antillo
        Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto
        Basicò
        Brolo
        Capizzi
        Capo d’Orlando
        Capri Leone
        Caronia
        Casalvecchio Siculo
        Castel di Lucio
        Castell’Umberto
        Castelmola
        Castroreale
        Cesarò
        Condrò
        Falcone
        Ficarra
        Fiumedinisi
        Floresta
        Fondachelli-Fantina
        Forza d’Agrò
        Francavilla di Sicilia
        Frazzanò
        Furci Siculo
        Furnari
        Gaggi
        Galati Mamertino
        Gallodoro
        Giardini-Naxos
        Gioiosa Marea
        Graniti
        Gualtieri Sicaminò
        Itala
        Leni
        Letojanni
        Librizzi
        Limina
        Lipari
        Longi
        Malfa
        Malvagna
        Mandanici
        Mazzarrà Sant’Andrea
        Merì
        Messina
        Milazzo
        Militello Rosmarino
        Mirto
        Mistretta
        Moio Alcantara
        Monforte San Giorgio
        Mongiuffi Melia
        Montagnareale
        Montalbano Elicona
        Motta Camastra
        Motta d’Affermo
        Naso
        Nizza di Sicilia
        Novara di Sicilia
        Oliveri
        Pace del Mela
        Pagliara
        Patti
        Pettineo
        Piraino
        Raccuja
        Reitano
        Roccafiorita
        Roccalumera
        Roccavaldina
        Roccella Valdemone
        Rodì Milici
        Rometta
        San Filippo del Mela
        San Fratello
        San Marco D’Alunzio
        San Pier Niceto
        San Piero Patti
        San Salvatore di Fitalia
        San Teodoro
        Santa Domenica Vittoria
        Santa Lucia del Mela
        Santa Marina Salina
        Santa Teresa di Riva
        Sant’Agata di Militello
        Sant’Alessio Siculo
        Sant’Angelo di Brolo
        Santo Stefano di Camastra
        Saponara
        Savoca
        Scaletta Zanclea
        Sinagra
        Spadafora
        Taormina
        Terme Vigliatore
        Torregrotta
        Torrenova
        Tortorici
        Tripi
        Tusa
        Ucria
        Valdina
        Venetico
        Villafranca Tirrena

    • Palermo
      • Alia
        Alimena
        Aliminusa
        Altavilla Milicia
        Altofonte
        Bagheria
        Balestrate
        Baucina
        Belmonte Mezzagno
        Bisacquino
        Blufi
        Bolognetta
        Bompietro
        Borgetto
        Caccamo
        Caltavuturo
        Campofelice di Fitalia
        Campofelice di Roccella
        Campofiorito
        Camporeale
        Capaci
        Carini
        Castelbuono
        Casteldaccia
        Castellana Sicula
        Castronovo di Sicilia
        Cefalà Diana
        Cefalù
        Cerda
        Chiusa Sclafani
        Ciminna
        Cinisi
        Collesano
        Contessa Entellina
        Corleone
        Ficarazzi
        Gangi
        Geraci Siculo
        Giardinello
        Giuliana
        Godrano
        Gratteri
        Isnello
        Isola delle Femmine
        Lascari
        Lercara Friddi
        Marineo
        Mezzojuso
        Misilmeri
        Monreale
        Montelepre
        Montemaggiore Belsito
        Palazzo Adriano
        Palermo
        Partinico
        Petralia Soprana
        Petralia Sottana
        Piana degli Albanesi
        Polizzi Generosa
        Pollina
        Prizzi
        Roccamena
        Roccapalumba
        San Cipirello
        San Giuseppe Jato
        San Mauro Castelverde
        Santa Cristina Gela
        Santa Flavia
        Sciara
        Scillato
        Sclafani Bagni
        Termini Imerese
        Terrasini
        Torretta
        Trabia
        Trappeto
        Ustica
        Valledolmo
        Ventimiglia di Sicilia
        Vicari
        Villabate
        Villafrati

    • Ragusa
      • Acate
        Chiaramonte Gulfi
        Comiso
        Giarratana
        Ispica
        Modica
        Monterosso Almo
        Pozzallo
        Ragusa
        Santa Croce Camerina
        Scicli
        Vittoria

    • Siracusa
      • Augusta
        Avola
        Buccheri
        Buscemi
        Canicattini Bagni
        Carlentini
        Cassaro
        Ferla
        Floridia
        Francofonte
        Lentini
        Melilli
        Noto
        Pachino
        Palazzolo Acreide
        Portopalo di Capo Passero
        Priolo Gargallo
        Rosolini
        Siracusa
        Solarino
        Sortino

    • Trapani
      • Alcamo
        Buseto Palizzolo
        Calatafimi Segesta
        Campobello di Mazara
        Castellammare del Golfo
        Castelvetrano
        Custonaci
        Erice
        Favignana
        Gibellina
        Marsala
        Mazara del Vallo
        Paceco
        Pantelleria
        Partanna
        Petrosino
        Poggioreale
        Salaparuta
        Salemi
        San Vito Lo Capo
        Santa Ninfa
        Trapani
        Valderice
        Vita

Hotels in Sicily
Hotels in Sicily
SicilyWEATHER
Sicily Climate (Palermo)
  High Low Sun Rain
Jan 9 2 3 55
Feb 11 3 4 53
Mar 13 4 5 63
Apr 17 7 6 55
May 21 11 8 35
Jun 25 15 9 44
Jul 28 17 10 34
Aug 28 17 9 54
Sep 25 14 7 61
Oct 20 11 6 74
Nov 15 8 4 71
Dec 12 3 3 77
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
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