Sicily: A Mosaic of Civilizations
Sicily’s history spans some 4000 years. Since prehistoric times different peoples landed in Sicily attracted by its beauty, fertility and luxuriant vegetation. The island has seen many different cultures flourish on its soil, which have left behind a trail of impressive monuments, buildings and works of art which still today inspire wonder and admiration. Many of these peoples felt at home in Sicily, the land Homer described as "the wonderful island of Helios" the God of the Sun, the dream land of the ancients where “everything grew without being sown”.
Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, French and Spaniards have all left in their wake their mark on its appearance. It was a supremely desirable land, an exceptional crossroads of history where different races and civilisations merged.
Architectural Wonders
In Siracusa, Agrigento, Selinunte, Imera, the Greeks raised their grandiose temples in Doric style in the name of their Gods to bring heaven to earth through these magnificent buildings. They built their open-air theatres to both entertain and educate their fellow citizens.
The Romans decorated the pavements of their villas with stunning mosaics unique in the Mediterranean. The Normans erected the majestic Cathedrals of Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu.
The dazzling Byzantine mosaics confer to the Norman churches and cloisters their supreme perfection. The Swabians built up in a perfect geometric style their imposing castles and towers. To the Spaniards is due the baroque of churches and noble palaces which still today is source of astonishment in Palermo and in south-east regions of Sicily.
The Living Heritage of Sicily
Sicily’s melting pot is recognisable even today in the physical appearance of its inhabitants as well as in its customs, in the names of its towns and in the same language of the Sicilians. Whoever comes to Sicily today can discover and enjoy millennia of civilisation, culture, and history.
Sicily through the eyes of celebrities
Following you can find the comments of famous travellers who have visited our island, admired its natural and artistic beauties, experienced the warmth and hospitality of its inhabitants and who, simply, have... fallen in love with Sicily.