 | Roma - Villa Borghese Villa Borghese is a large landscape garden in the naturalistic English manner in Rome, containing a number of buildings, museums (see Galleria Borghese) and attractions. It is the second largest public park in Rome (80 hectares or 148 acres) after that of the Villa Doria Pamphili. The gardens were developed for the Villa Borghese Pinciana ("Borghese villa on the Pincian Hill"), built by the architect Flaminio Ponzio, developing sketches by Scipione Borghese, who used it as a villa suburbana, a party villa, at the edge of Rome, and to house his art collection. The gardens as they are now were remade in the early nineteenth century. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Borghese_gardens |
 | Bad Religion - Atomic Garden lyrics Words and music by Mr. Brett Atomic Garden Brett: "It's about nuclear proliferation". There's a videoclip (filmed and edited by Gregor Verbinsky) that can be found in the video Big Bang. Blender recorded a cover version for the album Fuck Hell -This is a Tribute to Bad Religion, without actually knowing the lyrics to the song. During Atomic Garden in Las Vegas in 1999 Greg replaced Gorbachev's name with that of Slobodan Milosevic (that was in the middle of the bombing of Serbia). Generator is an acclaimed album by the punk rock band Bad Religion. Although the album was completed in the spring of 1991, it was not released until 1992. It was also the band's first release with drummer Bobby Schayer, who replaced Pete Finestone during the Against the Grain tour. Today, Generator is remembered as one of the best albums to emerge from the early 90s punk scene, and one of the most enduring works of Bad Religion's career. The album was originally planned for release sometime around mid 1991, but the band had decided not to release it. They wanted to take a break after the Against the Grain tour ended, so its release was forced to be delayed until early 1992. Like Bad Religion's first four albums (minus Into the Unknown), Epitaph Records released a remastered version of Generator on April 6, 2004, with two exclusive tracks that were taken from the split 7" with Noam Chomsky issued by Maximum Rock'N Roll in 1991. These versions feature Finestone on drums, making it his final recordings with Bad Religion. The 1992 original version of the album on CD is now out of print. Some parts by Greg from the book "is God, good, bad or irrelevant?" I am convinced that, in time, as we abolisch the myth that truth is something larger than our naturalistic investigations, fewer and fewer people will find it necessary to subscribe to the supernaturalistic. I interviewed the Oxford evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins about this topic and he put it this way: Things "out there" that haven't been discovered yet are "waiting to be drawn into embrace of naturalism. " There is no metaphysical reality to God. God is an epiphenomenon of the human brain. Evolution still hasn't caught on universally, particularly in the USA where children are taught ancient creation stories instead of modern evolution stories. I predict it will be another 100 years, if education isn't totally corrupted, before Americans understand and accept Darwinism. In any event, children grow up and become university professors and join psychology departments. Then they write books with theses like "god exists in our neurons" or some other nonsense, completely mudding the issue of metaphysics. If God is no more than neurons in action, God doesn't exists! It is the burden of the theist to demonstrate that God exists outside the neurons. Attempting to show that the universe is elaborately designed doesn't discount evolution to any degree and it certainly doesn't suggest to me that there is a God. It just means some very elaborate things can materialize given enough time. |
 | Sicily Nature, Parks & Enviroment Natural enviroment in Sicily Italy. Sicily maintains numerous nature reserves and green areas. http://www.SensationalSicily.com These, scattered throughout the nine provinces, have remarkably increased in number in the last half century. The Botanic Garden in Palermo, stretching over an area of 10 hectares, is a real green lung and an important sanctuary for various plant species. It also contains busts dedicated to historical figures. The Entella Grotto Nature Reserve, in the Palermo area, offers a splendid environment that includes a man-made lake. It is close to archaeological-historical cities Elima and Entellina and provides a critical habitat for a rich wildlife, among which is the falco peregrinus. On a small island some 15km off the Palermo coast, is the Isola delle Femmine (Island of Women) Nature Reserve with its lush vegetation and a natural patrimony represented by leguminosae, graminaceous and composite species; varieties of flowers like nigella, reeds, romulea and Iris; numerous animal communities such as the mediterranean gull, the crested lark and the heron. Remnants of Punic and Roman amphoras were unearthed on the island. The Sugherata Reserve, stretching over an area of 3,000 hectares in the territory of Niscemi, Caltanissetta, is mostly composed of holm-oaks, evergreens and shrubs. The Monte Pellegrino Oriented Nature Reserve, in the Palermo province, now entrusted to the Associazione Nazionale Rangers D'Italia, is home to over a thousand plant and wildlife communities, the latter also including a reptile group. The Favorita Park, within the reserve boundries, was used as a royal hunting lodge at the time of Ferdinand III of Bourbon. Many amazing sites can be found there, such as the Valle del Porco, largely covered with rock-plants and holm-oaks. The local fauna mainly consists of raptors like the buzzard, the falco peregrinus and the stone-chat. In the Gela area, is the Nature Reserve of the Bievere Lake, housing a variety of submerged and sheltering plants, such as orchids, the rare white-broom and the corn-flower. This is most recommended for nature lovers and birdwatchers, it being home to duck species like the porchard and the widgeon, and to many migrators. Several mammal species also inhabit the reserve such as the fox and the weasel, and raptors like the duck-hawk and the marsh-herrier. The Grotta Conza Reserve, in the territory of Palermo, extends over an area of 4 hectares largely populated by the Mediterranean bush. The presence of limestone carbonate rocks gives this grotto-reserve a geological importance. The LIPU oasis of the Montallegro Lake, Agrigento, covering an area of 500,000 sqm, is a crucial stopping place for migratory birds. Its scanty vegetation enhances birdwatching. The Reserve of Platani and Capo Bianco rivers, in the Agrigento area, stretches on a rocky promontory with long beaches. The promontory, once home to greek colonies -- among which was Heraclea Minoa -- is an interesting archaeological park most characterized by fine wooded stretches inhabited by foxes, weasels and duck-hawks. The Regional Nature Reserve Torre Salsa, in the Stella Mount district, east of Siculiana Marittima, comprises the mouth of the Salso river and a small sandy beach. Its pristine coastal environment is a major attraction for ecotourists. The Etna Park offers a wide choice of spots; among these is the Valle del Bove (Oxen Valley), a sunken area (hence called valley) with great crevasses and chasms. Photography and nature lovers can enjoy amazing sites and landscapes, such as Bocca Nuova, Monte Zuccolaro or the Grotta delle Vannette. The Etna volcano has always been regarded as a major symbol of Sicily. Today rising over 3,000m, it began to form about 500,000 years ago. Its vegetation varies according to altitude, ranging from pistachio and holm-oaks on the western side, to bay-oaks, oaks, black hornbeams and chestnut woods on the eastern side. Higher up are the remnants of ancient woods which have been largely replaced by pastures and endemic plants. The Bosco di Santo Pietro, in the proximity of Caltagirone, in the southern side of the Erei Mountains, has a richest flora composed of over 300 species, among which cork- and holm-oaks dominate. The fauna is mostly represented by winged animals and migrators. Such spots as the Cava Cannizzolo, the Cava Vaccarizzo and the Cava Imboscata are a must-see. The area between Trapani and Paceco houses a fine nature reserve with splendid naturalistic attractions and major stopping place for migratory birds. Especially renowned are its salt pans, re-thriving of late, after a period of decline. The Valle del Sosio, Agrigento, is particularly interesting, with numerous fine spots and large areas of holm-oaks, walnuts, strawberry-trees. Many fossils, today preserved at the Museum Geologico Gemellaro in Palermo, were recovered across its territory. Along the coast south of Siracusa is the beautiful Vendicari nature reserve, a major rest place for the migratory avifauna. The Southernmost of all Italian reserves, it is comprised of three large marshy areas with several outlets to the sea. The site known as Calamosche, covering its northern stretch, provides with a beautiful environment with a richest marine wildlife and unspoilt sea floors. A variety of flora inhabited the reserve, dominated by the mediterranean bush and other plants such as the sea-fennel and the spiny chicory. The local fauna includes the water-hen and several communities of migratory birds. The site boasts an important history, having been a Phoenician port and still housing such interesting archaeological specimens as a necropolis and a church from the Byzantine age. A Swabian watch-tower, referred to as the Castello di Vendicari, is situated there near a tuna-fishery. In the Belice's lower valley there is a gorgeous green area, alas not protected by environmental laws; the site is known as the Riserva del Castello della Pietra, deriving its name from a ruined Norman fortification there located. Covered with a short vegetation, natural bonsai species, capers and dwarf fan palms, it also houses remnants from the Greek, Arab, Roman and Norman epochs. In the Messina province is the Valle degli Eremiti (the valley of the hermits), a naturalistic site deriving its name from a neighboring hill, once a refuge for hermits. A monastery, now reduced to ruins, was erected here by the Carmelitani Friars in the 1500s. The valley provides impressing spots for excursions on foot. The Parco Minerario Floristella Grottacalda, in the Enna province, was an important mining area providing a livelyhood for thousands of workers. Today, it represents a fine specimen of industrial archaeology, combined with naturalistic spots, where visitors can still smell the acrid scent of sulphur. The highly injured Palazzo Pennisi, at Floristella, once the residence of the owners and the headquarter of the mining business, is supposed to be soon restored to house a Labour Museum. The Sambughetti-Campanito Oriented Nature Reserve, Enna, covers a large area of mediterranean bush. Oaks, holm- and bay-oaks dominate the landscape. The reserve includes the Sambughetti Mount (1508m), with remains of an ancient beech-wood, and several small lakes. The Altesina Mount Oriented Nature Reserve, Enna, is a major tourism attraction. Populated by pines, eucalyptuses and beech-woods, it is home to a richest wildlife. A fine archaeological site and the Nicoletti Park further enriches the Reserve. Between Vittoria and Camarina, Ragusa, the Aleppo Pine Oriented Reserve is a sanctuary for some of the last remaining specimens of kermes oaks. The local fauna includes such species as the owl and the jay. The Oriented Nature Reserve of the Irminio River's mouth, Ragusa, offers a rich vegetation composed of a great variety of communities such as the prickly juniper and the lentisk; on the riverside are marsh-reeds, tamerisks and reeds. The fauna includes, among the others, the marsh turtle, the coleopter and the nightingale. A most interesting and noted naturalistic area stretches from the Lauro Mount to the Sicily Channel, still in the Ragusa district. This provides a critical habitat for a variety of animals and plants. It is divided into three large zones: the Dirillo riverside, the Cava di Bocampello and the Cava Biddieni. The district of the Alcantara river is a major tourism resort, designated a reserve as to preserve its precious resources and environment. Rose in the Nebrodi mountains, the Alcantara river -- one of the four main rivers in Sicily -- flows into the Ionian Sea, after bathing several cities between Messina and Catania. First just a little creek, it grows in size as it approaches the Etna volcano. Its gradual erosion has created spectacular gorges, today most crowded by tourists. The flora is mostly composed of citrus grove, vineyard, oak wood, varieties of flowers, corn poppy and myrtle. A richest wildlife, including communities of raptors and migratory birds, inhabits the area. The Madonie Park comprises a range of impressing naturalistic places. Tracts of rich Mediterranean bush stretches in the vicinity of Polizzi Generosa, near Palermo. The area is scattered with farmhouses and cave-dwellings where innumerable relics have been discovered. Nearby is a fine site known as Padella, with splendid landscapes and spots including a botanic garden. A site of high naturalistic and archaeological value is that bordered by the San Calogero Mount and the valleys of the Torto and San Leonardo rivers. Here stood the ancient Himera. A dam on the San Leonardo river is today a major attraction for tourists. The Oriented Nature Reserve of Favara and Granza woods is a vast land covered with trees like cork-oaks, holm-oaks and shrubs. It is home to a rich fauna including the fox, the marten, reptiles, amphibians and birds. The vast area of the Sicani Mountains, in the Palermo province, offers as much appreciated sites as those in the Nebrodi. With several lakes -- that of Prizzi is particularly interesting -- and naturalistic sites, it provides an ideal habitat for migratory birds and other communities. The nature reserves of Monte Carcaci, a paradise of endemic plants, and Monte Genuardo, covered by woods and a dense undergrowth inhabited by rare raptors and mammals are also worth-mentioning. Here also stands an Abbey, dedicated to Santa Maria del Bosco, dating from the late 1500s. The Oriented Nature Reserve Bagni di Cefalà Diana e Pizzo Chiaristella is especially noted for its Arab thermal baths. The Nature Reserve Pizzo Cane, Pizzo Trigna and Grotta Mazzamuto, one of the largest in the province, features a mostly inaccessible territory comprised of densest woods. It protect rare raptors such as the royal eagle and the red kite. Palermo's reserve of Serre di Ciminna, with its uncontaminated landscapes, is of high geological value, dating from the Miocene. The Integral Nature Reserve Grotta di Carburangeli is characterized by interesting karst phenomenons. Rare specimens of stalagmites and stalactites were created throughout the centuries by the constant dripping of the water. A rare group of bats inhabits the Reserve, what contributed to enhance its scientific importance. The Oriented Nature Reserve Capo Rama stretches on the coast facing the Golfo di Castellammare and Terrasini. It provides with a striking sea landscape with rocky strips, grassy vegetation, shrubs, dwarf fan palms and other species. The Integral Natural Geological Reserve of Contrada Scaleri, in the province of Caltanissetta, is splitted into two areas. Of high scientific value for geomorfologic researches, this is the first reserve being destined for mostly scientific research. Of geoligical value is also the Integral Nature Reserve Lago Sfondato thanks to the presence of sulphur and gypsum rocks and karst phenomenons. The landscape sees a predominance of orchids and grassy vegetation. The lake, on the slopes of the Monte Pestichino, has a karstic origin, formed by the collapse of gypsum deposits. The Nebrodi Mountains, stretching along the thyrrenian coast of Sicily, are characterized by densely wooded areas. The twenty-one municipalities comprised in the territory retain much of their historical heritage, with precious specimens of old fortifications and constructions. Amazing lakes, valleys and peaks dominate the landscape; the richest flora and fauna has been protected since the establishment of the outstanding Parco Naturale Regionale dei Nebrodi. Here live the tortois, the porcupin, the ousel, the hawk, the falcos peregrinus, the owl, horses and many other animal communities. Several villages in this area go back to the period of the Greek decline in Sicily, founded by refugees who evaquated their threatened cities and moved inland up the course of the main rivers. Relics of fortified cities and hamlets contribute to the tourism importance of the Park. Especially worth-seeing are the small cities of Ficarra, San Fratello, Montalbano Elicona, S. Marco D'Alunzio, Mistretta, Roccella Valdemone. The Pergusa Lake district, in the Enna province, stretched, in ancient times, over a vast territory populated by richest fauna, today rarer and rarer. The decline, started under the Roman domination responsible for a massive deforastation, continued throughout the centuries notably due to the establishment of the landowning system. The situation has only recently improved thanks to environmental measures and restrictions (hunting was forbidden several years ago). Remains of a necropolis and other relics were recovered from the Monte Cozzo Matrice, one of the tallest peaks in the district. Near Sperlinga, amidst a densely wooded area flows the Salso river, salted, since it crosses some salt works on its course, and surrounded by oaks and a rich fauna. The Altesina Mount, the tallest in the Erei Mountains, is home to archaeologic relics and to an uncontaminated environment where bay-oaks, holm-oaks, pines, eucalyptuses, poplars and mediterranean bush dominate the landscape. A natural habitat for apennine fauna is here provided. Worth-mentioning is the area known as Vallone di Piano della Corte, with abundant precipitations throughout the year and impressing gorges. The mouth of the Belice River, declared as a Nature Reserve in 1984, protects an endangered African landscape, with plenty of sandy dunes and water courses. This area, running between Marinella di Selinunte and Porto Palo, includes two fine coastal strips with aquatic and marshy vegetation. It is a highly windy area with a sub-tropical climate, covered by bushes and abundant grassy vegetation. Wildlife includes the heron, the kingfisher, reptiles, the marine turtle and other communities. The Gorgo Lake area, near Montallegro, is one of several green oasises scattered around the Agrigento province. Albeit not largest, it is considered a real ornithologic paradise. Interventions by both WWF and LIPU have helped protect the area from poachers and pollution. In the Enna province are the Bosco di Rossomanno, between Aidone and Piazza Armerina, well-endowed with natural resources and a rich flora, the Bosco della Baronessa, which is a state property, and the Vallone Strazzavertole, with abundant vegetation mostly composed of oaks and holm-oaks. The Grotte della Gulfa, at a few distance from Alia, Palermo, is a complex of caves and grottoes dug into a cliff, once used as a storehouse by local peasants. Very characteristic is the Tholos, a wide circular space of uncertain origin, inside the grotto, believed to date from before the this was dug. The Montagna Grande Natural Park is a cherished jewel on Pantelleria island, mostly covered with pines, holm-oaks and shrubs like the prickly pear cactus, the wild broom, the lentisk and graminaceous species. SICILY'S STATE FOREST PROPERTIES The tour through Sicily's naturalistic riches comprises several of what are referred to as Aree Attrezzate, several equipped state forests and areas. PALERMO In the Palermo province are: Casaboli, covered by pines, aleppo pines, holm-oaks and bushes, and protecting a fauna composed by the wild rabbit, sparrow communities and more; Renda-Aglisotto, reafforested with Mediterranean, Canarian and black pines, cypresses, holm-oaks and maples; the Gradara Mount, in a mountainous landscape dominated by woods of pines and cypresses; the Montagna Longa-Santa Venera; Santa Caterina, a wood at some 900m above sea level providing with a beautiful panorama; the Piano Zucchi, in the heart of the Madonie mountains, with a profusion of black pines, holm-oaks, cypresses and maples. TRAPANI The Trapani province includes a number of state forest areas: Erice Vetta, in the proximity of Erice, a natural area mostly covered with holm-oaks and bay-oaks; the Monte Erice, with mediterranean pines and eucalyptuses, and a man-made lake inhabited by ducks and gooses; the Finestrelle, with an interesting Agri-Forestry museum accessible with authorization by the local forest office; the Inici, highly damaged by a fire but still offering a breathtaking coastal view between Castellammare and Balestrate, AGRIGENTO The Cammarata Mount, comprising a densely wooded area of conifers; Monte Sara, a 4 hectares wooded area of mediterranean pines and dwarf fan palms; the Arancio Lake, rich in pines and eucalyptuses. CALTANISSETTA The province of Caltanissetta comprises four equipped areas: The Parco Attrezzato Comunelli, covered with eucalyptuses and Mediterranean pines, and comprising the Comunelli dam; Alzacuda and Raffo Rosso, both rich in eucaliptyses and picturesque trails; Mustogarufi, with fine trails most frequented by tourists. CATANIA Over 48,000 hectares of woods, mostly composed of conifers, surround the Etna volcano. Monte Boiardo, a wooded area with a predominance of poplars, maples and pines; the Camisa, falling in Demanio Forestale Flascio (State property), covered with plopars, cypresses, pines, bay-oaks and with a dense undergrowth. Motorized vehicles are not allowed here. Nature lovers can enjoy hikes along many beautiful trails; the Demanio Granvilla, a state property with plenty of pines, cypresses, eucalyptuses and a dense undergrowth; the Di Ganzaria district, a wood that offers opportunity for amazing excursions and walks amidst mediterranean pines, bay-oaks, cypresses, eucalyptuses, cork-oaks and a rich undergrowth. ENNA The Enna territory comprises: The Ronza, covered with pines, eucalyptuses, false acacias, hosting a rich fauna including birds, fallow-deers and wild-boars. Provided with developed accommodation facilities, this is much frequented by tourists; Selsa Perugina, accessible not far from the Pergusa Lake; the Casale, covered by chestnut and cherry trees. MESSINA The state forests in the province of Messina are mainly scattered in the Nebrodi and Peloritani Mountains. The vegetation here is that typical of the mountainside spanning beeches, turkey-oaks, pines, chestnut-trees. Several well-equipped areas have grown to remarkable tourism resorts frequented all the year round; the Piano Margi, covered with mediterranean pines and chestnuts, and home to an artificial hilly lake and a towering rock called the Castello di Margi. Then there are: the Madonnuzza, deriving its name from a church dedicated to the Virgin of Camaro, largely composed by bay-oaks, pines and chestnuts; the Crupi, with a nice pine-wood and accommodation facilities; the Pantano, covered with pines and eucalyptuses, and only accessible on foot; the Camaro, in the Peloritani Mountains, consisting of an ancient forest in a highly panoramic position, dominated by pines and acacias; the Erbe Verdi, with mediterranean and black pines. Finally is the Demanio Forestale Savoca, also known as Cavagna. This, accessible through a wood of oaks and chestnuts, offers dramatic views of the Misitano creek and the Etna volcano and is particularly renowned for its delicious porcini mushrooms. RAGUSA The Ragusa province also counts a quantity of woods and forests often alternating with fields zig-zagged by the typical dry-stone walls: Calaforno, covered with mediterranean pines and oriental planes, and inhabited by deers and wild-boars; the Bosco Arcibressi, accessible by a mountainous densely wooded tract, with accommodation facilities, a fauna including fallow-deers, tibetan goats and birds, and a lake inhabited by gooses and ducks; the Canalazzo, a wood of most oaks, holm oaks and bay-oaks. TRAPANI The Monte Cofano, in the Trapani province, with its rich flora of most endemic plants and dwarf fan palms closes the list. |
 | is3s [el jardin de las delicias] oneDotZero Buenos Aires Sensual and interactive installation A garden with 10 electro-organic plants. Real plants acting as input to generate sound and image. 10 live being whom are touched by persons (as any other plant is touched) generate sound an image on the screen, specially build to detect this interface. A real sensual relationship between technology, touch and the organic. When each plant is touched generates a distintive sound and activate the light screen in a particular way. Each plant will have an anima or electronic concience, a spirit with individual sinthetic character (programmed) that will develop with the art piece. They will connect among themselves with love and envy when nobody interact with them. Synthetic emotions are determined by the interaction with the audience, generating pieces that display the dialogue of emotive-electronic relations between the plants. Maybe a plant have been touched more than others generating envy or admiration between the rest of the plants. At the same time they develop relationships of a certain affinity. All this dialogue can be seen in the light screen in the form of sound and images, creating a extraordinary composition that is in constant progress. The composition is made up between the universal conception generated (electronic) by each particular plant and concerning the other plants and the audience. All will be surrounded in a organic aesthetic, naturalistic but electronic, an electronic and magic forest where matter gain life. i2off.org + r3nder.net www.estadolateral.net |
 | Sensational Sicily - An Overview Presented by Alessandro Sorbello http://www.alessandrosorbello Sensational Sicily http://www.sensationalsicily.com SICILY Provinces: Palermo, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zASbi4_L4rM Agrigento, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZr3PHeapSc Caltanissetta, Catania, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkG6Xq-9v00 Enna, Messina, Ragusa, Siracusa, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ_w6m31QY8 Trapani, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut97_ZrRp04 This is the biggest island in the Mediterranean, separated from the Italian peninsula by the strait of Messina. It has important mountain groups: Peloritani, Nebrodi, Madonie, Iblei. The coasts offers a landscape of beauty almost everywhere; groups of smaller islands are scattered round the coast (the Eolie or Lipari, Ustica, the Egadi. the isle of Pantelleria and the Pelagie). The Etna, rising in the center of a volcanic area of Sicily, is the highest active volcano in Europe (3,323 mt). The isles of Stromboli and Vulcano also are active volcanoes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WQk-YQjl9g PALERMO Historical Palermo sits compactly around one central crossroads, the Quattro Canti, which is at the core of four distinct quarters. The Albergheria and the Capo quarter, the latter beyond the cathedral, lie roughly west of Via Maqueda; the Vucciria and old harbour of La Cala and the La Kalsa, lie to the east, closest to the water. In these areas you'll find virtually all the surviving ancient monuments and buildings of the city: the hybrid Norman-Arab-Baroque Cattedrale Sannta Maria Assunta and nearby Palazzo dei Normanni (Royal Palace), with its superb, mosaic-decorated chapel, the Cappella Palatina; the glorious Norman churches of La Martorana and San Giovanni degli Eremeti; the Baroque opulence of San Giuseppe dei Teatini. Located in the center of Palermo, near Via Libertà.and Piazza Croci, Villa Trabia is one of the few aristocratic homes open to the public. This estate, which is now owned by the City of Palermo, houses civic offices and a public library. The palace is set in a beautiful wooded park open to the public most days. Built for the Prince of Trabia (Lanza family) in the eighteenth century, Villa Trabia provides a glimpse of the lifestyle of the Palermitan aristocracy of that era. Just outside Palermo you may visit the La Favorita and La Zisa villas and the Capuchin Convent, with its catacombs. http://www.sensationalsicily.com/palermo.html Castelbuono: visit the church Matrice Vecchia and the Ventimiglia castle. Cefalù with its many beaches is an ideal place for a holiday. In town visit the Cathedral, richly decorated with mosaics, the Museum Mandralisca and the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna. Monreale: this town overlooks the "Conca d'Oro," the beautiful valley beyond Palermo and is is world-renowned for its cathedral - S.Maria la Nuova, a dazzling mixture of Arab, Byzantine and Norman artistic styles framed by traditional Romanesque architecture. The beautiful mosaics in the cathedral are said to be one of the world's largest displays of this art and take 6,340 sqm of the duomo's interior surface, covering practically every inch. The masterpiece and key representation is the domineeringly majestic Christ Pantocrator located on the central apse over the main altar. The entire image is 13 meters across and seven meters high.The splendid cloister of the Benedictine abbey alone would make Monreale famous. Located next to the cathedral, these 228 columns, some with mosaic inlay, each with a meticulously stone carved capital, enclose the gardens of the abbey and are really worth a visit. Mondello is a most renowned seaside resort, few kilometres from Palermo with crystal clear water and rich underwater vegetation and caves. Ustica: This is a solitary island (36 miles from Palermo), which has recovered its nature resources thanks to the Marine Reserve that protects its extraordinary seabeds. The under-water flora and fauna are multiplying their species and they can all be visited with guided tours. AGRIGENTO - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZr3PHeapSc Located on a plateau overlooking Sicily's southern coast, Agrigento was founded as Akragas around 582 BC by a group of colonists from Gela, who themselves were the immediate descendants of Greeks from Rhodes and Crete. Akragas was renamed Agrigentum by the Romans, and Girgenti by the Saracens, only to be christened Agrigento in 1927. At the southern limit of the ancient city, in the so-called "Valley of the Temples", the city architects erected their sacred buildings during the fifth century BC. The oldest of Akragas's temples is the Tempio di Ercole, the other ones are the Tempio della Concordia, dated to around 430 BC and perfectly preserved, Tempio di Giunone, Tempio di Giove and the so-called Tempio dei Dioscuri. The medieval city of Agrigento is not without a certain charm. High in the historical center of the city, the Romanesque Gothic cathedral, built during the fourteenth century, still displays some of its medieval character, as does the thirteenth-century Church of San Nicola. Also visit the S.Spirito Abbey and the Museo Archeologico Regionale. http://www.sensationalsicily.com/agrigento.html Canicattì: From Agrigento you may easily reach this town, famous for its grape variety Italia. Visit the church of S. Diego, the Chiesa del Purgatorio, typical of the 18th century, and the richly decorated Chiesa di S. Francesco. Amongst the many beautiful monuments in Canicattì, there is the Mother Church of S.Pancrazio, home to precious pieces of art, like a marble statue representing the Ecce Homo and a painting of the Holy Family with S. Anna and S. Gioacchino. Also the Castello Bonanno, the Torre dell'Orologio (clock tower), the Palazzo of Baron La Lomia and Palazzo Bartocelli. Palma di Montechiaro: founded in 1637 by Prince of Lampedusa Carlo Tomasi. One of his descendants, namely Giuseppe Tomasi of Lampedusa, was the author (1958) of the celebrated novel The Leopard, successively adapted into a film by director Luchino Visconti, about the decline of an aristocratic family of Palermo between 1860, year of Garibaldi's Exploit, and 1910. You can still visit the Castle of Montechiaro at the top of a rocky cliff. Porto Empedocle: in the Località Caos you may visit the home of Luigi Pirandello. Naro has many baroque churches and the Chiaromonte castle. Sciacca: a thermal town where you can visit the Cathedral, S.Margherita and the Steripinto, a particular building of the xv century. Caltabellotta: in this old town have a look at the churches of S.Agostino, S.Salvatore and the Chiesa Madre. Lampedusa: This small (20 km2 ) calcareous island, scorched by the hot sun all year round and characterised by its African-type landscapes and by the "dammusi" (stone houses), is surrounded by the most transparent Mediterranean waters. The main attraction of Lampedusa is the great solitude of this island and the strong contrast between the aridity of its land, covered with Indian figs, agaves, carobs and low bushy scrub on one hand, and the sharp colours of an extremely crystal-clear sea on the other. Also Linosa, another island, but of vulcanic origin, is worth a visit; its populated area is represented by a little village dominated by the typically "dammusi". Lampione - uninhabited crag with a lighthouse, it lies 20 miles from Lampedusa, can be reached only from there. CATANIA A splendid Baroque City at the slopes of the Etna, from the eighteenth century on, Catania has been considered the second most important city of Sicily. Subjected to the Etna Vulcan, this town has been damaged by lava flows and earthquakes on several occasions. The city has two Roman amphitheatres, one which was built on a pre-existent Greek one and the other which is a completely Roman structure. Visit the Ursino Castle, built on the orders of Emperor Frederick II von Hohenstaufen in the first half of the thirteenth century, and now a museum open to the public. The oldest part of the Duomo (Cathedral) dates back to 1092; it hosts the tombs of Frederick III of Aragona, who ruled from 1296-1337, and the one of Constance, wife of Frederick IV of Aragona. Most of Catania's wide streets and palazzi were built during the eighteenth century, a characteristic is the gray, volcanic stone used in the buildings. This was the period in which noble families from across eastern Sicily, used to build palazzo in Catania, beginning a subtle social and economical rivalry with Palermo. The two most famous citizens are S.Agata, the martyr patroness of the city and Vincenzo Bellini, the opera composer. Stroll through Via dei Cruciferi and visit the churches of S.Benedetto, S.Giuliano and S.Niccolò. http://www.sensationalsicily.com/catania.html Caltagirone: Once the location of a Saracen fortress, this charming mountain town is famous for its hand made, traditional ceramics. There are many cultural bodies who promote this aspect of the city like the Ceramic School and the Ceramic Museum. Since the earthquake of 1693 the night dedicated to S.Giacomo(24/25 July) has been celebrated with huge images made up of colored lights or 'luminarie' which have to illuminate a staircase. The 'Scala' itself has been used since 1785 and just like ancient times over 4000 sand weighted papers cartons 'coppi' containing terracotta lanterns and the finest of oil are used for the illumination. Acireale - The Duomo, S.Sebastiano, walk to S.Maria della Scala - a picturesque fishing village. Pantelleria: The largest of Sicily's islands and just thirty miles from the African coast. An ideal spot for your holiday, with its beautiful beaches, caves and the volcanic Lago di Venere with thermal spring water. The Montagna Grande mountain is surrounded by 24 "cuddle" (small craters that recall the volcanic origins of this islands), lava flows, residues of pumice-stone, basalts, fumaroles and thermal sources (Gadir, Nicà, Satana). There are many grottos where it is possible to take healthy steam baths; one of the most famous ones is the 'Stufa' (stove) del Bagno di Arturo near Sibà. SIRACUSA Until Roman times, this was the most powerful and magnificent city in all Sicily. Today, it is an impressive and intriguing sight, with a mixture of late Baroque architecture - vivid yet damaged by the passage of time, and the reconstruction of the city following the terrible earthquake of 1693 - and ancient classical architecture. It is situated in an exquisite landscape of sea, rocks and Mediterranean vegetation. Siracusa may be divided in several areas. The most ancient part of town is the island of Ortigia, linked to the mainland by the Ponte Nuovo. Have a stroll and look at the Fonte Aretusa, related to the myth of the goddess Diana's nymph. Don't miss the beautiful Baroque Duomo with its ornate chapels, carved Doric columns, frescoes and statues. The other Baroque buildings, on the same square, include the striking Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco whith a lovely courtyard, the Palazzo del Senato and the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia (S.Lucy is the patron saint of this town). Visit the Linear Theatre and the churches of S. Maria delle Colonne, S.Giovanni, S.Pietro, Palazzo Mergulese-Montalto. Palazzo Bellomo hosts an Art gallery ( Entombment of St. Lucy by Caravaggio, Annunciation by Antonello da Messina), and the imposing Maniace Castle with its Swabian architecture don't has to be missed. Via della Maestranza is one of the oldest and interesting streets of Ortigia, literally stuffed with Baroque buildings: look out for Palazzo Interland Pizzuti, Palazzo Impellizzeri, Palazzo Bonanno, Palazzo Romeo Bufardeci, S.Francesco all'Immacolata. We also recommend a walk through Mastrarua, another old street, Via Mirabella and Corso Matteotti, full of shops. Also interesting: the Church of S.Spirito and the Belvedere S.Giacomo which offers a spectacular view. In the archaeological area on the mainland part of town, called Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, you may visit the Ear of Dionysius (situated in the Latomia del Paradiso, a garden with orange and palm trees), the ancient Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre and the Tomb of Archimedes. In the Regional Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi you may view many interesting finds dating back to Sicilian prehistory. In the areas of Tyche and Akradina: visit the Papyrus Museum, the S.Giovanni Catacombs, the Crypt of S.Marciano, the Basilica of S.Giovanni Evangelista and S.Lucia extra moenia. Also worth: a walk to the Eurialo Castle, on the north side ot town. A favourite excursion is a boat trip starting at the Fonte Ciane, at about 8 km out of town; it will get you to the spot, where, according to Ovid, the Rape of Proserpina took place. Noto: Defined as "Stone garden", Noto was entirely built with a soft stone that, owing to the effect of sun rays, has gradually acquired a beautiful honey shade. Noto: Is the capital of the 18th century Sicilian and European baroque, and its religious and civil monuments are the most valuable examples of talented artists of the time: Gagliardi, Sinatra, Labisi along with local skilled workers. Have a tour, starting with the Cathedral, Palazzo Ducezio, the Holy Crucifix, the Monastery of "SS. Salvatore", "S. Francesco", S. Domenico, Santa Chiara. Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata has incredible grotesque sculptures; Via Nicolaci", is called the street of balconies. But Noto is not only Baroque; its whole territory offers the necropolis of "Noto Antica" and of "Castelluccio", the archaeological finds of the Greek town of Eloro, the sanctuaries of "S. Corrado Fuori le Mura" and of "S. Maria della Scala", the rupestrian and Byzantine oratories, the beautiful sea and the naturalistic reserves of "Vendicari" and "Cava Grande". RAGUSA Set on a wide limestone hill between two deep valleys it is divided into two distinct areas: Ragusa Ibla the old town with its lovely baroque architecture, and Ragusa (the upper side). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ragusa,_Italy Ragusa Ibla's best-known church is the Basilica di San Giorgio, whose entrance is reached by climbing a spacious set of elegantly decorated curving stairs. The majestic dome of the church towers above the town and dominates the Piazza del Duomo and its neat rows of palm trees beneath it. The basilica was built in 1738 by the famous architect Rosario Gagliardo and is considered Gagliardo's baroque masterpiece. The beautiful piazza before the church is surrounded by striking aristocratic buildings like Palazzo Arezzi and Palazzo Donnafugata. The splendid Villa Comunale (public gardens) is situated at the far end of Ragusa Ibla. Very well-mantained, it offers beautiful sights of the mountain ranges and down over the Irminio valley. The Church of San Giorgio il Vecchio has an amazing Gothic-Norman doorway. Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Idria, dated 1639 has a decorated bell-tower with lovely floral panels of majolica from Caltagirone. Palazzo Cosentini is the most typical of all the 18th century buildings in town, with elegant balconies supported by ornamented corbels and sculptured animals and masks typical of the Baroque Art. Castello di Donnafugata: this castle, situated in proximity to Santa Croce Camerina, about 20km from Ragusa is a major attraction for tourists. Thanks to its scenery, it was the setting of many films. Comiso - The church of S.Francesco, the Mother Church, Palazzo Iacono-Ciarcià and the Palazzo Occhipinti, one of the most beautiful buildings in town, with its elegant baroque façade attributed to Gagliardi. Modica - The stately Cathedral of San Giorgio is one of the most important and impressing religious monuments in all Sicily. It has an impressive flight of 250 steps, that starts down from Corso Garibaldi. The façade rises through three levels to a single bell-tower; its aisles richly decorated with stuccoes and paintings. Palazzo Polara stands right of the Cathedral -a splendid baroque building also with an elegant flight of steps. Don't miss S.Pietro, the Chiesa del Carmine and Palazzo Tomasi-Rossi with an impressive stone portal and beautiful balconies at the top floor. Scicli - known as the Baroque Jewel. It boasts many lovely churches as the Madonna delle Milizie and Sant'Ignazio, both with precious stuccoes and paintings. The 15th century Chiesa di San Bartolomeo houses a wooden nativity. Palazzo Beneventano, one of the most impressive baroque monuments in the entire province. Other interesting monuments are the 1386's Monastery of the Carmelite Fathers, San Matteo and Santa Croce. The Via Mormino Penna, lined with amazing palazzi, churches and monuments, provides an unforgettable baroque atmosphere. Here stand the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), the Palazzo Spadaro and the churches of San Giovanni, San Michele and Santa Teresa. The Santuario della Madonna delle Milizie near the coast is also worth a visit. TRAPANI Walking in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the old Loggia, Via Torrearsa, Via Garibaldi, you'll notice lots of historical palazzi and churches of notable artistic worth: Palazzo Cavarretta, the Cathedral, Palazzo Riccio di Morana, Palazzo San Rocco, Palazzo Riccio di San Gioacchino, Palazzo Lucatelli, the Chiesa del Collegio. In the Chiesa del Purgatorio, the sacred statues of the Misteri of Trapani are kept. The Chiesa di San Pietro treasures the precious organ built by Francesco La Grassa from Palermo. The Corso then leads into the so-called Ghetto, Via Della Giudecca and Via degli Ebrei, which was inhabited by the Jewish community up to the XV century. The Northern part of the town is characterised by the Litoranea (seafront) with the picturesque Piazza del Mercato del Pesce (Fish Market Square). Villa Margherita, the "lung" or outdoor space of the town has giant ficus trees and is ideal for a relaxing walk. EGADI ISLANDS Favignana: this island is the largest of the archipelago of the Egadi and a popular tourist destination because of its wonderful sea characterised by numerous coves. It is an island rich in history, the famous naval battle between the Romans and the Carthaginians was fought here. Favignana is also famous all over the world for its "mattanza" (slaughter of tuna fish) tradition. Levanzo - The smallest of the Egadi Islands, is an ideal place for trekking. Marettimo is the furthest from Trapani and therefore this island still is a real natural paradise, with rugged and enchanting landscape and crystal clear water. Mozia - One of the largest Phoenician centres in Sicily. The archaeological excavations have revealed precious finds such as the necropolis, a house of mosaics, and a paved road. One should not miss a visit to the Whitaker Museum that conserves archaeological finds of great importance such as the Giovane (a young man) dressed in a tunic, a statue of Greek origin from the second half of the V century BC. San Vito Lo Capo - An ideal holiday destination thanks to its deep blue sea and its fine white sandy beach. Close to the Natural Reserve Lo Zingaro. Salemi - Interesting Norman Castle and ruins of the Byzantine Basilica of San Miceli. Erice - A charming hill town which overlooks the sea. Marsala, famous for its wine and with many sandy beaches. Alcamo - Basilica of S.Maria Assunta, Castel of the Counts of Modica, Annunziata Church and the typical Baroque Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Miracoli. Selinunte and Segesta, two famous ancient greek towns where you can still walk through the temples and old theatre. MESSINA Two great earthquakes hit this city, in 1783 and 1908, and during WWII it was heavily bombed. Visit the Museo Regionale with Byzantine and Norman works as well as works by Messina's famous artists, Antonello da Messina and Girolamo Aliprandi. Also interesting the Mannerist building - Monte di Pietà and the church Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani. A short way from the Duomo, this church was built in the 12th century during the Norman rule and remodelled later on by the Catalans. The apse is a fine specimen of the Norman composite style, that combines Roman, Moorish and Byzantine features. The Duomo has been rebuilt in Norman style, after the earthquake of 1908. From the inside you may access the Treasury, which displays a fine collection of religious objects and vestments, reliquaries, candlesticks, chalices and a fine 1600's monstrance, containing a host. The astronomical clock on the bell-tower to the left of the cathedral has a mechanism dating from 1933.Don't miss a look at it on midday! It consists of several layers, each with a different display endowed with a separate movement. At the bottom, a two-horse chariot sets the day of the week; above, the central figure of Death looks at the four ages of man that pass before him. At the third stage, the Sanctuary of Montalto sets the scene for a group of figures which, according to the time of year, represent the Nativity, Epiphany, Resurrection and Pentecost. At the top, the tableau enacts a scene relating to a local legend whereby the Madonna delivers a letter to the ambassodors of Messina in which she thanks and agrees to protect the inhabitants of the town who were converted to Christianity by St. Paul the Apostle. The female bell-strikers are the local heroines Dina and Clarenza, during the period of resistance against the Angevins (1282).. The southern side of the bell-tower shows a perpetual calendar, the astronomical cycle marked by the signs of the zodiac, and the different phases of the moon. When the clock strikes midday, all the mechanical figures come to life. On the Piazza del Duomo you may admire the Fontana di Orione with allegoric statues of four rivers. For excursions in the area: Ganzirri and Torre Faro, two characteristic, pictoresque fishing villages full of life. Or the medieval hill village of Savoca which boasts interesting churches like the Convento dei Capuccini, the 15th century Chiesa di San Michele with fine Gothic-Renaissance portals, and the Chiesa Madre. From Casalvecchio you'll have a panoramic view over the Ionian coastline and may visit the Chiesa Madre, decorated with Taormina marble. Tindari: Piazzale Belvedere, Greek theatre and Basilica at the archaeological site. AEOLIAN ISLANDS A volcanic archipelago on Sicily's North-Eastern Tyrrhenian coast with the islands of Lipari ( the largest one), Salina (a green island with many wineyards), Filicudi, Alicudi, Stromboli (with an active volcano), Panarea (a jet-set island) and Vulcano (famous for its fango baths). The Greeks who colonized the islands around 580BC named them after the god of the winds Aeolus. These beautiful spots offer an enchanting landscape, great beaches with white sand, castles, thermal resorts and medieval structures and are a main tourist resort in Summer. On Lipari the volcanic phenomenon can be observed in the island's thermal springs (up to 600), in its solfataras and in its 12 volcanic systems converging towards the 602 metres of Monte Chirica. This elevated and craggy island has spectacular beaches and breathtaking ragged coasts. Panarea - The main village, Contrada San Pietro, consists of a group of white houses clustered along the eastern side of the island. The built-up area is crowned with olive trees and protected by huge walls. The other two villages north and south of San Pietro are Dittella and Drauto.We recommend a boat tour to the nearby small islands of Basiluzzo, Dattilo and Lisca Bianca, to the Scoglio Bottaro (with its underwater "fumaroles"). Salina - More than 400 different types of plants grow here. It is also the island with the highest peaks such as the three volcanoes that originated e.g Monte Fossa delle Felci (962 m), which is partially covered by one of the most beautiful strawberry tree woods of the entire Mediterranean. Vulcano - famous for the baths in the warm waters of its submarine springs. This 21 km2, 500 metre high (Monte Aria) isle is the Aeolian island closest to the Sicilian coast. Its name is a clear description of its geography: a land of lava and fumarole, yellow sulphur rocks and black sands all worth a visit. Stromboli - This 924 metre high lava mountain (Serra Vancori) which drops abruptly down to 2000 metres below sea-level is Europe's biggest active volcano after Etna. During the night, the glittering "sciara" of fire (the red-hot flow descending towards the sea) can be seen from the boats and from Panarea. During the day, the smoke of the peak joins the steam raising up from the water that cools down the red-hot lava detritus which have plunged into the water after sliding down the slope of the coast. The white houses of the little village create a unique contrast with the black lava background dotted with dark-green bushes. http://www.sensationalsicily.com/aeolianislands.html TAORMINA A 19th century haunt of the English aristocracy, it has long been Sicily's most famous resort town and it was here that D.H. Lawrence was inspired to write Lady Chatterly's Lover. Taormina has endlessly winding medieval streets and tiny passages. The most famous view you can get on your strolls is the one overlooking the Greco-Roman amphitheatre, one of Sicily's largest, with Mount Etna and the sea in the background. The Teatro Greco was founded by Greeks in the third century BC but the visible remains are almost entirely Roman. Between July and August the theatre hosts an international arts festival including film, theatre and music. CALTANISSETTA Located in the very heart of Sicily: It boasts a baroque Cathedral with frescoes by the Flemish artist Guglielmo Borremans, 17th century Palazzo Moncada, the remnants of the Saracen Pietrarossa Castle, the church of S.Sebastiano as well as many other Baroque churches. A little out of town you'll reach the Romanesque Abbey of S. Spirito -- founded by Roger I in the 11th century. It hosts a beautiful wooden crucifix of the 15th century. Gela: Regional Archaeological Museum, the Greek Acropolis and excursion to the Castle of Falconara. Licata: worth a visit, offering many 18th century buildings, the Church of S.Domenico with a beautiful cloister and the Carmine Church. ENNA Also called "Belvedere della Sicilia", as it occupies a magnificent position on a plateau 948m above sea level. It's rather unknown as a touristic destination, yet it hosts many interesting churches and museums. Duomo: although largely rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 16th and 17th centuries, the cathedral with its coffered ceilinghas maintained its Gothic apses. Alessi Museum: houses the collections of Canon Alessi.17th and 18th century sacred vestments embroidered with gold thread and coral; selection of paintings, Greek, Roman and Byzantine coins; an assortment of archaeological finds ranging from prehistoric times to the Late Middle Ages. Lombardia Castle which looks out over the valley; S.Michele Arcangelo, S.Marco, erected on the site of an old synagogue. Don't miss a stroll in the Quartiere Fundrisi with its typical single-storey houses. |
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