 | Noto - il Barocco di Noto (SR) Alcuni monumenti di NOTO (sicilia prov Siracusa) |
 | 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. |
 | Noto Noto Sicilia |
 | Catania The Sensational Sicily http://www.SensationalSicily.com Series of Films presented by Alessandro Sorbello http://www.AlessandroSorbello.com showcase one of the most beautiful regions on earth, rich in history, Sicily formed part of the cradle of civilization. This project is born from a collaboration between the Region of Sicily http://www.regione.sicilia.it/, The Italian Chamber of Commerce, New Realm Media http://www.newrealm.com.au and Alessandro Sorbello Productions. Profile of Catania (Greek: Κατάνη -- Katánē; Latin: Catana and Catina; Arabic: Balad-al-Fil or Medinat-al-Fil, Wadi Musa and Qataniyah) is the second-largest city of Sicily, southern Italy, and is the capital of the province which bears its name. Towns and Villages in the Province of Catania - Aci Bonaccorsi | Aci Castello | Aci Catena | Aci Sant'Antonio | Acireale | Adrano | Belpasso | Biancavilla | Bronte | Calatabiano | Caltagirone | Camporotondo Etneo | Castel di Judica | 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 | Sant'Agata li Battiati | Sant'Alfio | Santa Maria di Licodia | Santa Venerina | Scordia | Trecastagni | Tremestieri Etneo | Valverde | Viagrande | Vizzini | Zafferana Etnea With some 306,000 inhabitants (750,000 in the metropolitan area) it has the second highest population density on the island. The city's patron saint is Saint Agatha. Catania is located on the east coast of the island, halfway between Messina and Siracusa and is at the foot of the active volcano Mount Etna. History and Foundation All ancient authors agree in representing Catania as a Greek colony named Κατάνη (Katánē—see also List of traditional Greek place names) of Chalcidic origin, but founded immediately from the neighboring city of Naxos, under the guidance of a leader named Euarchos (Euarchus). The exact date of its foundation is not recorded, but it appears from Thucydides to have followed shortly after that of Leontini (modern Lentini), which he places in the fifth year after Syracuse, or 730 BCE. (Thuc. vi. 3; Strabo vi. p. 268; Scymn. Ch. 286; Scyl. § 13; Steph. B. s. v.) Greek Sicily The only event of its early history which has been transmitted to us is the legislation of Charondas, and even of this the date is wholly uncertain. But from the fact that his legislation was extended to the other Chalcidic cities, not only of Sicily, but of Magna Graecia also, as well as to his own country (Arist., Pol. ii. 9), it is evident that Catania continued in intimate relations with these kindred cities. It seems to have retained its independence till the time of Hieron of Syracuse, but that despot, in 476 BCE, expelled all the original inhabitants, whom he established at Leontini, while he repeopled the city with a new body of colonists, amounting, it is said, to not less than 10,000 in number, and consisting partly of Syracusans, partly of Peloponnesians. He at the same time changed its name to Αἴτνη (Aítnē, Aetna or Ætna, after the nearby volcano), and caused himself to be proclaimed the Oekist or founder of the new city. As such he was celebrated by Pindar, and after his death obtained heroic honors from the citizens of his new colony. (Diod. xi. 49, in 66; Strab. l.c.; Pind. Pyth. i., and Schol. ad loc.) But this state of things was of brief duration, and a few years after the death of Hieron and the expulsion of Thrasybulus, the Syracusans combined with Ducetius, king of the Siculi, to expel the newly settled inhabitants of Catania, who were compelled to retire to the fortress of Inessa (to which they gave the name of Aetna), while the old Chalcidic citizens were reinstated in the possession of Catania http://www.hotelsincatania.com , 461 BCE. (Diod. xi. 76; Strab. l. c.) The period which followed the settlement of affairs at this epoch appears to have been one of great prosperity for Catania, as well as for the Sicilian cities in general: but we have no details of its history till the great Athenian expedition to Sicily (part of the larger Peloponnesian War). On that occasion the Catanaeans, notwithstanding their Chalcidic connections, at first refused to receive the Athenians into their city: but the latter having effected an entrance, they found themselves compelled to espouse the alliance of the invaders, and Catania became in consequence the headquarters of the Athenian armament throughout the first year of the expedition, and the base of their subsequent operations against Syracuse. (Thuc. vi. 50-52, 63, 71, 89; Diod. xiii. 4, 6, 7; Plut. Nic. 15, 16.) We have no information as to the fate of Catania after the close of this expedition: it is next mentioned in 403 BCE, when it fell into the power of Dionysius I of Syracuse, who sold the inhabitants as slaves, and gave up the city to plunder; after which he established there a body of Campanian mercenaries. These, however, quitted it again in 396 BCE, and retired to Aetna, on the approach of the great Carthaginian armament under Himilco and Mago. The great sea-fight in which the latter defeated Leptines, the brother of Dionysius, was fought immediately off Catania, and the city apparently fell, in consequence, into the hands of the Carthaginians. (Diod. xiv. 15, 58, 60.) But we have no account of its subsequent fortunes, nor does it appear who constituted its new population; it is only certain that it continued to exist. Callippus, the assassin of Dion, when he was expelled from Syracuse, for a time held possession of Catania (Plut. Dion. 58); and when Timoleon landed in Sicily we find it subject to a despot named Mamercus, who at first joined the Corinthian leader but afterwards abandoned his alliance for that of the Carthaginians, and was in consequence attacked and expelled by Timoleon. (Diod. xvi. 69; Plut. Timol. 13, 30-34.) Catania was now restored to liberty, and appears to have continued to retain its independence; during the wars of Agathocles with the Carthaginians, it sided at one time with the former, at others with the latter; and when Pyrrhus landed in Sicily, Catania was the first to open its gates to him, and received him with the greatest magnificence. (Diod. xix. 110, xxii. 8, Exc. Hoesch. p. 496.) Roman rule In the First Punic War, Catania was one of the first among the cities of Sicily, which made their submission to the Romans, after the first successes of their arms in 263 BCE. (Eutrop. ii. 19.) The expression of Pliny (vii. 60) who represents it as having been taken by Valerius Messala, is certainly a mistake. It appears to have continued afterwards steadily to maintain its friendly relations with Rome, and though it did not enjoy the advantages of a confederate city (foederata civitas), like its neighbors Tauromenium (modern Taormina http://www.accommodationtaormina.com/) and Messana (modern Messina), it rose to a position of great prosperity under the Roman rule. Cicero repeatedly mentions it as, in his time, a wealthy and flourishing city; it retained its ancient municipal institutions, its chief magistrate bearing the title of Proagorus; and appears to have been one of the principal ports of Sicily for the export of corn. (Cic. Verr. iii. 4. 3, 83, iv. 23, 45; Liv. xxvii. 8.) It subsequently suffered severely from the ravages of Sextus Pompeius, and was in consequence one of the cities to which a colony was sent by Augustus; a measure that appears to have in a great degree restored its prosperity, so that in Strabo's time it was one of the few cities in the island that was in a flourishing condition (Strab. vi. pp. 268, 270, 272; Dion Cass. iv. 7.) It retained its colonial rank, as well as its prosperity, throughout the period of the Roman Empire; so that in the fourth century Ausonius in his Ordo Nobilium Urbium, notices Catania and Syracuse alone among the cities of Sicily. (Plin. iii. 8. s. 14; Ptol. iii. 4. § 9; Itin. Ant. pp. 87,90, 93, 94). After the fall of the Roman Empire In 535, Catania was recovered by Belisarius from the Goths, and became again, under the rule of the Byzantine Empire, one of the most important cities of the island. (Procop. B. G. i. 5.). It was extensively destroyed by earthquakes in 1169 and 1693 and by lava flows which ran over and around it into the sea. The first Sicilian university was founded there in 1434. Locational significance The position of Catania at the foot of Mount Etna was the source, as Strabo remarks, both of benefits and evils to the city. For on the one hand, the violent outbursts of the volcano from time to time desolated great parts of its territory; on the other, the volcanic ashes produced a soil of great fertility, adapted especially for the growth of vines. (Strab. vi. p. 269.) One of the most serious calamities of the former class was the eruption of 121 BCE, when great part of its territory was overwhelmed by streams of lava, and the hot ashes fell in such quantities in the city itself, as to break in the roofs of the houses. Catania was in consequence exempted, for 10 years, from its usual contributions to the Roman state. (Oros. v. 13.) The greater part of the broad tract of plain to the southwest of Catania (now called the Piano di Catania, a district of great fertility), appears to have belonged, in ancient times, to Leontini or Centuripa (modern Centuripe), but that portion of it between Catana itself and the mouth of the Symaethus, was annexed to the territory of the latter city, and must have furnished abundant supplies of corn. The port of Catania also, which was in great part filled up by the eruption of 1669, appears to have been in ancient times much frequented, and was the chief place of export for the corn of the rich neighboring plains. The little river Amenanus, or Amenas, which flowed through the city, was a very small stream, and could never have been navigable. Catania's renown in antiquity. Catania was the birth-place of the philosopher and legislator Charondas; it was also the place of residence of the poet Stesichorus, who died there, and was buried in a magnificent sepulchre outside one of the gates, which derived from thence the name of Porta Stesichoreia. (Suid. s. v. Στησίχορος.) Xenophanes, the philosopher of Elea, also spent the latter years of his life there (Diog. Laert. ix. 2. § 1), so that it was evidently, at an early period, a place of cultivation and refinement. The first introduction of dancing to accompany the flute, was also ascribed to Andron, a citizen of Catania (Athen. i. p. 22, c.); and the first sundial that was set up in the Roman forum was carried thither by Valerius Messala from Catania, 263 BCE. (Varr. ap. Plin. vii. 60.) But few associations connected with Catania were more celebrated in ancient times than the legend of the Pii Fratres, Amphinomus and Anapias, who, on occasion of a great eruption of Etna, abandoned all their property, and carried off their aged parents on their shoulders, the stream of lava itself was said to have parted, and flowed aside so as not to harm them. Statues were erected to their honor, and the place of their burial was known as the Campus Piorum; the Catanaeans even introduced the figures of the youths on their coins, and the legend became a favorite subject of allusion and declamation among the Latin poets, of whom the younger Lucilius and Claudian have dwelt upon it at considerable length. The occurrence is referred by Hyginus to the first eruption of Etna that took place after the settlement of Catania (Strab. vi. p. 269; Paus. x. 28. § 4; Conon, Narr. 43; Philostr. Vit. Apoll. v. 17;Solin. 5. § 15; Hygin. 254; Val. Max. v. 4. Ext. § 4; Lucil. Aetn. 602-40; Claudian. Idyll. 7; Sil. Ital. xiv. 196; Auson. Ordo Nob. Urb. 11.) Culture The opera composer Vincenzo Bellini was born in Catania , and a museum exists at his birthplace. The Teatro Massimo Bellini, which opened in 1890, is named after the composer. The opera house presents a variety of operas through a season, which run from December to May, many of which are the work of Bellini. In the late 1980s and 1990s Catania had a unique popular music scene with local radio stations. As a result of these idiosyncratic and regional radio stations Catania boasted a youth culture in which indie pop and indie rock from lesser known international bands like. As a result of the eclectic taste in indie pop and indie rock Catania has been the birthplace of a number of dynamic and unusual independent music record labels. The city is the home of Amatori Catania rugby union team, and Calcio Catania football team. Transportation Catania has a commercial seaport (Catania seaport) in the city, an international airport (Catania http://www.hotelsincatania.com Fontanarossa) to the South, a central train station (Catania Centrale) on the main lines Messina-Syracuse, Catania -Gela and Catania -Palermo http://www.hotelsinpalermo.com/ , as well as the privately owned small-gauge Circumetnea railway which runs for 110 km from Catania http://www.hotelsincatania.com round the base of Mount Etna. It attains the height of 976 m above sea level before descending to rejoin the coast at Giarre-Riposto to the North. In the late 1990s/early 2000s the first line of an underground railway was built, but never completed, under the city, extending the Circumetnea from its stop on the north side of town to the Central Railway Station on the southeast. Main Sights The symbol of the city is u Liotru, or the Fontana dell'Elefante and was constructed in 1736 by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. It is a manufact in lava stone portraying an elephant and surmounted by an obelisk. Legend has it that Vaccarini's original elephant was neuter, which the men of Catania http://www.hotelsincatania.com took as an insult to their virility. To appease them, Vaccarini appended appropriately elephantine testicles to the original statue. The Sicilian name u Liotru is perhaps a deformation of Heliodorus. A similar sculpture is in Piazza Santa Maria della Minerva in Rome. The city has been buried by lava a total of seven times in recorded history, and in layers under the present day city are the Roman city that preceded it, and the Greek city before that. Many of the ancient monuments of the Roman city have been destroyed by the numerous earthquakes. Catania http://www.hotelsincatania.com is the birthplace of the composer Vincenzo Bellini (1801). An opera house, the Teatro Massimo Bellini is named after him and a museum exists on the site of his birth. The city's monuments also include: The Piazza del Duomo is attractive, lively and contains the Elephant Fountain - the symbol of the city. The adjacent Cathedral (Duomo) is imposing and worth a visit. The food and fish markets just below the Piazza del Duomo are a lively and colourful place to visit. Via Etnea - the main shopping street, north of the Piazza del Duomo has most of the city's imposing building and is busy throughout the day and evening. Information courtesy of Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catania |
 | Rinascita di un mito Film dedicato alla città barocca per eccellenza, Noto (SR) patrimonio dell'umanità, in occasione della riapertura della cattedrale dopo il terremoto del 1996 |
 | festa San Corrado Festa paesana in onore del santo patrono protettore della città di Noto(Sr).. San Corrado. |
 | Segesta Sicily Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean basin. The channel between the italian mainland and the sicilian Island is only 2 miles wide. From the west coast of Sicily to the coast of north africa (Tunesia) it's about 100 miles. The Island of Sicily has a 620 mile long coastline on offer, however it is mostly rocky beach in the northand only sandy in the south. Sicily, may be just a short hop from the Italian mainland, across the narrow strait of Messina, but it is a world apart in atmosphere and attitude. Everything Italian seems a little more appetising here, not only the food but the history and culture as well.. Visitors discover that the Sicilian people are gracious, noble and welcoming and that the island itself offers natural and historic attractions of great beauty and enormous interest. The main cities of Palermo and Catania feature some of the most exquisite architecture in the world, a legacy of the many great civilisations that have vied for control of this strategically situated island over the centuries, from the Greeks and Romans, Arabs and Normans to more recently the French, Spanish and Italians. There are massive Romanesque cathedrals, the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, Roman amphitheatres and magnificent Baroque palaces. The continuous blue skies and temperate climate, lush vegetation and rich marine life all add to the island's appeal. Nature has given Sicily Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, a dramatic coastline and a fertile soil that gives forth much of the bounty on which the island's unique and delicious cuisine is based. |
 | Siracusa in Sicily Siracusa in Sensational Sicily http://www.SensationalSicily.com is presented by Alessandro Sorbello http://www.AlessandroSorbello.com showcase one of the most beautiful regions on earth, rich in history, Sicily formed part of the cradle of civilization. This project is born from a collaboration between the Region of Sicily http://www.regione.sicilia.it/, The Italian Chamber of Commerce, New Realm Media http://www.newrealm.com.au and Alessandro Sorbello Productions. Syracuse, Sicily, Comune di Siracusa, Municipal coat of arms, Country Italy, Region Sicily, Province Siracusa (SR), Mayor Giambattista Bufardeci (from June 14, 2004), Elevation 17 m, Area 204 km², Population - Total (as of December 31, 2004) 123,322, - Density 593/km² Frazioni Belvedere, Cassibile, Fontane Bianche, Isola, Santa Teresa Longarini Scalo, Targia, Patron Saint Lucy, - Day December 13 Location of Syracuse in Italy, Website: http://www.comune.siracusa.it UNESCO World Heritage Site Syracuse (Italian Siracusa, Sicilian Sarausa, Greek Συρακοῦσαι, Latin Syracusae) is an Italian city on the eastern coast of Sicily and the capital of the province of Syracuse. Once described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all," the ancient center of Syracuse is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sicily · Comuni of the Province of Syracuse Augusta | Avola | Buccheri | Buscemi | Canicattini Bagni | Carlentini | Cassaro | Ferla | Floridia | Francofonte | Lentini | Melilli | Noto | Pachino | Palazzolo Acreide | Portopalo di Capo Passero | Priolo Gargallo | Rosolini | Syracuse | Solarino | Sortino History Greek period Syracuse and its surrounding area have been inhabited since ancient times, as shown by the findings in the villages of Stentinello, Ognina, Plemmirio, Matrensa, Cozzo Pantano and Thapsos, which already had a relationship with Mycenaean Greece. Syracuse was founded in 734 or 733 BC by Greek settlers from Corinth and Tenea, led by the oecist (colonizer) Archias, who called it Sirako, referring to a nearby swamp. The nucleus of the ancient city was the small island of Ortygia. The settlers found the land to be fertile and the native tribes to be reasonably well-disposed to their presence. The city grew and prospered, and for some time stood as the most powerful Greek city anywhere in the Mediterranean. Colonies were founded at Akrai (664 BC), Kasmenai (643 BC) and Kamarina (598 BC). The descendants of the first colonist, called Gamoroi, held the power until they were expelled by the Killichiroi, the lower class of the city. The former, however, returned to power in 485 BC, thanks to the help of Gelo, ruler of Gela. Gelo himself became the despot of the city, and moved numerous inhabitants of Gela, Kamarina and Megera to Syracuse, building the new quarters of Tyche and Neapolis outside the walls. His program of new constructions included also a new theater, designed by Damocopos, which gave the city a flourishing cultural life: this in turn attracted personalities as Aeschylus, Ario of Metimma, Eumelos of Corinth and Sappho, who had been exiled here from Mytilene. The enlarged power of Syracuse made unavoidable the clash against the Carthaginians, who ruled over the Western part of Sicily. In the Battle of Himera, Gelo, who had allied with Theron of Agrigento, decisively defeated the African force led by Hamilcar. A temple, entitled to Athena (on the site of the today's Cathedral), was erected in the city to commemorate the event A Syracusan tetradrachm (c. 415--405 BC), sporting Arethusa and a quadriga.Gelo was succedeed by his brother Hiero, who fought against the Etruscans at Cumae in 474 BC. His rule was eulogized by poets like Simonides of Ceos, Bacchylides and Pindar, who visited his court. A democratic regime was introduced by Thrasybulos (467 BC). The city continued to expand in Sicily, fighting against the rebellious Siculi, and on the Tyrrhenian Sea, making expeditions up to Corsica and Elba. In the late 5th century BC, Syracuse found itself at war with Athens, which sought more resources to fight the Peloponnesian War. The Syracusans enlisted the aid of a general from Sparta, Athens' foe in the war, to defeat the Athenians, destroy their ships, and leave them to starve on the island (see Sicilian Expedition). In 401 BC, Syracuse contributed a force of 3,000 hoplites and a general to Cyrus the Younger's Army of the Ten Thousand. Not long after, in the early 4th century BC, the tyrant Dionysius the Elder was again at war against Carthage and, although losing Gela and Camarina, kept that power from capturing the whole of Sicily. After the end of the conflict Dionysius built a massive fortress on the Otrigia island of the city, as well as another 22 km-long walls line that encircled the whole of Syracuse. After another period of expansion, which saw the destruction of Naxos, Catania and Lentini, the city entered again in war against Carthage (397 BC). After various changes of fortune, the Africans managed to besiege Syracuse itself, but were eventually pushed back by a pestilence. A treaty in 392 BC allowed Syracuse to enlarge further its possessions, founding the cities of Adrano, Ancona, Adria, Tindari and Tauromenos, and conquering Reggio Calabria on the continent. Apart from his battle deeds, Dionysius was famous as a patron of art, and Plato himself visited Syrcacuse several times. His successor was Dionysius the Younger, who was however expelled by Dion in 356 BC. However, the latter's despotic rule led in turn to his expulsion, and Dionysius reclaimed his throne in 347 BC. A democratic government was installed by Timoleon in 345 BC. The long series of internal struggles had weakened Syracuse's power in the island, and Timoleon tried to remedy this situation, defeating the Carthaginians in 339 BC near the Krimisos river. The struggle among the city's parties, however, restarted after his death and ended with the rise of another tyrant, Agathocles, who seized power with a coup in 317 BC. He resumed the war against Carthage, with alternate fortunes. He however scored a moral success, bringing the war to the Carthaginians' native African soil, inflicting heavy losses to the enemy. The war, however, ended with another treaty of peace which did not prevent the carthaginians interfering in the politics of Syracuse after the death of the tyrant Agathocles (289 BC). The citizens therefore called Pyrrhus of Epirus for help. After a brief period under the rule of Epirus, Hiero II seized power in 275 BC. Hiero inaugurated a period of fifty years of peace and prosperity, in which Syracause became one of the most renowned capitals of Antiquity. He issued the so-called Lex Hieronica, which was later adopted by the Romans for their administration of Sicily; he also had the theater enlarged and a new immense altar, the "Hiero's Ara", built. Under his rule the most famous Syracusan lived, the natural philosopher Archimedes. Among his many inventions were various military engines including the claw of Archimedes, later used to resist a Roman siege. Literature figures included Theocritus and others. The siege of Syracuse in a 17th century engraving.Hiero's successor, the young Hieronymus (ruled from 215 BC), broke the alliance with the Romans after their defeat at Cannae and accepted Carthago's support. The Romans, led by consul Marcus Claudius Marcellus, besieged the city in 214 BC. The city held out for three years, but fell in 212 BC. It is believed to have fallen due to a peace party opening a small door in the wall to negotiate a peace, but the Romans charged through the door and took the city, killing Archimedes in the process. From Roman domination to the Middle Ages Though declining slowly by the years, Syracuse maintained the status of capital of the Roman government of Sicily and seat of the praetor. It remained an important port for the trades between the Eastern and the Western parts of the Empire. Christianity spread in the city through the efforts of Paul of Tarsus and Saint Marziano, the first bishop of the city, who made it one of the main centres of proselytism in the West. In the age the persecutions massive catacombs were carved, whose size is second only to Rome's ones. After a period of Vandal rule, Syracuse and the island was recovered by Belisarius for the Byzantine Empire (31 December 535). From 663 to 668 Syracuse was the seat of Emperor Constans II, as well as metropolis of the whole Sicilian Church. Another siege in 878, which ended with the fierce sack of the city, inaugurated two centuries of Muslim rule. Syracuse lost its capital status in favour of Palermo. The Cathedral was turned into a mosque and the quarter on the Ortygia island was gradually rebuilt along Islamic styles. The city, anyway, maintained important trade relationships, and housed a relatively flourishing cultural and artistic life: several Arab poets, including Ibn Hamdis, the most important Sicilian poet of the 12th century, lived here. In 1038, the Byzantine general George Maniaces reconquered the city, sending the relics of St. Lucy to Constantinople. The eponymous castle on the cape of Ortygia bears his name, although it was built under the Hohenstaufen rule. The Normans entered Syracuse, one of the last Saracen strongpoints, in 1085, after a summer-long siege by Roger I of Sicily and his son Jordan of Hauteville, who was given the city as count. New quarters were built, and the cathedral was restored, as well as other churches. In 1194 Henry VI of Swabia occupied Syracuse. After a short period of Genoese rule (1205--1220), which favoured a rise of trades, Syracuse was conquered back by emperor Frederick II. He began the construction of the Castello Maniace, the Bishops' Palace and the Bellomo Palace. Frederick's death brought a period of unrest and feudal anarchy. In the struggle between the Anjou and Aragonese monarchies, Syracuse sided with the Aragonese and defeated the Anjou in 1298, receiving from the Spanish sovereigns great privileges in reward. The pre-eminence of baronal families is also showed by the construction of the palaces of Abela, Chiaramonte, Nava, Montalto. Modern Syracuse The city in the following centuries was struck by two ruinous earthquakes in 1542 and 1693, and, in 1729, by a plague. The 17th century destruction changed forever the appearance of Syracuse, as well as the entire Val di Noto, whose cities were rebuilt along the typical lines of Sicilian Baroque, considered one of the most typical expressions of art of Southern Italy. The spread of cholera in 1837 led to a revolt against the Bourbon government. The punishment was the move of the province capital seat to Noto, but the unrest had not been totally choked, as the Siracusani took part to the 1848 revolution. After the Unification of Italy of 1865, Syracuse regained its status of provincial capital. In 1870 the walls were demolished and a bridge connecting the mainland to Ortygia island was built. In the following year a railway link was constructed. Heavy destruction was caused by the Allied and the German bombings in 1943. After the end of World War II the northern quarters of Syracuse experienced a heavy, often chaotic, expansion, favoured by the quick process of industrialization. Syracuse today has about 125,000 inhabitants and numerous attractions for the visitor interested in historical sites (such as the Ear of Dionysius). A process of recovering and restoring the historical centre has been ongoing since the 1990s. Nearby places of note include Catania, Noto, Modica and Ragusa. The Roman amphitheatre. The Maniace Castle. Detail of Palazzo Beneventano Del Bosco. View of Archimede Square. Ancient buildings. The Temple of Apollo, adapted to a church in Byzantine times and to a mosque under Arab rule. The Fountain of Arethusa, in the Ortygia island. According to a legend, the nymph Arethusa, hunted by Alpheus, took shelter here. The Theatre, whose cavea is one of the largest ever built by the ancient Greeks: it has 67 rows, divided into nine sections with eight aisles. Only traces of the scene and the orchestra remain. The edifice (still used today) was modified by the Romans, who adapted it to their different style of spectacles, including also circus games. Near the theatre are the latomìe, stone quarries, also used as prisons in ancient times. The most famous latomìa is the Orecchio di Dionisio ("Ear of Dionysius"). The Roman amphitheatre, of Roman Imperial age. It was partly carved out from the rock. In the centre of the area is a rectangular space which was used for the scenic machinery. The so-called Tomb of Archimede, in the Grotticelli Nechropolis. Decorated with two Doric columns, it was a Roman tomb. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, about 3 km outside the city, built around 6th century BC. Churches The Cathedral was built by bishop Zosimo in the 7th century over the great Temple of Athens (5th century BC), on the Ortygia island. This was a Doric edifice with six columns on the short sides and 14 on the long ones: these can still be seen incorporated in the walls of the current church. The base of the Greek edifice had three steps. The interior of the church has a nave and two aisles. The roof of the nave is from Norman times, as well as the mosaics in the apses. The façade was rebuilt by Andrea Palma in 1725--1753, with a double order of Corinthian columns, and statues by Ignazio Marabitti. The most interesting pieces of the interior are a font with marble basin (12th--13th century), a silver statue of St. Lucy by Pietro Rizzo (1599), a ciborium by Luigi Vanvitelli, and a statue of the Madonna della Neve ("Madonna of the Snow", 1512) by Antonello Gagini. Basilica of Santa Lucia extra Moenia, a Byzantine church built, according to tradition, in the same place of the martyrdom of the saint in 303 AD. The current appearance is from the 15th-16th centuries. The most ancient parts still preserved include the portal, the three half-circular apses and the first two orders of the belfry. Under the church are the Catacombs of St. Lucy. Church of San Paolo (18th century). Church of San Cristoforo (14th century, rebuilt in the 18th century). Church of Santa Lucìa alla Badìa, a Baroque edifice built after the 1693 earthquake. Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (13th century). Church of the Spirito Santo (18th century). Church of the Jesuite College, a majestic, Baroque building. Church of St. Benedict (16th century, restored after 1693). It houses a painting of the Death of Saint Benedict by the Caravaggisti Mario Minniti. Chiesa della Concezione (14th century, rebuilt in the 18th century), with the annexed Benedictine convent. Church of San Francesco all'Immacolata, with a convex façade intermingled by columns and pilaster strips. It housed and ancient celebration, the Svelata ("Revelation"), in which an image of the Madonna was unveiled at dawn of November 29. Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, built by the Normans and destroyed in 1693. Only partially restored it was erected over an ancient crypt of the martyr San Marciano, later destroyed by the Arabs. The main altar is Byzantine. It includes the Catacombs of San Giovanni, featuring a maze of tunnels and passages, with thousands of tombs and several frescoes. Other edifices and sights The Castello Maniace, constructed between 1232 and 1240, is an example of the military architecture of Frederick II's reign. It is a square structure with circular towers at each of the four corners. The most striking feature is the pointed portal, decorated with polychrome marbles. The important Archaeological Museum, with collections including findings from the mid-Bronze Age to 5th century BC. Palazzo Lanza Buccheri (16th century). Palazzo Mergulese-Montalto (14th century), which conserves the old façade from the 14th century, with a pointed portal. The Archbishop's Palace (17th century, modified in the following century). It houses the Alagonian Library, founded in the late 18th century. The Palazzo Vermexio, the current Town Hall, which includes fragments of an Ionic temple of the 5th century BC. Palazzo Francica Nava, with parts of the original 16th century building surviving. Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, originally built in the Middle Ages but extensively modified between 1779 and 1788. It has a pleasant internal court. Palazzo Migliaccio (15th century), with notable lava inlay decorations. The Senate Palace, housing in the court an 18th century coach. The Castle of Euryalos, built nine kilometres outside the city by Dionysius the Elder and which was one of the most powerful fortresses of ancient times. It had three moats with a series of underground galleries which allowed the defenders to remove the materials the attackers could use to fill them. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse,_Italy |
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