"To
have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all,
for Sicily is the clue to everything." - once
said W. Goethe. I truly agree with this quote so that’s why I want to share my
one of the greatest travelling experience.
When I was thinking
where I should go this year to feel amazing and see the most beautiful
sceneries at same time, there was no doubt Sicily would be the greatest choice.
8 days of sun, fresh food, best Sicilian wine, history and Etna volcano…
Let’s begin with the
first stop – Segesta (Segesta). This city best known for completely isolated
from the urban world ancient incomplete temple which is located on the hill and
its construction dates back to the late 5th century BC. After
attacking enemies, the temple has never been finished. The scenery of this
temple is absolutely amazing because of its majesty and its golden-colored
stones perfectly reflects the sunlight and at the same time creates mysterious
impression on that hill.
Then follows Syracuse
(Syracusa) city. The Old Town is located on the island of Ortigia and
is protected by UNESCO. In Syracuse you will find everything you need for a
curious tourist: you can walk along the waterfront to the back of the old
beautiful buildings, the imaginary Sicilian food in the restaurants. By the
way, one of the most famous people from Syracuse is an ancient mathematician
and astronomer Archimedes.
If you will ever try to
go all along Sicily, don’t miss Modica (Modica)! You will see the
unbelievable difference from other locations. Why? Because of Baroque
architecture style. This city is also called the Sicilian Chocolate Capital,
because the chocolate from Modica, valued throughout Italy, has already become
a trademark of distinctive and top quality. In this city, chocolate is produced
according to the old Aztec method. At that time, the same Spaniards ruled the
kingdom of the two Sicilians, and this kind of chocolate production has spread
to Sicily and has been preserved up to now in Modica.
One of the top must-see
objects, of course, would be Etna. Everyone knows that it is highest
and active European volcano. It has been raised from the see 2.5 million years
ago and, for my opinion, it’s truly hard to imagine those mythical times. The
weather conditions are unexpected so if you want to see the highest top of
volcano you will have to arrange yourself with patient. Finally, it’s worth to
feel the nature power, to see inactive old craters or big lava stones, at the
end you feel like you are walking on the surface of the Moon…
For more contrasts of
Sicily island, you must visit one of the most luxury places – resort Taormina.
Gi de Mopasan wrote: "There is nothing there to be in a landscape, but in
this scenery you see everything that exists on earth to rejoice the eyes, mind,
soul and imagination." This city is
visited by many famous and talented people. During the vacation, you can visit
the Greek amphitheater (Teatro Greco), the Arabic times and later
restored palaces, St. Michael Bari Cathedral, Public Gardens, and famous Isola
Bella Island.
Finish the tour with
capital Palermo. It is one of the most visiting cities in Sicily. Rich
of history but at the same time devastated by chaotic suburbs, immigrants
Palermo has its own charm. One of the most beautiful places for me was Palermo
Cathedral. It’s blend of architectural styles – Gothic, Arabian. The Palermo
markets are lavish with all kinds of goodies, while the streets filled with
noise and traffic, are also astonishing magnificent historic buildings.
To end the experience
of discovering the Sicily, I can summary very shortly – unique of history, soft
climate, beautiful scenery and amazing fresh food and wine Sicily is worth to
visit once in a lifetime!
Lots of love,
La Vita e Bella