Sicily is located to the south of Italy, and has a larger land area than any of the other regions. Historically, Sicily was important because of its strategic location. The position it held in the Mediterranean Sea made it part of a prominent trade route for traffickers and people who wanted easy access to southern Europe. The origins of Sicily are intriguing and markedly interesting. Sicily was once its own country, but since unification occurred, Italy now claims this impressive volcanic region as its own. Surprisingly perhaps, the bulk of the Sicilian economy come s from agriculture and farming; lemons and orange orchards can be found liberally sprinkled throughout this entire region.
Whether you are thinking about a trip to Sicily at some point in the future, or you are already in possession of your ticket, here are some of the must-see attractions you should check out before beginning the long journey home.
Mt. Etna
Whether you have seen volcanic features in the past or not, you will not want to miss the exciting opportunity to look at this great volcano. There are essentially two ways to get to the volcano, by walking, or by automobile if the weather is fairly decent. The problem with Etna is that it tends to freeze near to its summit, so be prepared with some heavy duty clothing. Guided tours are definitely advisable, since scaling this dangerous terrain can be treacherous. The guides know the best routes up to the top, and also the best things to see. The price of the guided tour will be worth every single cent. There are some beautiful forests near the summit and some spectacular remains of solidified lava lakes to see as you walk. Remember to take your camera; this is photograph opportunity you will not want to miss.
Selnius Complex
The Selnius complex is basically a series of three different temples which overlook the beautiful coastline. The complex was built originally by the Greeks, but nowadays, Sicilians take credit for them and encourage tourists to visit. The temples themselves are in various stages of decay. The first one has been rebuilt, the second one has been partially rebuilt, and the third one, as you might guess is a pile of ancient rubble dying for some attention. If you care to venture further, you will see the Acropolis, where you can view what is left of this ancient city, including four more ruined temples. If you are looking to get a good feel for Sicilian and Italian history, this is a site you will not want to miss.
The Teatro Massimo
This wonderfully constructed opera house is the third largest in Europe, and was designed in a neoclassical style. There has been much work done on the opera house since its initial conception, and it is well worth a visit. If you are tired of looking at the scenery, a night at the opera might be the perfect remedy. There are concerts, ballets, and of course, operas performed here. Just be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
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Lots more ideas of what to see and do in Sicily on my blog Bleeding Espresso in the Sicily category!
Be sure to stop in Calabria too
Comment by michelle of bleeding espresso — August 26, 2008 @ 9:28 am