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Centuries of foreign domination, misrule and the feudal system meant wealth, power and land fell into the hands of the few. Popular revolts began in 1820, reached a head in 1848, and in May 1860 opened the way for the Italian socialist Garibaldi. With the aid of Sicilian Redshirts, Garibaldi took the island and convinced the peasant class to vote for Italian Unification.

Lampedusa (1896–1957) is the author of Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) , the classic portrait of Sicilian aristocracy pre- and post-Unification. It was based on the life of his great-grandfather and published posthumously.

A procession of 20 huge scenes of Christ’s Passion, decorated with flowers, is accompanied by bands playing funeral dirges.

Built by the Principe di Butera after the 1693 earthquake to house the farmers of the destroyed village of Occhiolà, this lovely place preserves an authentic peasant-farmer feel, even though it was built on a grand plan inspired by Renaissance mathematical ideals. The concentric hexagonal plan radiates from around the central Piazza Umberto I, home to private residences, palazzi , the Chiesa Madre and the town hall.

The 162 brightly decorated rooms, each with living area and a terrace, surround the palm-planted pool area and look out to the Ionian Sea.

Built in Art Nouveau style in the mid-1800s. There are columned and marble public spaces where mafia dons once held meetings, although the rooms are less luxurious.

The Timeo takes full advantage of its site, nestled into the bougainvillea and palm-covered hillside just beneath the ancient theatre. The 59 rooms are decorated in grand Baroque style. The bar and restaurant occupy magical terraces with amazing views.

This villa was built in 1862 in Art Nouveau style and was converted almost immediately into a 100-room hotel. Guests enjoy a pool and quick access to Syracuse’s archaeological sites and museum.

Built as a hotel in the 1800s and restored in 1995, the rooms are elegant and have views of the old centre and the sea. There is a roof garden and a shuttle bus leads to a private beach.