DK Travel : Sicily

The island of Sicily is Italy’s largest region and is also its most varied. In terms of geography, there are offshore islands, endless coastline, rugged mountains, rolling wheatfields and volcanos, but its history and architecture are also of note. Sicily formed a significant portion of the Greek empire, was strategically vital to Rome, and was invaded in succession by the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and Bourbons, before unifying with Italy. Each conquest left its mark, to create a palimpsest of cultures on the island.

Il Teatro dell’Opera dei Pupi, Palermo

A traditional puppet theatre staged by Palermitan master puppeteer Girolamo Cuticchio. See popular shows of Charlemagne and his paladins (see Puppet Traditions and Museums), plus stories of Sicilian saints, brigands and even Don Quixote and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs . There is also a Cuticchio theatre in Cefalù.
Il Teatro Massimo Bellini, Catania

Catania’s great opera house, named after the much loved native-born composer Vincenzo Bellini (see Vincenzo Bellini), lies in the heart of the city. The grand theatre, influenced by the Paris Opéra, opened its doors in 1890 with a performance of Bellini’s masterpiece Norma – the opera was so popular Sicilians even named a pasta dish after it. The season of opera and concerts, including chamber music, and ballet performances by the theatre ballet company runs from October through to June.
Il Vignetto, Menfi

In countryside covered with vineyards, eat out under a pergola, choosing from a seasonal menu – Sicilian tagliatelle with wild fennel, fava beans and ricotta, for example, with local wines.
Impromptu Markets

All over Sicily, farmers sell their own produce from the side of the road. You’re likely to find wild asparagus, lemons, artichokes and cheese.
International Vines

Recent additions to Sicilian vineyards include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
Internet Villas Inc

Another company with more than 20 properties on Sicily and Pantelleria, and they provide assistance with car and mobile phone rentals, on or off-site catering services and winery tours.
Inzolia

Also called Ansonica, a white grape throughout western Sicily, used in Marsala and other wines.
Italians

Garibaldi and his Red Shirts invaded at Marsala in 1860 starting the campaign that ended with the Unification of Italy.
Kalura Hotel, Cefalù

This large modern hotel offers 65 rooms and a range of facilities, including a private beach, pool, tennis, billiards, darts, mountain bikes, canoes, scuba diving, sailing, horse riding, dance classes and guided tours.
Kaos

A 1984 film adaptation of four Pirandello stories.

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