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.

Palazzo Adriano

In the heart of this fertile area, Palazzo Adriano is lofty and remote. In Piazza Umberto I are two main churches, the Catholic Santa Maria del Lume, and the Greek Orthodox Santa Maria Assunta, built by Albanian refugees in the 1400s. Palazzo Adriano gained fame in 1990 as the setting for the Academy Award-winning film Cinema Paradiso (see Cinema Paradiso).
Palazzo Mirto

One of the few surviving aristocratic palazzi in Palermo. The lavish interior is intact with furnishings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Palazzolo Acreide

The “modern” Baroque town was originally a Greek colony of Syracuse, founded in 664 BC. At the archaeological site just next to the village, the small, 600-seat Greek theatre remains in good condition, although temples to Persephone and Aphrodite are in ruins. Old quarries bear a Greek banqueting scene and a Roman sacrifice carved in relief. A short walk outside the old city are the Santoni (Big Saints), enormous statues of fertility goddess Cybele and her entourage carved out of the rock (see Palazzolo Acreide).
Palazzolo Acreide

Palazzolo Acreide is a lovely village with an impressive mix of sites – originally Greek, most of what you see today is Baroque. The churches are spectacular, particularly the tiny Church of the Annunciation with its twisting columns.
Palermitan School

Palermitan puppets are around 1 m (3 ft) tall. They are entirely manipulated by strings, have movable joints and can raise their face guards and draw their swords at will. Because they are lighter, they are more easily manipulated and their sword fights are much more lively. The stage of the Palermo-style theatre is a deeply recessed space with room for many characters and backed by elaborately decorated scenery.
Palermo and Catania

On and around Palermo’s Via della Libertàand Catania’s Via Etnea you can shop in Italy’s fashionable, classic stores for linens, clothing, shoes and handbags. Both boulevards offer a good mix of stores, boutiques and chic cafés.
Panelle

Another snack food available from street vendors are these small squares of fried batter made from chickpea flour and a sprinkling of parsley, then topped with salt and lemon juice.
Pantalica Necropolis

Pantalica was at the heart of ancient Hybla, the culture known now only through its striking red glazed pottery, examples of which are on view in Syracuse. The Anapo River carved a steep gorge through the limestone creating what became Sicily’s largest necropolis; there are more than 8,000 tombs here. A hike through the gorge takes you past thousands of burial sites, carved into the cliff sides, as well as remains of a medieval settlement, wild orchids, irises, rabbits, porcupines, falcons, trout and crabs.
Pantelleria

This tiny volcanic island, closer to Africa than Italy, is as well known for its VIP visitors as its natural beauty and culinary gifts. The architecture reflects Arabic influences and the island is dotted with dammusi – low, whitewashed, domed houses. Pantelleria is known for its caper production and the thick and sweet moscato passito , made from the native Zibbibo grape which grows well despite the scirocco winds.
Parisi, Taormina

Here you’ll find the top names in classic Italian high fashion, including Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferre and Armani.