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.

Segesta

The most romantic ruins in all of Sicily are tucked between the green hills and rugged mountains just west of Calatafimi. The temple was built in perfect, solid Doric proportions (c.420 BC) and stands isolated on a gentle slope, turning a beautiful shade of pink in the sunset. The un-grooved columns, missing cella , and still-attached studs around the stylobate hint that it was left unfinished. The theatre, high up on Monte Barbaro, has views out to Trapani and the sea and is still used for performances (see Teatro Antica di Segesta).
Segesta

This peaceful and beautiful site comprises the ruins of one of the most important cities of the Elimi, the Hellenized Sicani peoples, and one of the most perfect Doric temples ever constructed. The temple’s purpose is unknown, adding further mystery to the already ethereal site – historians debate whether it was built to impress the Greeks in order to gain their military support, or whether it was to decorate a sacred site (see Segesta).
Selinunte

The ruins of this Greek city, including temples, walls, marketplace and homes, stand majestically backed by the sea – silent reminders of the glory of the once great city (see Selinunte).
Selinunte

A large sandy beach stretches to the east of the port and just below the temples (see Selinunte). Bathing establishments offer beach chairs, water-sports equipment, restaurants and bars. It tends to be crowded with students showing off their skimpy suits and tans, but through the small pine wood to the west you’ll find an open beach for families.
Selinunte

Another of Sicily’s remarkable ancient sites, the romantic remains of Greek Selinus reign spectacularly from a promontory high above the sea. Comprising the largest archaeological park in Europe, Selinunte offers the chance for a solitary ramble among the ruins, walking in the footsteps of history (see Selinunte).
Selinunte

A lively 7am fish auction. Not to be missed.
Selinunte

The evocative ruins of the residential and commercial sectors and monumental sacred structures are enclosed within the largest archaeological park in Europe. The site protects the ruins of eight massive temples, including one of the largest known temples of the ancient world, Temple C. There are also visible remains of buildings left by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and a Byzantine settlement (see Selinunte).
Sete d’Incanto, Syracuse

In her small studio, showroom and boutique on the island of Ortygia, designer Helene Moreau paints abstract watercolour designs onto silk. The resulting fabric is then made up into beautiful and highly unique scarves and dresses.
Sicilian Dialect

It’s not just an accent but a language of its own. Like Sicily itself, the dialect is a palimpsest created from foreign invasions and sounds like the exotic mix it is: a romance language with influences of Italian, Arabic, Latin, Greek, Lombard, Ligurian and English. Reflecting the fatalism of the populace, it has no future tense.
Sicilian lemons

Sicilian lemons are the best in the world, large, and juicy. Buy as many as you can carry from a market stall holder, just before you return home. Once home, any lemons you cannot use immediately will quickly go off so we extract the juice and freeze it in plastic bowls so that small quantities can be used regularly until your next visit.