Consecutively inhabited by the Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans, Sicily brims with historical riches waiting to be uncovered. Whether you explore grandiose temples or intricate mosaics showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship, every site narrates tales from an epoch where these influential Mediterranean forces sculpted the fate of this captivating island.
The Roman Villa del Casale, a marvel of a palace in Piazza Armerina, stands as a testament to ancient splendor.
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Roman Villa del Casale stands as one of the most well-preserved ancient residences in Europe, renowned for its lavish mosaics. Constructed between the 3rd and rd and 4 th by floods around the 12th century A.D. and was nearly completely ruined. th century, the villa was buried under a landslide for eight centuries. However, being buried under the earth also preserved its wonder: excavations begun in the 20 th The past century has revealed an exceptionally well-preserved dwelling. Nowadays, visitors can marvel at approximately 3,500 square meters of this remarkable structure. 2 Of mosaics amidst the lush landscapes of Sicily’s rural areas.
The Neapolis archaeological park serves as Syracuse's enduring legacy.
In this historically significant part of Syracuse, located on the eastern side of the island, even the stones serve as reminders of the ambitions harbored by the Greeks and Romans in Sicily. Greek theatre , carved directly into the rock, was the setting for ancient tragedies and political gatherings. Further down, the Roman amphitheatre still echoes with the sounds of gladiatorial combat. As for the Orecchio di Dionisio, an artificial grotto in the shape of an ear dating from the time of the Greek tyrant Denys the Elder, it amplifies sounds with astonishing acuity. A must-see archaeological site!
Segesta, from the Elymians to the Greeks and Romans
Overlooking the hills of Trapani, the site of Segesta is one of the oldest in Sicily, dating back to the Elymians, one of the island's three pre-Hellenic peoples. Although nothing remains from that era before the Greeks arrived in the 8 th In the century BC, the location boasts two additional marvels: a graceful Greek temple and a Roman theater. Nestled within rugged surroundings, the Doric temple appears much as it did originally: unfinished, it captivates with its undamaged columns despite lacking a roof. Further uphill stands the theater constructed during the third century. rd The viewpoint from century BC provides an overview of the valley, and on a sunny day, you might be able to spot the sea in the distance.
The Ancient theatre of Taormina, between sky and sea
In Taormina, the ancient theatre overlooks the Ionian Sea and the smouldering flanks of Mount Etna. Built in the 3 rd century BC by the Greeks, and later modified under the Romans, there are still shows being held there to this day. The theatre’s semi-circular structure, supported by tiers of seats carved out of the rock, makes precise use of the site's natural acoustics. The panorama is unforgettable: panning right to left, the vine-covered slopes of Mount Etna, the hilltop houses of Taormina and the dazzling azure sea.
Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, “the most beautiful of all mortal cities”
In Agrigento, on Sicily's southern coast, the Valley of the Temples features a series of colossal structures up on a rocky ridge. The Temple of Concord, with its perfectly preserved Doric columns, dominates this area, which in 500 BC was home to the Greek city of Akragas - described by the poet Pindar as “the most beautiful of mortal cities.” Further ahead, the Temple of Zeus, although partially in ruins, is a huge, impressive structure: it is one of the largest temples ever built by the Greeks.
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