Sicily: East to West

Once the largest city in the ancient world, Syracuse holds an eternal beauty, with ancient ruins and historic architecture nestled amongst vibrant lemon groves. One of Sicily’s best archaeological sites and a colossal amphitheatre carved into the hillside just beg to be explored. Learn about the city’s grisly past by exploring the catacombs where thousands of survivors from the war between Athens and Syracuse were imprisoned in 413 BC.

Dating back to the 4^th century AD, this Roman country villa in Piazza Armerina displays extensive Roman mosaics. Fascinating and well-preserved, the villa likely belonged to a governor or nobleman, and the different sections of the residence tell us much about rural Roman life. Vivid and detailed mosaics are spread throughout the villa, showing scenes from everyday life as well as mythical tableaux.

Sicily’s archaeological jewel, the Valley of the Temples is one of the most well-preserved and extensive sites from classical Greek civilisation. The remains of grand Doric temples line a dusty escarpment that once formed the city of Akragas, part of Greater Greece. The culmination of these fascinating ancient ruins is the Temple of Concordia, which was built in the 5^th century BC and remains remarkably intact today.

Fascinating Palermo tells the story of its multi-layered history with its labyrinthine streets, exotic aromas and heady mix of sounds and sights. Delving into the city’s seductive and mysterious atmosphere reveals dilapidated palazzi, shaded cloisters, souk-like markets and a vast array of architectural styles. Palermo’s Palatine Chapel is a treasure trove of artistic delights, with its astounding interior of opulent gilding, sacred images and luminous mosaics.

Monreale’s magnificent cathedral is one of the greatest surviving examples of Norman architecture. Built to compete with Palermo’s grand Palatine Chapel, the cathedral is an extraordinary masterpiece of glimmering mosaics, spectacular cloisters and fine sculptures with a clear Byzantine influence.

One of the best-preserved ancient temples in the world, the spectacular Segesta is an unfinished Doric temple in a stunning hilltop position. Once forming part of the ancient city of Segesta, this site was lived in until the Middle Ages and has other fascinating remains – including a dramatic amphitheatre – which show the varied occupation by different civilisations over the centuries.

The romantic, medieval hilltown of Erice exudes allure. Ringed by ancient walls and topped by the Castello di Venere (Castle of Venus), this atmospheric town enjoys a dramatic position and far-reaching panoramas. It’s not just medieval delights within the smooth stone streets, however: the windows of the town’s renowned pasticceries display teetering, tempting stacks of crisp cannoli and mouth-watering almond pastries.