The Greeks

The Greeks not only expelled the island's previous Sicilian inhabitants but also took control of the city of Syracuse, leaving their own archaeological imprint upon the land. Consequently, Syracuse swiftly became a prosperous, richly decorated and densely populated Greek city, developing into one of the most powerful in the Mediterranean.

Confirming this prestigious status and the presence of the Greeks in Syracuse is one of the grandest Greek theatres ever constructed, seating an audience of approximately 15,000 and staging a number of the most eminent plays of the era. 

Places to Visit:

Greek Theatre in Syracuse

The hemispheric auditorium and stage were carved out of the hillside rock in the 5th century AD and expanded to its present size 200 years later. Today music festivals and Greek plays are staged here.

Greek Theatre in Taormina

Built originally during the Hellenistic period, the theatre was reconstructed by the Romans and used to stage gladiator shows. Today it is one of the most popular historic monuments on the island and is used to host a number of plays, concerts and the annual film festival.

Temple of Concordia

Situated in the Valley of the Temples just outside of Agrigento, it is considered to be one of the most striking, well preserved Greek temples in the world.

Temple of the Olympian Zeus

Believed to have been one of the largest Doric temples ever constructed, completed during the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian. Though today it lies in ruins in the Valley of the Temples, it is still an exceptional sight.

Temple of Hercules

Also situated in the Valley of the Temples and thought to have once contained a number of beautiful paintings of Hercules.

Greek archaeological site of Selinunte

In the west, 15km from Castelvetrano, home to five beautiful and well preserved Greek temples that are believed to date back to the 5th and 6th centuries BC.

Doric Temple of Segesta

Situated approximately 70km south west of Palermo, this is believed to be one of the best preserved Greek temples in the world.

The Romans

After becoming a Roman province in 241 BC, Sicily experienced a long period of Roman dominance which had a great impact upon the land, particularly in terms of its culture. For example, the Sicilian language started to emerge during the Roman era as Latin was introduced alongside Greek and often used in official pieces of writing, such as inscriptions and epitaphs, whilst Greek was still widely spoken. The Romans left a significant imprint upon the land with their theatres, villas and mosaics, which visitors today are still able to see.

Places to Visit:

4th century Villa Romana del Casale

6km to the south west of Piazza Armerina, a grandiose 4th century Roman villa renowned for housing some of the most striking examples of decorative Roman mosaics. It is Sicily’s most important Roman monument and a listed UNESCO Heritage site with guided tours available.

Roman Theatre in Catania

Thought to have been built in approximately 300 BC over an older theatre dating back to approximately 500 BC.

Roman Amphitheatre in Syracuse

Situated in the Archaeological Park and built in the imperial era, it was, like the Greek theatre, carved directly into the rock. Circuses were held here and leading citizens of the time are inscribed in the parapet.

Regional Archaeological Museum in Taormina

Situated in the Palazzo Badia Vecchia, the museum has a number of objects that were discovered in both Greek and Roman sites.

Villa Romana del Tellaro

In Noto, after many years of restoration this 4th century Roman villa has revealed polychrome hunting scene mosaics and a scene from the Iliad.

La Naumachia, Taormina

122m Roman wall showing water cistern and gymnasium. The name refers to naval battles staged here for the Romans' entertainment.

The Arabs & Normans

Sicily found itself under Arab rule from the years of 827 AD to 1061 AD within which the island agriculturally, commercially and architecturally thrived with Palermo as its capital. It was under Arab rule that Sicily commercially flourished with the introduction of citrus fruits along with other valuable trade products such as sugar cane, silk and cotton.

Architecturally, an Arabian influence can be seen particularly in the west of the island, the cathedral in Palermo and in Cefalu where the Arab baths are located.

Sicily was seized by the Normans in 1091 AD, who also declared Palermo as their capital. However, instead of attempting a cultural upheaval, the Normans appeared to embrace the Arabic state of the island and produce a vast amount of art and architecture that incorporated the trends of their predecessors.

Places to Visit:

Palazzo dei Normanni

Also known as the ‘Royal Palace of Palermo’, the castle was originally constructed under the Arabs but later adapted under the Normans and now houses a number of stunning golden mosaics.

Cathedral of Monreale

Built in 1174 in the town of Monreale, 9km inland from Palermo, this majestic cathedral beautifully blends a variety of cultural styles, namely Byzantine, Arab and Norman. 

Cefalù Cathedral

Built in the city of Cefalù on the north coast between 1131 and 1240 under the Norman King Roger II, the cathedral is Norman in style with a striking interior of Byzantine-style mosaics and some stunning works of art.

The Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti

This 12th century Norman church is situated in Palermo and is crowned with 5 Arabic red domes. 

The Chiesa di San Cataldo in Palermo:

Similar to the Church of San Giovanni, this church is a perfect example of Arab-Norman architecture with its Norman plan and Arabic domes. 

The Sicilian-Baroque Style

The renowned art historian Anthony Blunt once described Sicilian-Baroque architecture as “a style in which the energy and imagination of the south attained full and mature expression”. The style was born out of the great earthquake of 1693 which not only ruined towns and villages but also took a significant number of lives.

As a result, great buildings were erected over the ruins at the expense of the wealthy who sought to create monuments that would exceed even the traditional Baroque style in terms of their design and extravagance, providing the island with a unique architectural identity.

Places to Visit:

Val di Noto

A collection of eight towns that form an UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing 18 stunning pieces of architectural interest, drawing art and history enthusiasts from all over the world.

Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista in Ragusa

This grand cathedral is arguably the most striking monument in Ragusa. Built in 1718, this majestic cathedral boasts an expertly carved exterior as well as a beautiful, elaborate interior. 

Church of Santa Maria delle Scale in Ragusa

The church was partly rebuilt following the 1693 earthquake and, as its name suggests, features a rather formidable staircase which offers its victors a stunning view that stretches across the landscape. 

Chiesa di San Giuliano in Catania

Designed by the famous Italian architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, the church is a beautiful example of the Sicilian-Baroque style.

San Nicoló Cathedral in Noto

This stunning cathedral was constructed during the early 18th century but collapsed in 1996. It has since been rebuilt and its doors were opened once again in 2007.

Palazzo Ducrezio in Noto

This majestic town hall was constructed in 1746 and boasts a beautifully decorated interior complete with an 18th century fresco.

Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, Taormina

17th century Baroque church of pink marble and sandstone built on the site of an ancient temple.