What is Sicily in ancient Rome? Brief history and geography of Sicily. What to see in Sicily

Square:25,708 km² Population:5,037,799 (December 31, 2008) people. Density:198 people/km² Provinces:Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Syracuse, Trapani Communes:390 Chapter:Raffaele Lombardo since April 14, 2008 Official site

Currently Sicily is autonomous region of Italy.

Geography

File:Sicily-EO.JPG

Photo of Sicily from space

Sicily is the largest region in Italy by area.

The island is home to the active volcano Etna (Italian: Etna or Mongibello) with a height of approximately 3320 meters. It is the highest and most active volcano in Europe. Its height cannot be indicated accurately, as it is constantly changing as a result of eruptions and the release of slag. Etna's area covers 1250 square kilometers. There are also several inactive volcanoes on the island.

The coastline of Sicily, which is predominantly rocky in the north and sandy in the south, has a length of about 1000 km. Large differences in altitude are typical for the local landscape, since mountainous and hilly terrain predominates in Sicily, and only in the area of the city of Catania there is the only plain on the island.

File:Sicily map RU.gif

Island map

The central part of Sicily is characterized by hilly terrain. It's about about the so-called sulfur hill, the height of which for the most part fluctuates between 500 and 700 m.

Climate

Story

Prehistoric period

The first traces of humans on the territory of Sicily date back to the Paleolithic era.

In the early Neolithic era (7-6 thousand BC), the territory of Sicily was inhabited by carriers of the Cardiac ceramics culture. Until the early written period, the development of Sicily occurred synchronously with neighboring Malta, they represent all the same archaeological cultures with the same features (see prehistoric Malta), with the exception that megalithic temples were not built in Sicily (that is, in relation to Malta it could occupy a subordinate position).

The oldest inhabitants of the island known from written sources. Sicily, according to ancient Roman sources - Sicans (descendants of the autochthonous archaeological culture of Castelluccio), as well as Siculi and Elymians (aliens from Asia Minor from among the “peoples of the sea”). Archaeological site Sicily of the pre-Roman period (13th - 7th centuries BC) - the Pantalica necropolis of more than 5,000 rock-cut tombs - is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Antiquity

Sicily was colonized by settlers from Carthage and the Greeks starting in the 8th century BC. e.

File:Sicily Selinunte Temple E (Hera).JPG

Greek temple in Sicily dedicated to Hera, built in the 5th century BC. e.

The oldest Greek colony in Sicily is Naxos, founded in 734 BC. e. on east coast near Mount Etna. It was founded by people from Chalkis in Euboea and from the island of Naxos in the Aegean Sea. A year later (about 735 BC), somewhat to the south, the Corinthians founded Syracuse (Greek: Συράκοσαι, Συράκουσαι, Συρήκουσαι , lat. Syracusae) - the most significant Greek colony in Sicily. Around 730-720 BC e. immigrants from Kumi and other Chalcidian cities began the colonization of the Strait of Messina, founding Zankla, later called Messina.

During the Peloponnesian War 431-404 BC. e. Athens tried to capture Fr. Sicily, but failed. From the 5th century BC e. Carthage sought to take possession of Fr. Sicily. The struggle against Carthaginian expansion reached particular intensity under the tyrants of Syracuse, Dionysius I and Agathocles. The Carthaginians were finally driven out of the island by the Romans during the 1st Punic War 264-241 BC. e. In 241 BC e. O. Sicily became the first Roman province, the granary of Rome. In 241 BC e. - Mr. N. e. Sicily is a Roman province (See Sicily (Roman province)). The area of significant slave-owning latifundia. Sicily is the site of the largest slave revolts.

Middle Ages

In the early Middle Ages, Sicily was in the hands of the Vandals (5th century), the Ostrogoths (6th century), Byzantium (from 535), and the Arabs - from 888. In 948, a semi-independent emirate was formed in Sicily; in the 11th century The Normans conquered Sicily. All conquests (except the Byzantine) contributed to the weakening and collapse of slaveholding and the strengthening of feudal relations. Thanks to its favorable geographical location. Sicily experienced economic growth during the Crusades.

Industry

In the 1950-70s. Significant centers of industry appeared here. In 1973, 30.6% of the economically active population was employed in industry (about 1/3 of them were artisans), and in agriculture - 27.2%. Traditional industries are the extraction of sulfur, building stone, sea salt, food (processing of citrus fruits, tomatoes, olives, winemaking), woodworking, clothing, shipbuilding (Palermo, Messina). Among the new and emerging industries are the extraction of potassium salts, oil, and natural gas; oil refining (Augusta, Priolo, Ragusa, Gela, Milazzo), chemical ( largest centers- Priolo and Gela), cement, electrical and radio-electronic industries. electricity production is mainly at thermal power plants, over 10 billion kWh.

The largest oil refinery (capacity of 20 million tons per year of crude oil) was built on the island of Sicily, in the city of Milazzo.

Main transport node Sicily - Palermo, port (cargo turnover 2.2 million tons in 1972), a hub for air transport, railways and highways. Other ports: Augusta (36.3 million tons), Gela (7.7 million tons), Milazzo (15.4 million tons); Most of the cargo turnover is oil and petroleum products. Through the Strait of Messina, Sicily is connected to the Apennine Peninsula by the Messina - Reggio Calabria ferry.

Agriculture

The instability of water supply does not prevent agriculture from being one of the most important economic resources in the region. The production of cereals is very important, including wheat, one of the most valuable species hard grain, essential in the process of producing the best varieties of pasta. This gave great importance to the island already in Roman times (the island was called Roman granary). IN large quantities Olives are grown, which ensures the production of oil.

One typical fruit is the persimmon. The commune of Mizilmeri is famous for persimmons, where a festival in honor of this fruit is held in November. Also important for the island is the cultivation of fruits that were once considered exotic - kiwi, mango. In addition, the climate of Sicily allows the cultivation of bananas.

There is a developed sector for the cultivation of rare flowers, such as orchids, which are also suitable for the island’s climate. Today, all of Europe is purchasing flowers from Sicily.

In Sicily, about 650 thousand hectares are allocated for sowing agriculture.

Fishing

Fishing is Sicily's precious resource. There are many large fishing ports on the island. The basis of the fishing industry is sardines, anchovies, tuna, mackerel, and more precisely the typical blue fish Mediterranean Sea, which allows us to supply the canning industry with the necessary material for the production of canned fish, as well as smoked fish.

Breeding is also practiced

Sicily– a green lush in the Mediterranean, characterized by diverse landscapes, as well as a cosmopolitan island and historical Center various revolutions. This is the southernmost and most remote part of the Peninsula. Sicily separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina and washed by the Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean Seas.

One of the paradises of southern Italy, which beckons to explore, explore and simply follow countless routes that satisfy all tastes. It seems that nature is the main wealth of the island. Mountains, hills and, of course, the sea, which with its wonderful color, perfectly clear water and endless beauty of the depths is incomparable to any other sea. Particularly attractive are archaeological finds, telling about the origin of Trinacria ( ancient name Sicily), and various monuments that have come down to us through the centuries.

In ancient times, the island was part of the rest of Italy and was separated from it due to rising sea levels. This is evidenced by the Peloritani mountains, consisting of the same rocks as the other mountains that skirt the Strait of Messina. The shores of the island are covered with steep cliffs and sandy beaches with numerous bays with crystal clear water.

Its location on three main platforms - Ionian, African and Tyrrhenian - made it the center of the ancient world, as if another greek island, and the frontal zone at the borders of the Arab-Islamic world, which, by the way, left its indelible mark on the cities and culture of the island.

Provinces of Sicily: Palermo (capital), Agrigento, Catania, Caltanisetta, Enna, Messina, Ragusa, Syracuse and Trapani.

Sicily Since Paleolithic times it has looked attractive from the point of view of its strategic position. After the Sicans of Iberia, the Elims of Libya and the Siculi from the continent with 735 BC existed here Greek colonies. IN 265 BC appeared in Messina Romans. Under their rule Sicily divided into provinces and became the breadbasket of the Empire. After the Gothic-Byzantine war in 552 AD. and until the 9th century. the island became part of the Eastern Roman Empire as a peripheral province.

WITH 827 began Arab conquest Sicily: from Mazara del Vallo to Taormina. From that moment on, the golden time of the island began, because Palermo became the capital of the emirate of Kalibi. In the territory of Val di Noto and Val Demone, however, the Greco-Latin civilization remained.

WITH 1061 Sicily captured by the Normans: Ruggero D'Altavilla became king of Apulia, Calabria and Sicily. During the period of the Norman conquests Sicily reached its peak. Islamic culture was integrated into the new organization of the island. Al Idrisi, an Islamic geographer and traveler, settled in Palermo at the court of Ruggero II, in his notes speaks of magical Sicily, a crossroads of cultural exchange: “the island of Sicily is the pearl of its time, sparkling with beauty and abundance […]. All travelers and traders from all corners of the world admire its magnificence [...].

Under the rule of Zveva, this was the cradle of the empire of Federico II, who established a court in Palermo and made the city a literary and scientific center: it was during this period that the Sicilian school of poetry was born and an attempt was made to create a literary language - a mixture of vernacular Latin and torn. With the arrival of the Angevin, the French rulers, the people in Palermo raised an unusual revolt of the "Sicilian evenings", but in the end they had to surrender to new invaders - the Aragonese, the Spaniards and the enemies of the Angevin.

IN 1415 the spaniards made the island viceroyalty. It is impossible not to mention the Treaty of Utrecht 1713 d, since at this time Spanish rule ended and the Savoys came to power. Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, King of Naples, in 1812 g united the two Sicilies and abolished feudal privileges. After the revolution in 1848 The Bourbons lost power and were finally defeated by Garibaldi's troops in 1860 .

Various conquerors succeeded each other in Sicily until its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century. After all the conquests, due to a terrible economic crisis, mass emigration of people to America began.

IN 1948 Sicily was declared an autonomous region of Italy being in a state of social and economic crisis.

Sicily - nature

The island's delightful cities are rich in history and traditions that have passed through the centuries: quaint Sicilian baroque against the backdrop of Easter processions and holidays in honor of saints, Sicilian carriages and puppet theater brought from Spain in the 18th and 19th centuries. – all this is worth seeing while traveling around the island.

Everything rises majestically Etna– the most high point Italy and an active volcano. He is also called the forge of the volcano, the god of fire, the blacksmith of the gods; other legends say that here is the grave of the philosopher Empedocles, who committed suicide by throwing himself into the crater, or that it contains the soul of the English Queen Elizabeth, who made a deal with the devil during her reign. Saint Agatha, the patron saint of Catania, once miraculously protected people from an eruption, and to this day residents call on her, asking for shelter from fire and lightning.

Around the island, like satellites, is located the Aeolian, or Aeolian archipelago, which includes seven large volcanic islands: Salina, Lipari, Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea and Stromboli, the only one for many years active volcano; to the west of Trapani are the Egadi Islands (Levanzo, Favignana and Marettimo), which were once part of Sicily. The history of the Aeolian Islands is inextricably linked with volcanoes, artists and sculptors who created this natural masterpiece, where you can plunge into the transparent depths of the sea, look into coastal caves, sunbathe on small beaches washed by clear waters, before enjoying excellent cuisine, naturally based on fish dishes Oh. In the South is the island of Pantelleria, also volcanic, another pearl that attracts tourists with the unearthly beauty of its nature. And finally, the Pelagian archipelago, which includes Linosa and Lampedusa, geographically related to Africa.

Sicily remains a fascinating island: not easy to get to, but once you visit, you will never forget it.

What to see in Sicily

Sicily has many places to visit related to nature, history and tradition.

Among the special attractions are two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Etna is located in the eastern part of the island and should not be missed if traveling through this land. Spectacular eruptions over time have made the landscape in the area truly unique in the world.

Those interested in landscapes should choose protected areas the parks of Etna, Madonie or Nebrodi, the volcanic paradise of Pantelleria, rich in captivating views, such as the “Pertusa di Notaro” (a grotto with the purest air) and local bungalows built from volcanic stones.

Beauvais Valley with natural walls up to 1000 m high,

Ice cave with the only perpetual glacier preserved at this latitude,

Gole Alcantara, a dense network of canals crossing the river of the same name is only a small fraction of all natural wonders Sicily.

Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Another treasure of humanity on the UNESCO list is the archaeological zone near Argigento, one of the greatest cities of Magna Graecia. Immersed in the greenery of olive, almond, citrus and grapevine trees, stretching all the way to the sea, the Valley of the Temples is hidden. With its monuments it recalls the unreal atmosphere that reigned here 2500 years ago, when the ancient Acagras Agrigentum was a political and cultural center.

Syracuse and UNESCO sites

In the southeast of Sicily is Syracuse, another UNESCO heritage site (2005, together with the Pantaliki necropolis). This ancient Greek colony overlooks a natural port, overlapped to the east by the island of Ortygia, an even more ancient urban centre. In the city, at every step you encounter archaeological evidence of Magna Graecia. Syracuse and the Aeolian Islands are home to two more UNESCO sites not to be missed: the eight late-Baroque towns of Val di Noto and the Roman villa of Casale.

Taormina. << Если тот, кому предстоит провести на Сицилии всего один день, спросит: «Что я смогу посмотреть?» я не раздумывая отвечу: «Таормину». Это лишь природа, но такая, что способна запросто завладеть вашим взором, разумом, фантазией.>> this is how the famous French writer Guy de Maupassant describes Taormina. A few words that encapsulate the essence of this diamond between Messina and Catania.

Things to do in Sicily

The undisputed ruler of these lands is the sea, which reveals to you the rich potential of beaches and waves that are tempting to play windsurfing or kitesurfing. Yes, because the power of the sea, combined with the power of the wind, allows you to rush, even almost fly, over the surface of the clear waters caressing the coasts of Cape San Vito, Mondello, Cefalu, Marina di Ragusa, Taormina, the Aeolian Islands, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Ustica.

Hiking, horses, motorcycles and golf. Hiking enthusiasts should definitely take a stroll through the picturesque natural parks Sicily. Those who do not like to walk will enjoy horseback riding or motorcycle riding. Last time Sicily began to attract golf lovers. New courses are being built and an Open tournament is held annually.

Baths. Italy has always been famous for its thermal springs– a unique form of natural therapy. Land of water and volcanoes, Sicily offers a wide selection of thermal resources with various services, including cosmetic ones. The most famous are the Baths of Calogero, caves in which steam maintains a temperature of about 40°, and the Baths of Acireale, in which sea water mixed with rich sulfur water from Etna.

Literary places

For lovers cultural tourism Sicily offers a journey through history, art and culture. Writers such as Salvatore Quasimodo, Giovanni Verga, Luigi Pirandello, Leonardo Sciascia, Tomasi Lapedusa were inspired by the local atmosphere and climate. They were inspired to write such masterpieces as “Ocelot” or “Sloth.”

The atmosphere has not changed over the years, and today you can travel to the places described in the novels to relive the impressions received by the authors who wrote their works here.

Sicilian Magna Graecia. Those who want to plunge into the past should visit the temples of Selinunte and Syracuse, Agrigento and Imera, the Greco-Roman theater of Taormina and the cathedrals of the Norman era. Especially in Palermo (the Church of Martorana, St. Giovanni the Hermit in San Cataldo).

Those interested in tradition should definitely see the Sicilian puppet theater, which shows plays by Orlando Furioso.

Holidays in Sicily

A rich choice awaits those who love holidays and cultural events.

Every year, Taormina hosts many events, the most famous of which is the film festival, where the best new works are selected.

The vital passion of the Sicilians leaves an imprint on the celebration of Carnival - the most important and noisy event of the year. The carnival in Acireale is called the best in Sicily for the originality of decoration of fake papier-mâché floats with flowers and ribbons, accompanied by a crowd of colorful masks.

There are also numerous holidays dedicated to the Patron Saints of Sicily (a mixture of faith, folklore and tradition), indicating the deep religiosity of the Sicilians. The Day of Saint Rosalia in Palermo and the Day of Saint Agatha in Catania are just a couple of the huge number of holidays celebrated every year throughout the territory.

What to try in Sicily

The abundance of warmth from the land is reflected in Sicilian cuisine, which speaks of the passion and care of the people who serve these delicious dishes. Snacks like rice zrazas or cazzilli (delicious potato balls) or Catania pancakes will whet your appetite. Pay attention to the first courses.

Many dishes contain eggplant (caponata, pasta with Parmesan). Lots of fish dishes, from Trapanese couscous to sardines. Enjoy the taste of the local tuna, swordfish, hake and shark. The most interesting meat dishes will be badduzze (meatballs) and cooked warbler (poultry).

Don't miss the famous Sicilian sweets made with ricotta and almond paste, especially the Christmas sweets.

Worthy of note are the products of the DOP and IGT brands, which place Sicily in first place among the Mediterranean countries famous for exporting food products.

Extra virgin olive oil, juicy blood oranges, sweet Canicatti grapes, Paquino tomatoes, Pantelleria capers, Indian figs and Nocellara Belice olives. These are the products for which it is famous Sicily.

Let’s not forget about cheeses: Ragusano, Pecorino, as well as cold meats such as salami from Sant’Angelo, and, finally, wonderful pastries like panotta, a round loaf from Dittaino.

In addition to this, excellent Sicilian wines with a tart and seasoned taste await you. Choose from Marsala, Trapani, Belice or Vittoria.

If residents of the post-Soviet space are asked the question: “Do you know anything about Sicily?”, the overwhelming majority of respondents will confidently say: “Of course! The island of Sicily is the birthplace of the mafia!” But this information is hardly capable of reflecting the beauty of these places and conveying an incomparable atmosphere to the listener.

Sicily is the most big island Mediterranean, and at the same time the largest region of the country. Its area is 25,708 km², and more than 5 million people live in nine local provinces. And the island of Sicily remains the only region of Italy with a parliament. It is located in the city of Palermo.

In ancient times, the Greeks called the island Trinacria. The island received this name due to the three capes that give it a triangular shape. Three seas (Mediterranean, Ionian and Tyrrhenian) and three archipelagos (Pelagian Islands in the south, Aeolian Islands in the north and Aegadian Islands in the west) surround Sicily.

Island of Sicily. A little history

The first archaeological finds indicating the presence of man in the open spaces date back to the Paleolithic era. In the 7th - 6th millennium BC. Representatives of the Cardiac Pottery culture lived here. Written ancient Roman sources report on the Sicani (descendants of the Castelluccio culture), Siculi and Elymians (immigrants from Asia Minor) who lived on the island.

In the 8th century BC. The Greeks and Carthaginians began to establish their colonies on the island of Sicily. At that time, the territory was occupied by the Siculi in the east and the Phoenicians in the west. The former assimilated after some time, and the latter in 480 BC. were expelled from the island after the Battle of Himeri. In 734 BC. the first Greek colony of Naxos was founded, and in 733 BC. - Corinthian Syracuse. The next few centuries passed in a tireless struggle for the island. Peloponnesian War 431 – 404 BC. brought failure to Athens, which tried to conquer Sicily. Since the 5th century BC. Carthage led an active struggle for the island. But already in the first Punic War 264 - 241 BC. The Romans finally drove out the Carthaginians. From 241 BC to 440 AD the island of Sicily remained a Roman province.

In the 9th – 12th centuries, whoever ruled Sicily! For some time, the Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Normans and even Arabs dominated here. In the 12th century the island became part of the Kingdom of Sicily, which was captured by Charles of Anjou in 1266–1268. Quite quickly, the island population rebelled: in 1282 the “Angevins” were overthrown, and until 1302 Sicily was ruled by the Aragonese. Subsequently, the island of Sicily “knew” dukes from Savoy, kings from Austria, the Neapolitan Bourbons, and even the unification of the country. Only in 1947 did the island of Sicily acquire autonomy.

Island of Sicily. Resort

The weather in Sicily has a subtropical Mediterranean climate: summers are hot and humid, and winters are short, but windy and rainy. Like no other region of Italy, you can feel the temperature difference between the coastal regions and the drier central part of the island. The hottest months are July, August (temperature reaches 26 - 27 degrees), the coldest are January, February (the mercury on the thermometer practically never drops below 10 degrees). Sometimes the sirocco, the wind of sultry Africa, raises the temperature to 30 degrees, but the heat is not felt so much. The water temperature in the seas in winter is about 16 degrees, and in summer – 26 degrees. The tourist season lasts more than six months; it officially begins in May and ends in October. But in April and November it is already or still warm in Sicily, but there is no influx of tourists.

Island of Sicily. Transport

When going on holiday to Sicily, it is worth thinking about how to travel to and around the island itself. You can get to the much-coveted “mafia island” by plane, bus, train and ferry. The most obvious form of transport, the plane, is not always convenient. Direct flights to Sicily are quite rare for our airports. You can fly to Rome, Milan or Venice, and only there you will have to change trains. domestic flight, next to Palermo or Catania. We recommend using convenient search air tickets

Continental Italy can be proud of the network railways crossing the country. Therefore, it is quite natural to want to get to Sicily by train. Moreover, there are very convenient night flights, the entire journey of which (including the transfer of wagons by ferry) takes place in a dream. The cost of the crossing is included in the price of the ticket, which can be purchased at the ticket office just before the train departs. It’s even better not to forget to use composters, otherwise the purchased ticket will be invalid. These yellow machines stand right on the platforms.

Despite all the convenience of trains, it is better to travel around the island by car. The fact is that the railway track “encircles” Sicily. And you can get from one end of the island to the other only by driving around it along the coast. Buses and cars can simply cross the region. True, we should not forget that, in addition to free routes, there are also toll roads. Their main difference is length and convenience.

And finally, ferries. There are ports in many cities on the island of Sicily. But Messina is located closest to mainland Italy - only 5 km. The town has regular connections with the continent: ferries depart every half hour to an hour.

Island of Sicily. Beaches

Undoubtedly, one of the main advantages of the island are the beaches of Sicily. The waters of the coastal zone have dozens of shades: from turquoise to emerald and dark blue, stones, pebbles, black and white sand cover the beaches, and colorful schools of fish and starfish swim around vacationers.

Almost all the famous Sicilian beaches (Lido, Mazzaro, Spisone and Isola Bella) are located in the vicinity of Taormina, a prestigious, fashionable and expensive resort. However, not only rich people can enjoy the sun’s rays here in the off-season. The coast of Taormina is mainly rocky or sandy and pebbly. Sheer cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation and the absence of large stones create excellent conditions for relaxation and enjoying nature.

While in Sicily, it is worth visiting the beaches of Catania, famous for their black sand. This is a gift from Etna. The coast acquired its black color due to volcanic lava crushed by water and wind. Black beaches stretch for 9 km from Acireale to Catania.

In a gorgeous bay natural origin are the rocky coastlines and golden sandy beaches of Syracuse. These places have long been chosen by lovers of snorkeling and diving. There is mysterious caves, inhabited by colorful inhabitants, and the underwater flora is not inferior in beauty to the land flora. The most famous is the beach with very fine golden sand Fontane Bianche, which received its name due to the springs of fresh water gushing out of the ground.

From the town of Licata to Schiacca, the rocky and sandy beaches of Agrigento stretch, the most popular of which are Torre Verdura, Tonnara, Torre Macauda and Secca Grande.

The province of Agrigento also boasts the Pelagian Islands. The three islands (Linosa, Lampedusa and Lampioni) are not impressive in size, but very picturesque. Local sandy beaches – favorite place scuba diving enthusiasts. There are several diving centers on Lampedusa's Rabbit Reach beach alone.

Main resort Sicily - Palermo, and favorite beach local population– 2-kilometer sand beach Mondello, surrounded by cliffs and caves. The Terrasini area is also excellently equipped. But Ustica, an island of volcanic origin near Palermo, will be appreciated by lovers of beaches untouched by civilization.

Sights of Sicily

Considering the huge size of the island, it is almost impossible to describe all the attractions of Sicily in one article (more details about each Sicilian attraction can be found in the “ “ section). Each island city has a number of architectural and artistic monuments worthy of admiration: these are cathedrals and churches, found in many populated areas, archaeological museums and art galleries, ancient amphitheaters and protected areas, parks and botanical gardens, villas and fountains, and, of course, Etna...

Let's try to remember the most important things in different cities of Sicily

The main attraction of Agrigento is the archaeological site outside the city called, discovered in late XIX century Pietransanta. Back in 1997, these 1300 hectares of area were included in the UNESCO heritage list. On the territory of the Valley there are such temples as the Temple of Asclepius, the Temple of Concord, the tomb of Theron, the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Hera, etc. Most of the architectural objects of this complex are ancient Greek temples, built in the 6th - 5th centuries BC. Almost all of them are built in an elegant Doric style (decorated with colonnades) and amaze with the grandeur of their size.

The town of Catania is famous all over the world thanks to the highest in Europe active volcano Etna, the surrounding area of which has been declared a national park. Indicate the exact height of this Italian mountain is not possible, since the numbers change after each lava eruption. The last time it “woke up” was in January 2014, which is why the airport in Catania was even closed. Frequent destructive eruptions of lava in ancient times were explained by the Romans as the struggle of giant gods among themselves, which caused “awe” among mere mortals. Today, the constantly changing relief of Etna is of interest not only to geologists, but also to ordinary tourists.

Another signature of Catania is Vaccarini. The center of the fountain is a black basalt statue of an elephant, which holds an Egyptian obelisk topped with a cross on its back. A rather romantic legend tells about the appearance of the statue in Catania. They say that the elephant was brought to the town by the lava of the erupting Etna. True, official documents refute this version, claiming that already in 1239 the elephant, which is the emblem of Catania, was inside the city walls.

There is something to see in Messina. More in place ancient temple Back in the 12th century, a very unique church of St. Maria Annunziata dei Catalani was built. Well, lovers of sculpture and art will definitely appreciate the fountains of Orion and Neptune, a student of Michelangelo Montorsoli.

One of the most famous architectural monuments of Palermo is located in Liberty Square. On this hill there was a Phoenician fortress, a Roman one, and the emir’s palace. The last were the Normans, who turned the building into a real masterpiece of Moorish architecture in the 11th – 12th centuries and the residence of the king.

Another attraction of Palermo is the Great Opera House, built in 1891 according to the design of Giovanni Basile. This neoclassical building, with an area of 7,730 square meters, is the third largest European theater after Vienna and Paris.

The main historical monument of Taormina is Ancient theater, valuable not only from an architectural point of view, but also as a place from the upper platforms of which a “panorama of perfection” opens. Built in the 3rd – 2nd centuries BC. the theater had a diameter of 109 meters. Three centuries later, the Romans re-equipped the Ancient Theater, adapting it for gladiator fights. And the excellent acoustics even today allow musical shows to be held here during the tourist season.

The symbol of Trapani is undoubtedly the windmills, which were used to pump out water and grind salt. It is not surprising that it is in this town of Sicily that the salt museum is located, where you can get acquainted with the process of salt extraction in the past. And very close by are the “descendants” of windmills - modern saltworks.

Island of Sicily. Kitchen

If you want to make not only an intellectual trip to Italy with a stop at the beach, you should also choose Sicily as your vacation destination. The island of Sicily allows gourmets to take a real culinary voyage. Unlike the culinary traditions of continental Italy, Sicilian cuisine is very diverse. The reason for this is simple - numerous changes of “owners” of the island in ancient times and the Middle Ages led to a mixing of cultures even in the kitchen. Thus, the Arabs (at one time) planted citrus trees in Sicily and introduced the islanders to eggplants. They also began to grow melons, almonds, sugar cane, pomegranates, palm trees, cinnamon and saffron. The Romans planted wheat here and taught the Sicilians some bread baking recipes. Thanks to the Greeks, the culinary traditions of Sicily were replenished with wine, olives and cheese. And the Spaniards brought potatoes, tomatoes and chocolate from the New World.

Even pasta is special in Sicily. Here you can taste regional variations on the theme of pasta: pasta with ricotta and eggplant, pasta with sea urchins, pasta with sardines and fennel or pasta with salted sprat. The cuisine of island Sicily is replete with fish and seafood. Silver sea bass, red mullet, sardines, red tuna, squid, lobster, mussels and king prawns will not leave you indifferent. But the most important delicacy in Sicily remains swordfish, which has dozens of preparation options. By the way, after receiving a portion of seafood in shells and shells, do not rush to accuse the cooks of laziness. Serving like this is the best evidence of the freshness of the dish.

In addition to the usual beef and pork, Sicilian chefs cook horse meat superbly. True, you can’t taste such dishes everywhere, but only in those establishments that have a horse’s head on their sign.

Vegetarians will feel like they are in paradise in Sicily, because they grow great amount fruits and vegetables. They are practically not eaten raw, except in salads. Even greens on the island are boiled and eaten, flavored with olive oil.

And the island of Sicily is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Pastries, cakes, crispy rolls with cream filling, granitas (fruit ice) and ice cream will help arrange a real “belly feast” for vacationers.

So, it’s worth going to Sicily. And not just for the sake of looking at the “mafia showdowns” up close, or at least at the doors of houses riddled with bullets. Sunbathe on superbly equipped beaches, swim in the gentle turquoise of the sea, “plunge” into the culture of these places, get acquainted with the history of the island, eat delicious food and just forget about household chores for a while... It’s worth coming to Sicily just to relax in Sicily.

The Mediterranean island of Sicily has had no peace over the past millennia. Due to its beauty geographical location Sicily became an arena of confrontation between the strongest civilizations of the past. What helped her preserve herself over the centuries? How did the trials enrich glorious Sicily?

Rulers changed, wars were fought with varying success... Greco-Carthaginian influence remained in Sicily until Rome entered the Mediterranean arena. As a result of the First Punic War against Carthage, all of Sicily, with the exception of the allied Syracuse, was declared a Roman province (241 BC). During the Second Punic War (219 -212 BC), despite an alliance with Hieron II, the Romans subjugate Syracuse.

Sicily was a quiet province that supplied the empire with its agricultural products. The most notable events here were the slave revolts (135 and 101 BC) and the robberies branded by Cicero under the reign of praetor Verret. The decline of the empire had a direct impact on the island when, in 440 AD. The Vandal leader Genseric lands at Lilybaeum (today's Marsala) and devastates Sicily. After a series of sporadic raids in the following years, a period of barbarian dominance began in 468. They ruled over all the large cities abandoned by the empire. island territories- Sicily, Sardinia, Balearic Islands. After the reign of Odoacer, who became king of Italy, Sicily passed into the hands of the Goths. The Ostrogothic ruler Theodoric the Great had held the Italian throne since 495. Surprisingly, during the period of barbarian rule in Sicily, calm and even some prosperity reigned. It ended when the Eastern Emperor Justinian tried to restore the territorial integrity of the ancient Roman Empire.

During the Byzantine-Gothic War (535), the commander Belisarius was sent to Sicily. The military campaign to conquer the island was carried out with extraordinary speed. The small Gothic garrisons were unable to repel the advance of the Byzantine expeditionary force. The siege and capture from the sea of the city of Palermo remained in history as an example of medieval military art. Thus, Sicily was returned to the imperial orbit. The process of "Byzantization" gave the island oriental features, but the Latin element was not destroyed. For almost three centuries, Sicily remained in the sphere of influence of Byzantium, having adopted much of the socio-cultural life of the empire. The arts and sciences were cultivated, and church schools were created. The island has become fertile ground for the development of education. Monuments of this era are located in the cities of Randazzo, Castelbuono, Pantalica.

In 1060, the Normans, blessed by the pope, begin the conquest of Sicily. The expulsion of Muslims from the island was a prototype of the Crusades. Roger Altavilla and Robert Guiscard brought this enterprise to a successful conclusion over 31 years. Roger Altavilla's descendants would be kings of Sicily until 1194. The new conquerors left Palermo as the capital, but created new government structures: administrative, financial, feudal, religious. Distinctive feature The reign of Grand Duke Roger II was a peaceful coexistence of different peoples: Latins, Greeks, Arabs, Jews. Roger II attracted representatives of all nationalities living in Sicily to govern the state. He entrusted the organization of administration to the Greeks, the Muslims were in charge of finances, and the Latins were entrusted with the organization of new feudal relations.

The wise duke took into account the mistakes that served as a source of instability in continental Italy, subject to the Normans. Under him, church and monastic life of the Latin type was encouraged. Culture did not lag behind politics in its development. The Palatine Chapel, the palaces of Maredolce and Cuba, the cathedrals of Palermo and Cefalu - these magnificent monuments were created at that time. Ciza Palace and Cathedral in Montreal were built under Guglielmo I and Guglielmo P. Such senior officials of the state as Admiral Giorgio of Antioch and Minister Maione of Bari, following the example of their sovereigns, built at their own expense the Church of St. Mary Admiral, called Martorana, and the Temple of St. Catald.

Literature and science also flourished. Idrisius and Nilo Doxapatrios, Aristippus and Emir Eugenio, Romuald of Salernitana and Peter of Eboli - all of them brought glory to the Kingdom of Sicily. Thanks to their translations from Greek and Arabic, the West came to know Ptolemy and Plato.

With the decline of Norman rule, opportunities opened up for the Germans to realize their imperial ambitions. The marriage of Constanza Altavilla with the son of Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, Henry VI, and his coronation in Palermo marked the coming to power of the German Suevian dynasty (1194). The German era saw unprecedented progress in the fields of experimental science, law, literature and folk poetry. The heir of Constance and Henry, Frederick I, despite being busy with German affairs and the fight against the communes Northern Italy, was a patron of the artificial and himself composed a treatise in Latin that can be considered a comprehensive description of falconry. The first Italian poetic school was under his patronage. At this time, the poets of the “Great Curia” were working; monuments of that time remained in Palermo, Syracuse, Catania, Salemi, and Agrigento.

When Frederick died in 1250, the pope gave by his will the Sicilian crown to the brother of the French king Louis IX, Charles of Anjou. Frederick's direct heirs, the illegitimate son Manfredi and nephew Corradino, tried to fight for the crown, but both died.

Charles of Anjou, having taken the throne, moved the capital of the state to Naples. The dominance of the Angevins in the Kingdom of Sicily and their oppression did not please the inhabitants of the island. Beginning in Palermo on August 31, 1282, a revolt called the "Sicilian Vespers" led to the final expulsion of the French from Sicily. From this moment on, the Aragonese dynasty comes to power. The Sicilians elected Peter III of Aragon, Manfredi's son-in-law, as their sovereign. This turn of events led to a long period of wars with the Angevin Kingdom of Naples and to clashes between the richest noble families of Sicily - Chiaromonte, Venti-miglia, Rosso, Alagona, Peralta, etc.

There are many abandoned houses on the hills in Sicily. People built houses there without buying land, and when the government demanded money from them, they abandoned it because there was nothing to pay.

The gradual process of extinction of the Sicilian line of the Aragonese dynasty ends with the “close” relationship between the island and the Spanish crown. The marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile laid the foundation for the formation of the Spanish state, of which Sicily becomes part. The island belonged to Spain for approximately 300 years and was ruled by a viceroy. These were the times of the rise of Catholic kings, the era of great geographical discoveries. At the same time, Turkish expansion to the West began. Sicily acquired enormous strategic importance as a bastion on the path of Ottoman aggression. At the beginning of the 16th century. The construction of fortifications and new castles on the coast began on the island, and the number of military garrisons increased. At the same time, there were popular unrest, in particular the uprisings against the viceroy in 1516 and 1523.

In the seventeenth century, Spanish Sicily deteriorated sharply economic situation. Lean years actually destroyed villages and doomed them to famine big cities. The first popular uprising took place in Messina in 1646, and a more powerful one that happened a year later in Palermo was brutally suppressed by Viceroy Los Beles. The leader of this uprising, Nino La Pelosa, was hanged. The next revolt, raised by Palermitan artisans, was more successful. The viceroy was expelled, and his place was taken by Giuseppe d'Alesi, elected by the rebels. He tried to create a people's government, abolished privileges and taxes, achieved the election of three nobles and three commoners who swore allegiance to the people. But, betrayed by everyone, he was killed on August 22, 1647 ...

According to the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), Sicily went to the Duke of Savoy, Victor Amadeo II, but this reign lasted no more than five years. In 1718, the Spaniards attempted to recapture the island, but their interests overlapped with those of the Austrians. According to the Treaty of the Hague (1720), Charles VI of Austria becomes the new king of Sicily. The plunder of the island by excessive taxation is a characteristic feature of the Austrian rule. Sicily reverts to the Spanish after the Battle of Bitonto between Bourbon and Austrian forces (1734). Charles I of Bourbon, son of the Spanish king, becomes King of Sicily, and for 125 years the Bourbons will rule the island.

The poverty in which the Sicilians found themselves forced the king to pursue a policy of reform, and in 1759, when Viceroy Domenico Coracciolo arrived on the island, following the theories of the French enlighteners, the privileges of the feudal lords were abolished, and then the Inquisitorial Tribunal was liquidated (1782). But the gap with Naples continued to intensify, and a movement for autonomy developed in Sicily, relying on educated people committed to the ancient tradition of island independence.

The principles proclaimed by the French Revolution could not but influence the further development of the history of Sicily. Jacobinism penetrated here through Masonic channels; in 1795, a conspiracy by Francesco Paolo Di Blasi, whose goal was to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic, was brutally suppressed on the island.

The first constitution of Sicily was adopted by parliament on July 19, 1812 and sanctioned by the king on August 10. The independence of Sicily from Naples, the separation of three powers and a bicameral parliament were affirmed. But the Congress of Vienna (1816) secured both crowns for King Ferdinand. Anti-Bourbon sentiments intensified despite government decisions and contributed to the emergence of the Carbonari secret society on the island. Repeatedly suppressed popular unrest culminated in the 1848 revolution in Palermo, led by Giuseppe La Masa. A provisional government, parliament, and army were created. But a year and a half later, in 1849. Bourbon troops entered Palermo again.

For another 11 years, insurgent uprisings periodically arose in Sicily, but in 1860, Garibaldi's expedition landed in Marsala, entered Palermo and then liberated the entire island. As a result of Garibaldi's campaign, Sicily joins the Kingdom of Italy, and from that moment on, the history of the island is inextricably linked with the history of Italy. Outstanding politicians - Francesco Crispi, Michele Amari, Victor Emmanuel Orlando; cultural figures - Giovanni Verga, Pirandello, Tomasi de Lampedusa, Quasimodo and Sciascia, Renato. Guttuso - these are the Sicilians who glorified Italy.

In 1947, Sicily was granted autonomy based on a special status that combined the advantages of state unity and regional independence.

A beautiful, multifaceted island, unique in its history and culture, which “is more of a country than a region, and also a heterogeneous country with many realities” (Bufalino) will not leave anyone indifferent and will attract those who have at least once visited here, and even those who has never been.

LARISA GOROVENKO September 2000.

The history of Sicily is full of bright events and unexpected turns. The island has been inhabited since time immemorial, in the 8th century BC. The Phoenicians and ancient Greeks founded their colonies here. For several centuries, bloody wars unfolded in Sicilian lands. Then Sicily was part of the Roman Empire, and after its fall in the 5th century it was successively conquered by the Vandals, Visigoths, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans, the latter founded the Kingdom of Sicily, which lasted from 1130 to the 13th century. Then the Angevins came to power, and after that the Aragonese and Sicily became part of the Spanish kingdom. For some time the island was under the control of the Savoy dynasty and Austria, and at the end of the 18th century the power of the Bourbons was established, who united the Kingdom of Sicily with the Kingdom of Naples and in 1816 the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was formed.
In 1860, Sicily became part of a united Italy. This became a rather difficult historical moment, which is still actively discussed. Official history presents everything on the positive side, but in reality everyone knows about the “backward” Italian south and the more developed north. Before the unification of Italy, everything was exactly the opposite.
By 1856, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies ranked third in the world in industrial development, its fleet was the fourth largest in the world.
What else could the south of the peninsula boast of before the unification of Italy? The first metallurgical production in the Apennines was founded here, the first inter-Atlantic liner was built in Sicily.
After the unification of Italy, the economy of Sicily began to decline, as the policy of the newly created country was aimed at developing the north.
History is written by the winners, let it remain on their conscience, but for tourists Sicily represents a unique mixture into which each ruler made his artistic, artistic and gastronomic contribution. What could be more amazing and attractive than traveling, plunging into centuries, traditions, legends and myths!

Most of Sicily is hills, mountains make up 25% total area, the plain accounts for 14%.
There are several volcanoes on the territory of Sicily, the most famous of them are Etna, Stromboli, Vulcano.
Because of its triangular shape, in ancient times Sicily was called Trinacria.