An odyssey to Castellammare del Golfo is the right choice if you wish to observe how nature takes over. All the hill slopes that mark the way between Castellammare del Golfo and San Vito Lo Capo announce the arrival to a natural heaven, the Zingaro Nature Reserve. This paradise is situated on the eastern side of the Gulf of Castellammare covering a generous and beautiful section of the coast. The Zingaro is with no doubt the protected area of natural majesty.

This corner of beauty and tranquility is the optimum path to follow if what you are looking for is to generously pamper your senses. This famous nature reserve houses an extraordinary aquatic life that offers rare outlooks to all sea lovers out there. It hosts a spectacular seabed that permanently attracts professional and amateur divers into witnessing the colored sponges, anemones and madrepores that smother the underwater ground.

The submerged rocks form the habitat of white grouper and white bream while tunny and pelagic prefer the rocky peaks. Communities of dolphins gather around during spring and autumn. And the truth is that the more one delves into the core of this paradise, the more one becomes entangled in the fascination web of this natural complex, because the reserve continues with a wide offer of sandy beaches, grottoes, tunnels and sunny valleys that host the cribs of various birds. The pilgrim falcon, the Bonelli eagle, wind havers, buzzards and many endangered species enjoy the freedom and protection of the reserve. The Zingaro is the first nature reserve of Sicily, which is one of the reasons why an abundance of endemic species found comfort in this place.

The area doesn’t bear major notoriety only for its diverse flora and fauna, but also for its archaeological legacy. For example, the Uzzo Grotto used to be one of the primary human dwellings of the area. Even more information on the local history can be reached at the museums that mark the ends of the reserve.

As far as organization is concerned, the matter received close attention. Such a large space required a strict structure which is why there is no way one can lose orientation. Many guiding signs are sprinkled all over the surface. An even greater feature is that cars are not allowed. It is a very good thing that in certain areas Sicily disables the use of cars, this way offering the opportunity of smelling the fresh air and admiring the scenery while doing some exercise.

But do not worry! The reserve is endowed with a large car park and also a generous picnic area in case you wish an afternoon snack. And do not forget to take your camera with you. This place allows some unique snapshots that are definitely worth adding to the travel album.

In present times, a clear example of former military excellence guards the western end of Syracuse’s Epipolai plateau. The Euryalos (Eurialo) Castle represents one of the greatest proofs of Greek military knowledge transposed into architectural mastery. Several writings of the 18th and 19th centuries state the renowned beauty of the views that the castle enabled. Subsequently the city was extended and many buildings were added this way crimping the scenery.

The creator of the castle was Dionysius the Elder and the main motivation was the defense of the city from the Carthaginians. After only six years, the construction became invincible. Its majesty, that also bears the touch of Archimedes, is said to have never been touched in the heat of battle. Romans made their entrance in the subsequent centuries, followed by the Byzantines that needed protection from the Arabs, which is the reason for the notable changes they made to the original structure.

Even if the primary construction was massively modified, following years proved that it had only become a greater and stronger fortress. Regardless of the political changes that had occurred in the past, the castle remained an impressive and highly efficient stronghold. It is a fact that even according to contemporary standards the system of the castle offers accurate proof of its capacities.

As history holds, every war was conducted according to the enemy’s subsidies. Therefore, the strong weapons of the Carthaginians amongst which the Greek fire mines had to be counterattacked by equally powerful warfare. It is the reason why Archimedes created diversion by digging various tunnels throughout the city. The Greek defense was brilliant and subsequent years demonstrated that it had no match.

The complexity of the ancient architecture is still breathtaking and its strength still reverberates through its massive structure. The scenery that can be admired while streaming the corridors is overwhelming. A journey to Syracuse became a must for me and it just may be a common reaction for anyone who stumbles upon the city’s military jewel.

In Palermo, the examples of handmade artistry are various and pull in many of the prospective tourists. This urban jewel of the entire island offers consecutive attractions. The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi is one example of brilliance.

The name Giacomo Serpotta is not a stranger to Sicily’s artistic legacy. He is the great creator of the stucco that adorns the Oratorio del Rosario di Santa Cita. The great artist also left its trademark on the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi by creating eight allegorical statues in the nave. They are pretty spectacular but the pinnacle of the entire mastery is reached by a gathering of choir-stalls, reliefs and other immortal beauties that please the eye.

The building was erected between 1255 and 1277 on the site of two former churches. It was subjected to consecutive restorations along the years, including in the post-war period. After 1943, the damage appeared to be quite tragic which is why intense renovations were conducted. The 15th, 16th, 18th and 19th centuries marked the prolonged renovations that returned the church to its original template. Its medieval outline was restored during the post-war reconstructions and presently it makes a good reproduction of the gist of medieval designs.

The interior welcomes visitors into a Gothic world with two rows of cylindrical pilasters that separate the nave and two aisles. The Renaissance period is present due to several features that some of the chapels hold. The artistry inside this church has a special flavor and gathers notorious names that marked the artistic world of the last centuries. Antonio and Giacomo Gagini as well as Francesco Laurana are well represented by their amazing sculptures that perfectly match the wooden choir dating from the 16th century. Gothic arcades and an open roof-truss are part of the diverse and amazing architectural collection that the church puts up. They make a special touristic venue out of the triple-aisled hall church.

It is quite amazing how arts can astonish. Their strength is subtle and releases passion. Religious and non-religious, agnostic and profound believers, casual visitors and art lovers are all welcome in the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. But keep in mind that it only makes one of the art shelters of Palermo.

This prodigy child attracted considerable attention to his residential town, Catania, a Sicilian locality situated on the eastern coast of the island facing the Ionian Sea. Nowadays, the name Bellini fairly reverberates throughout the city, joining all the other great artists that marked the island on the world map. Today, the grave of the artist rests inside the notorious Cathedral of Catania which crowns the mediaeval center of the city.

The cathedral is with no doubt the most important church of the city. The local legends bolster its greatness by disseminating the idea that the church was built on exact the same place where Saint Agatha died in 251. It definitely comes in as appreciated information due to the fact that Saint Agatha is the patron saint of the city. She is a highly celebrated figure in Catania and many of the inner elements of the church prove it.

This ecclesiastic edifice began its existence soon after the Norman Conquest (1085). It was Roger I who commanded the construction of the basilica in the same place where the Roman Springs of Achilles had been. Materials from these remains and elements of other former buildings were incorporated into the construction of the church. But the entire building was subjected to massive restorations after the 1693 earthquake.

The baroque style was imminent and therefore obstructed all of the previous architectural highlights. Nevertheless, recent discoveries (1950- 1959) reveal the original eastern side, under the dominating baroque design. Also impressive are the tall lava apses of Norman origins that overlook corso Vittorio Emanuele II. The northern side is also worthy of several snapshots as it offers a beautiful entablature of finely shaped cherubs.

The inner architectural design also reveals some Norman tokens, such as the column bases from the former structure. Further, two arches signed by Renaissance artists announce the entrance to the two chapels. The southern chapel is a dedication to Saint Agatha and a clear proof of fine artistry. The choir illustrates several images from the saint’s life that perfectly match the impressive Spanish doorway. The sacristy receives well-deserved admiration for its depiction of the city prior to the 1669 eruption. It seems like the artist wanted to broadly present the domination of Mount Etna by highlighting the majesty of the mountain and the frothing lava threatening the city.

A masterpiece signed by architect G. B. Vaccarini brings a certain spotlight to the façade. He was one of the architects that led the 18th century reconstruction and obviously a name to remember, although the reconstruction was conducted by several renowned architects.

The inhabitants organize on a yearly basis a grandiose procession in the name of Saint Agatha. During this festivity, gratitude is expressed and miracles are expected. People with health problems become an active part of the event, in a way that appears to express some kind of effort worthy of the saint’s protection. Thousands of people from other parts of Sicily, Italy and other parts of the world either witness the event or become a part of it, but they certainly gather for the celebration.

It is kind of difficult to enclose all there is to know about the exciting ancient era, the hectic middle ages and the history of the Two Sicilies. Not only the legacy of Palermo is worthy of attention but present life also. Despite the fact that Palermo is a small city, the diversity from north to south and east to west is impressive. Trying to make sense of these differences is what will keep you here.

By looking into the evolution of the city, you will stumble upon several names that marked the local historic trajectory. These are the names of baronial families that had sufficient power and the enviable authoritativeness to demand execution of their own projects. Luckily, most of them are present statements of architectural styles and trends of the time which bring you a little closer to the vibe that dominated former periods.

One example of noble family that financed the construction of a spectacular building is La Grua. It was a powerful Sicilian family and at its behest, the Church of Saint Augustine was erected. This amazing construction on via Francesco Raimondi is a token of the Romanesque Gothic architectural style that locally bears the name of Chiaramonte Gothic. It dates from the 14th century, but following centuries brought about extensive work on the structure and also a reformation of the interior which received clear Baroque features.

Mediaeval characteristics are embedded in the façade, main entrance and the cloister from the right side of the church.
The Catalan Gothic style is quite obviously spread all over the cloister that embraces a central fountain. The wall near the side entrance reserves a special place to a Roman tomb that serially stimulates the touristic curiosity.

The location of the church is just the right one. It is situated near Capo Market that succeeds in reproducing the Saracen vibe. This historic center gets quite hectic when buyers meet the vendors and create mass effervescence.

Unlike the Church of Saint Augustine, other ecclesiastic bowers are better preserved and therefore make a much more visitation venue. Nevertheless, this church bolsters with uniqueness and it is definitely worth full attention.

Nowhere throughout Sicily can there be found the most spectacular edifice, the most intriguing flavor or the most amazing handcraft. They are unique in everything they represent and equally magnificent.

The Baroque style is intensely spread all over the island. Nevertheless, Palermo is a real delight from this point of view. It represents a real heir of the Baroque throne and scatters the Baroque vibe all over its streets and in all of its corners. The square named “Quattro Canti” is a sheer Baroque gem and, as the city got everybody used to, it highlights the quintessence of artists that marked the times of its erection. Built between 1608 and1620, it was laid out on the orders of the Spanish Viceroy. History shows that it was the masterpiece of the great Italian architect Giulio Lasso, although he didn’t get to live until the day the project saw the light of day.

This eight-sided piazza is the outcome of road straightening and widening scheme which marked it as an early example of architectural town planning. Also known as Piazza Vigilena, this square is located at the crossing point of the main streets in Palermo, Via Maqueda and the Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Its sides are made of four streets and four Baroque buildings embellished with beautiful statues and fountains.

The ground level is marked by fountains followed by sculpted statues on the three upper floors. Next to the sculptures that symbolize the four seasons at the bottom were added statues representing the four Spanish kings that ruled starting with 1516: Charles V, Philip II, III and IV. The uppermost level is dominated by the female patron saints: Cristina, Ninfa, Oliva and Agata. The fountains’ height reaches the second floor and adds a certain splendor to this circular fashionable square. The presence of three architectural orders, Doric, Corinthian and Ionic actively participate in making a setting-out point for prolonged walks.

The Quattro Canti is the traditional center of Palermo. Anybody who chooses to go to Palermo should know that visiting the historic side of Palermo is a must. Once arrived in the heart of the city, you may not go back without enjoying the magnificence of Lasso’s work.

Amongst the Sicilian palaces that open their doors to the spectators stands the majestic Palazzo Mirto (Mirto Palace), one of Palermo’s aristocratic households. It was built in the late years of the 18th century on the site of 13th and 14th centuries foundations. In present times, the edifice succeeds in recreating past ages when the Filangeri family used to inhabit the palace.

The Filangeri was a privileged Norman family with renowned origins and legendary predecessors. Along the years, the construction suffered various transformations, according to the owners’ desires. In 1982 the last inheritor, Maria Concetta Filangeri, donated the palace to the local authorities.

The present design holds few elements of past ages due to various, successive restorations. Amazingly, elements from the 13th century were discovered during some restoration work. They were identified as typical elements of the houses owned by the Resolmini family that at a certain point got under the ownership of the Filangeris, as a result of a marriage.

The 17th century is hardly represented because of the massive modifications from 1793. The first floor was mostly rearranged and a portal was added, the one that marks Merlo Street. Also, the second floor became a target for rearrangements, this way offering more privacy to the family’s members.

Streaming the palace becomes a vivid journey amongst all kinds of artistic handcrafts. The furniture steals the eye due to the fine work of local artisans while numerous artistic domains are well represented by objects that complete the displayed art collections. The refined tastes of former owners become clear with every detail. The large majestic salons are embellished with silky panels, numerous frescoes, rare paintings and beautifully made tapestries and draperies.

The Salottino Cinese (the Chinese Salon) is definitely the most outstanding of them all. It reveals in every little detail the sophisticated tastes that the nobles used to live by. Black lacquer, a trompe l’oeil ceiling and daily life scenes represented by paintings on silk walls reflect the enviable economic and social position that the aristocracy used to enjoy. This is where the family members and their guests used to gather after dinner and talk or play cards and smoke. Several other smoking rooms display embossed leather and mosaic floors that inspire extreme elegance and refinement. Inside Sala degli Arazzi a wonderful mythological world was represented by painter Giuseppe Velasco who turned the interior into a breathtaking elegant drawing room in 1804.

A surprising finding was a room in which were stored impressive plates from the 19th century trimmed with different party costumes. Each plate was given to its designated character during masked balls.

A vanished world of noblewomen and boyars is presented to the curious eye in this outstanding piece of aristocratic heaven. Only the visual experience is now left for the public, and it is definitely worth it, especially since there aren’t too many open places of this kind in the world.

Innumerable touristic sights embellish the territory. The majesty of the palaces, the churches and cathedrals makes only a small part of what the legacy of Palermo really has in store for visitors. The city is an endless world of greatness and artistry.
Right beside the numerous churches and many other ecclesiastic Baroque buildings stands an eye-catcher that makes everything around it lose color.

This is the place where Italian sculptor Giacomo Serpotta pulled together his leading achievement, a wonderful stucco design that doesn’t cease to raise marvel. The stucco decoration was created between 1686 and 1718 and represents an extravagant piece of art that overwhelms by realism. The cherubs and angels dominate the mastery of Serpotta by their harmonious garland and flower spreading. The fineness of the artistic execution is unique and is fully worthy of all the appreciation.

The oratory represents a generous art gallery that contains quite a heterogeneous collection. Scenes of flagellation join the images of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. A wonderful work reveals scenes like The Mystery of the Rosary. The walls exhibit their own attraction due to all the allegorical characters that guard the side windows.

The Battle of Lepanto is also represented. Legend has it that the Virgin of the Rosary’s miraculous intervention is the reason why the Turks were defeated in 1571. Right in the 16th century the oratory was built for offering gratitude to the Virgin of the Rosary. It was then that this marvelous church started gathering numerous crowds happy to be given the chance to express gratefulness.

Nowadays the oratory displays its marvels just as it did three centuries ago. The crowds are still excited and the stucco is still the jewel of the entire church.

The action of the screenplays used to be undertaken by characters that copied real individuals, with all their social and political concerns. The existence of every character was based on a certain idea that defined his/her behavior. This is why they were called “masked characters”. Behind the mask, the character had a specific psychological construction that followed a sole developing path: Pulcinella- the lazy one, Brighella- the intriguing one, Arlecchino- the drifter.

These traditional characters were later on transposed into the glove puppet shows, opera dei pupi and the marionette theater. The latter was built on the idea of revealing to the public the well-behaved urban working characters, as opposed to the glove puppet shows that presented violent peasants. The puppet show was created on the idea of provoking laughter or some kind of well-being. All the elements, the verbal language and non-verbal language, the voice, the grotesque characteristics were all put together in a comic manner.

The world of puppets and marionettes is a world of handcraft based on an extreme focus on details. Unfortunately, there are few places on Earth that still preserve samples of traditional puppets. But in Sicily, the world of the puppet show is generously presented at the International Puppet Museum (Museo Internazionale delle Marionette) from Palermo. In here, various designs of puppets, marionettes and stage props welcome the spectators to the discovery of Antonio Pasqualino collection made of 3500 eclectic pieces that are not only originated from Sicily and Italy, but also from India, China, Africa and Indonesia.

The puppets that are displayed at the Palermo museum create a spectacular antique collection, some of them being centuries old. They are the pillars of the “opera di pupi” tradition that is invariably fading away. Artistry of iconic names such as Gaspara Canino (the 1800 raising star of the puppet theater) is generously displayed in the museum. Many other artists are highlighted inside the museum. Each and every one of them is worthy of close attention as they represent the ultimate puppet masters.

The International Puppet Museum is sadly one of the few places all over the world that still celebrate the lost tradition of the puppet show and it gathers both children and art lovers year after year.

A breathtaking natural monument, the Alcantara gorge, makes pretty clear what nature is capable of. The main culprit for this unexpected beauty is Mount Etna and the waters running off its slopes. Flowing down to the southern regions of the Nebrodi Mountains, these waters enable an accurate proof of nature’s incomparable beauty. The name comes from Arab and it originates from “al qantara” which is translated “the bridge”, an allusion to a Roman span.

The Alcantara River is equally renowned for being one of the rivers that has water all year long. The process of the gorge’s creation involved lava coming from the eruption of one of Etna’s offshoot. As the lava reached the river, it cooled much faster than it would have normally done which turned it into crystallized columns. As decades passed, the river dug its way into the columns and created a channel through them. Gole dell’Alcantara is only one example of impressive ravine that resulted as years went by.

The depth of the canyon is somewhere around 65 meters and the water remains cool all year long. The river begins its journey somewhere near Floresta, the highest town in Sicily with an altitude reaching 1300 meters above sea level.

Not all of Sicily’s canyons are made of lava stone. Diversity manifests even when nature takes over. If man’s actions can somehow be under control, it is an absolute fact that nature has its own will. And this is a will that we may never know when is going to express itself. It is the sheer reason why nature’s creations are both spectacular and quite unpredictable.