Sicilia Region Suggested Trips

During the Norman domination, in 1184 the archbishop of Palermo Walter Offamilio started the construction of a splendid cathedral to replace the Muslim mosque with a Christian church. Over the centuries the additions and restorations modified the original building: the most radical change was made by Ferdinando Fuga in 1771 and in 1809. He was an architect from Florence and gave to the interior of the church a neoclassical aspect. Visiting the Cathedral it is important to observe: the XIV century portal with bronze doors, the long right side is decorated with a scenic portico in Catalan-Gothic style from the XV century, under which there is a highly decorated portal by Antonio Gambarra in 1426, the apses kept their original form of the XII century. The Cathedral contains the Royal and Imperial tombs. Among the people buried there are Roger II, Henry VI of Hohenstaufen, Costance de Hauteville, Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. Among the numerous chapels there is Santa Rosalia's, where in a silver urn done in 1631, there are kept the ashes of the patron Saint of Palermo. There is lastly fine treasure, comprising precious objects and pieces of embroidery found in Royal and Imperial tombs, holy vestments, chalices, ostensories.

Historical and mesmerising, expensive and gorgeous, Taormina is every bit the picture-postcard image of Sicily... its Greek theatre perched on a cliff and opening out into the sea has to be seen to be believed... in a sense, it is the San Gimigniano of Tuscany or the Nice of the Riviera... you can't help being impressed and amazed... but at another level it is also tacky and commercial... touristy, full of shops, and pricier than most other Sicilian cities... but at least a short trip there is highly recommended, even if you are not into lux shopping and dining, just to take in its charm and architectural marvels... it was the place that earlier attracted some of the most famous in literature and art as their holiday resort... easily reached by train from Catania...

Le premier des clubs. J'm'en rapeele même plus...^^

If you never do anything else in your life, stand at the top of a volcano and look inside..its invigorating!

Balestrate is a perfect place to stay and enjoy your holidays spending your time between splendid sandy beaches and amazing archaeological sites. From there you can visit the Greek temple of Segesta, the antique Roman town of Selinunte, the museum of Mozia, the medieval Erice and so on... I suggest you to book one week at VILLA SEA AND ARCHAEOLOGY, it's very nice, quiet, clean and also ...cheap !!! http://www.villaseasicily.iowners.net/