ITALY: Sicily’s Unique Terroir Creates Unique Wines

Sicily is one of the oldest and most diverse wine regions in the world with a viticultural heritage that dates back over 3,000 years from ancient Greek settlers to modern winemakers

With its sunny Mediterranean climate, varied landscape and rich volcanic soil, Sicily produces a wide range of high-quality red and white wines from indigenous and international grape varieties.

For purely education purposes we tested this at two wineries, one in western Sicily and one in eastern Sicily.

 

ITALY: From Natural Disaster to Stunning Baroque Masterpeices

A massive earthquake, estimated 7.4 to 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck southeastern Sicily in January 1693.

It was one of the most devastating natural disasters in Italian history destroying dozens of towns.

Some —like Noto Antica—were abandoned and rebuilt entirely in new locations

Others, like Ragusa, split in two where the upper part (Superiore) was rebuilt on higher ground, while the old city (Ibla) was gradually reconstructed

The reconstruction period produced a unique and flamboyant Baroque style, now called Sicilian Baroque.

The rebuilt towns are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

ITALY: Driving in Sicily

I am the first one to admit that there are occasions where I can have parking challenges.

And I will also admit, in Sicily, my challenges went far beyond just parking.

The streets are narrow. 

Like REALLY NARROW!

Especially in the old historical centres.

Driving these narrow streets makes my stomach sick. 

Even as a passenger.

Not to mention that just walking down these narrow streets you never know when a car, motorcycle, moped or bicycle will come barreling down the narrow alley. 

The rules are "There Are No Rules". 

ITALY: Ortigia was a Greek Epicentre in Sicily

Ortigia was the original settlement of Ancient Syracuse, founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BCE. 

 

The island is small at 1 sq km.

At one time the city was one of the most powerful cities in the Greek world.

Over the centuries it became an important center in not only the Greek world, but also the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman and Spanish worlds.

Today, traces of these eras are still visible in the architecture and layout of the city.

ITALY: Fusion of Architecture and Cultures in Sicily

I enjoy looking at buildings and finding interesting little details that I never would have noticed before we started this little odyssey.

The historical buildings in Sicily are interesting because of the mix of architectural and decorative styles from different periods of time, cultures and religions.

This is in part because of Sicily’s strategic location in the Mediterranean making it a crossroad for trade.

But it is also because there were centuries of conquests and occupations by different cultures and religions.

This has created a blend of architecture that is shaped by mostly Arab, Byzantine, Norman and Baroque influences. 

I am no architectural expert, but as a rank amateur, I find it interesting.