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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
It has been around for centuries dating back to at least the Arab period (9th–11th centuries).
Ballarò market reflects Arab, North African and even South Asian cultures.
It is in the old historical part of town with stalls packed into the narrow winding streets.
Ballarò is touted as the most authentic market in Palermo and is still used by many locals to buy fresh produce, meat, fish, spices, prepared meals and street food.
Which makes it a tourist attraction.
The Opera dei Pupi features large, elaborately crafted puppets that tell epic tales of medieval knights, battles, duels, sorcery, love, betrayal and honor.
Traditionally, crowds gathered in small neighborhood theaters to see their favorite heroes brought to life in nightly episodes that were full of suspense and flair.
They were like a medieval soap opera, but puppet-style.
The Sicilian puppet theatre is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In Palermo you can see that the city is nestled
between the Tyrrhenian Sea, Monte Pellegrino and the Sicilian
Apennines from the cathedral’s rooftop.
The Valley of the Temples, on the island of Sicily, is an archeological site in Agrigento.
It is a large site covering over 3,200 acres (1,300 hectares.)
It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Pompeii was founded by Greek colonists, probably around the 9-8th century BC. After many centuries and battles it became a Roman city.
Nearby, Herculaneum was a wealthy seaside escape for prosperous Roman citizens.
The two cities are about 11 miles apart.
They both were destroyed on August 24th AD 79 when Mount Vesuvius erupted. The devastation of the eruption was unprecedented.
Around 2,000 people died in
Pompeii and 300 are known to have died in Herculaneum, however, the entire
death toll in the area could have been around 16,000.
Both cities are currently UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
There are five centuries-old hillside villages along a rugged coastline.
The villages are called Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.
Florence is one of those cities.
It is also home to rolling hills, vineyards, wineries small towns and did I mention more wineries?
A definite highlight and must-see is visiting Michelangelo's the David.
Walking into the room the statue is imposing at 14 feet.
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The closest one is Murano with a 15 minute ferry ride.
Venice is made of 117 islands, 150 canals, 4 main bridges and 391 walkways.
The canals are very pretty, iconic and romantic.
The city is a UNESCO site.
I now ask myself, "How is it that I had never heard of the Borghese Palace before?"
The Pantheon is my favourite building in Rome. I think it is because it is so well preserved.
The exterior does not get me excited in a city of magnificent old buildings. But the interior is fascinating.
Roman legend has it that the original Pantheon was dedicated to Romulus, their mythological founder, after he ascended to heaven from that site.
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The city does a great job of lighting up their beautiful buildings, statues and monuments.
