SICILY

Sicily is an autonomous region, and the largest island in Italy and in the Mediterranean Sea. It comprises three major island groups, the Eolie, the Egadi and the Pelagie Islands, along with the isles of Ustica and Pantelleria. It is the largest and the fourth most populated region in Italy, with over five million inhabitants. It is divided into the following provinces: Palermo, Catania, Messina, Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Enna, Ragusa, Syracuse and Trapani. The ancient “Trinacria” (as it was named for its roughly triangular shape) is washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north, by the Strait of Sicily to the west, by the Mar di Sicilia to the south, by the Ionian Sea to the east, and by the Strait of Messina (which separates Sicily from Calabria) to the northeast. It is a land of volcanoes, with Mount Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano. The territory is mainly hilly, with some mountain ranges, and limited lowlands. The shore is varied, and the island enjoys a Mediterranean climate. In its ancient history, it was settled by the Phoenicians, the Greeks and the Romans. In the Middle Ages, it was ruled by the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Normans, the House of Anjou, the Aragonese and the House of Bourbon under the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (which also comprised the Kingdom of Naples). Following the expedition of the Thousand, led by Garibaldi, it became part of Italy. The ancient Greek colonisation, at the time of Magna Graecia, left a rich and remarkable historical and architectural heritage, as well as major cultural legacy by Archimedes, Empedocles, Stesichorus and other leading figures, especially around Syracuse and Agrigento. The Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) is a remarkable legacy of that time. Heritage of the Roman period includes the Graeco-Roman theatre of Taormina; legacy of the Byzantine period comprises the traditional chapels called “Cuba”, while the Islamic period left a rich artistic heritage. Valuable architectural legacy remains of the Norman and Swabian periods, as well as of the Anjou, the Aragonese and the Bourbon rule, before the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy. Several sites in Sicily have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage, such as the Valle dei Templi (referred to above) in Agrigento, Syracuse and the rocky necropolis of Pantalica, Arab-Norman Palermo, the cathedralchurches of Cefalù and Monreale, Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina, and the natural heritage sites of the Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna. The customs and folklore of the island include a number of religious festivals, such as the Festa di Santa Rosalia in Palermo, the Festa di Sant’Agata in Catania, the Festa di Santa Lucia in Syracuse and many others. Notable cultural heritage also includes the Carnival celebrations in Acireale and in other towns, the Opera dei Pupi (the traditional marionette theatre), and the colourful carretto (Sicilian cart). Throughout the centuries, Sicily has been home to a large number of intellectuals, poets, writers and artists of all kinds. Local cuisine offers a wealth of delicacies such as granita and cassata, almond milk, arancini (rice balls) and other deli specialties, along with endless kinds of pasta and wine, mostly Marsala liquoroso, Zibibbo, Nero d’Avola, Moscato di Pantelleria, Malvasia and Bianco d’Alcamo. Major agricultural products include cereals, olives and citrus fruits (with CDO status), Pomodoro di Pachino (local PGI tomato), carobs, almonds and pistachios. Fishing is still a main and widespread activity, with Sicily ranking first in Italy in terms of fish catch. The region boasts a wide range of industrial activities, especially around Catania and Palermo, and in other dedicated areas of the territory. Tourism offers a wide range of destinations and possibilities, and is a major pillar of the economy of the island. However, the infrastructures and the road network are not always adequate to the growing requirements of this industry. Sicily has been a venue for several major sporting events, and the birthplace of many successful athletes and cycling aces, such as Vincenzo Nibali, to name just one. A native of Messina, Vincenzo is a Giro, Tour and Vuelta winner, and a very popular and most loved rider.