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Palermo -

Begin your exploration of the Sicilian capital with a dazzling eye-opener, the Cappella Palatina. Famed for its gilded interior decorated with ornate 12th-century mosaics, it's the royal chapel of Palermo's Norman Palace.

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Norman Palace -

The Palazzo dei Normannim itself is the oldest royal residence in Europe, with parts of the building dating back to the 11th century. The palace has served as the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly since 1946.

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Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio -

Another Palermo church celebrated for its centuries-old mosaic decoration is Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio. Better known as La Martorana, its dome features scenes from the New Testament.

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Antonino Salinas Regional Archeological Museum -

There's one very good reason to browse the fascinating collection in this museum—the Palermo Stone. This rare stele fragment features a hieroglyphic inscription on which includes a list of Egyptian Pharaohs of the Ancient Empire (3238–2990 BCE).

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Museum collections -

Also look out for the lion heads displayed in the Selinunte Room. They once graced the Temple of Victory in the ancient city of Himera.

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Museum collections -

Other artifacts worth pausing for include the enormous Phoenician sarcophagi from Pizzo Cannita.

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Capuchin Catacombs -

One of Palermo's most popular visitor attractions is found underground, the 16th-century Catacombe dei Cappuccini. Set in a vast crypt under an abbey are the mummified remains of 8,000 corpses. The spooky underground passages served as burial places as recently as 1881.

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Palermo Cathedral -

Palermo's cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 12th century, this beautiful structure houses the tombs of Frederick II and Odo of Bayeux, half-brother of William the Conqueror, among other historical figures. The sacred vestments from the 16th and 18th centuries are considered the "treasures of the cathedral."

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Cathedral of Monreale -

Another cathedral worth investigating is at Monreale. Located 7 km (4 mi) inland of the Sicilian capital, the building is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture found anywhere.

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Cathedral of Monreale mosaics -

This is another place of worship famed for its mosaic decoration. As you walk the cathedral's interior, look out for the outstanding montage in the apse.

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Valley of the Temples, Agrigento -

Sicily's Valley of the Temples complex in Agrigento is where you'll find the country's best preserved Doric temple (Tempio di Concordia), one of the most intact to survive anywhere.

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Temple of Heracles -

Linger at Agrigento at dusk and watch darkness slowly fall over the illuminated ruins of the Temple of Heracles. The entire site is worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage status.

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Selinunte -

Actually, Sicily is home to some sensational examples of ancient Greek temples. At Selinunte, no less than eight temples are found, some dating as far back as the 5th century BCE. Pictured here is the Temple of Hera.

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Ancient Greek city -

Selinunte was once a community of 30,000 souls. The evocative ruins of this important Greek city are centered around a large acropolis surrounded by defensive walls.

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Mount Etna -

Sicily hosts the largest, most active volcano in Europe: Etna. In 2021, a series of explosive eruptions reminded everyone of how volatile and unpredictable Etna is. Pictured is Silvestri crater, one of the mountain's most popular destinations.

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Ferrovia Circumetnea -

A novel way to explore Etna is to ride the Ferrovia Circumetnea, a narrow-gauge railway that circumnavigates the mountain.

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Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina -

The Roman villa situated near Piazza Armerina is world famous for its near-perfect collection of mosaics and wall paintings—some of the richest and most detailed ever unearthed.

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Villa Romana del Casale artworks -

In each of the 50 rooms are examples of extraordinary artwork depicting scenes from mythology and contemporary life.

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Neapolis Archaeological Park -

For the classicist, Parco Archeologico della Neapolis near Syracuse ticks all the boxes. The park is home to one of the largest theaters in the ancient Greek empire. And there's more! Complementing this find is a Roman amphitheater.

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Taormina -

Picture-perfect Taormina has been drawing tourists to its delightful cluster of old churches, fine restaurants, and antique boutiques since the 19th century. But it's an attraction from the 3rd century BCE that steals the show.

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Ancient theater of Taormina -

Perched above the town is the astonishing ancient Greek theater of Taormina. As well as wonderful architecture to admire, the views back across the bay are jaw-dropping. The theater is still used today, as an occasional venue for cultural events.

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Isola Bella -

One of Taormina's natural wonders is Isola Bella, a small but perfectly formed island reached by treading a narrow strip of rocky beach.

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Aeolian Islands -

Moored off Sicily's north coast is the volcanic archipelago known as the Aeolian Islands. The largest of these is Lipardi, but perhaps the best known is Stromboli (pictured). Stromboli is an active volcano and sometimes vents its anger with an energetic burst of smoke and thunder.

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Zingaro Nature Reserve -

Riserva naturale dello zingaro was the first natural reserve set up in Sicily, in 1981. Visited as much for its archaeological landscape as the abundance of rare and endemic flora, the reserve protects a variety of wildlife and can only be explored on foot.

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Ragusa -

Looking to enrich your Instagram post? Head for Ragusa. One of seven towns set within the historical and geographical area of Val di Noto, all of which form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ragusa is a canvas of Baroque brilliance.

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Modica -

Modica, another UNESCO gem acknowledged for its Baroque splendor, is highlighted by the hallowed Church of San Giorgio.

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Cefalù Cathedral -

Sicily's UNESCO credentials extend to the imposing Cefalù Cathedral, one of the island's most significant medieval buildings. Its design embraces Arab, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Norman elements.

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Ortigia Island -

You could spend all day wandering Ortigia Island. This is the historical center of Syracuse, which wraps around numerous historical landmarks, among them a cathedral and the remains of a Greek theater and a Roman amphitheater.

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Trapani -

Trapani on the west coast of Sicily is historically associated with salt production. Saltworks are located in the area of the Natural Reserve of Saline di Trapani and Paceco, managed by the World Wildlife Fund for the thousands of migratory birds that gather here annually.

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Messina -

Don't forget to take a closer look at Messina. This busy harbor city in northeast Sicily, separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina, is often the first port of call for visitors who then promptly head out for more illustrious island destinations. Pause and take in Messina's Gothic cathedral perhaps, or grab a coffee in the square next to the ornate 16th-century Orion Fountain.

Sources: (Britannica) (Ancient Origins) (Space.com)

See also: Idyllic islands of the Mediterranean to warm up your dreams

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