Like a triangular soccer ball being toe-tapped by the boot of Italy, Sicily is the southernmost region of the country and the largest island in the Mediterranean. Sicily is known for its natural beauty, magnificent architecture, incredible archeological sites, and rich culture.
The Sicilian language and culture are something quite unique in Italy. You won’t find anything like them anywhere else in the nation, neither on the mainland nor on the island of Sardegna (which holds second place in the contest for greatest land mass amongst islands in the Mediterranean).
The fascinating cultural cocktail of Sicily is owing to its domination by a vast array of civilizations over the millennia. Beginning with the Ancient Greeks, who colonized the island as part of Magna Grecia in the 8th Century BCE, Sicily has been ruled by the Carthaginians (a powerful ancient civilization in North Africa), the Ancient Romans, the Arabs in the 9th Century, the Normans (Vikings who had settled in what is now Normandy in France) in the late 11th Century, and the Aragonese (a Spanish kingdom in Medieval times), to name the most influential. All these immensely diverse cultures left their mark on Sicilian architecture, cuisine, and language (which is so distinct compared to modern Italian that one could consider it more than a dialect).
Sicily is a place steeped in lore going back to its Ancient Greek roots. The Ionian Coast is the setting for a fair number of tales in Greek mythology, with Mount Etna furnishing the mystical backdrop to the best-known of these (the myths of Persephone and of the Cyclops Polyphemus).
This first edition of our two-part series on the wondrous things to be found in Italy’s “Down Under” focuses on its legendary volcano plus two other contrasting attractions: the captivating urban center of Catania and the astounding natural phenomenon of Alcantara Gorge.
If you’re considering a trip to Italy or coming on a cruise that stops in Messina or Catania, this pair of articles could be helpful as you’re deciding what to do.
Etna: Not Just a Volcano
Etna is not just a volcano to Sicilians; she is Mamma Etna. To the inhabitants of the island, she is the ever-present matriarch, seeing all, watching over her children. The figure of Etna dominates the Ionian Coast of Sicily; you can see her from just about everywhere (if not her shape, then her smoky breath).
Mt. Etna is the most active volcano in Europe, and she’s been going strong for about 3,500 years. All that spewing of lava over the centuries has made Etna’s slopes wildly fertile. The terrain is also surprisingly beautiful. The black soil provides a breathtaking foundation for the vibrant pinks and greens emanating from the flourishing vegetation. A walk around this bewitching landscape is like being transported to another planet or perhaps even another dimension.
The slopes of Etna are also home to many excellent and picturesque wineries where the rich, volcanic soil produces distinctive wines. Everything grows as if possessed in this blessed land, evidenced by the ubiquitous citrus groves and wild vegetation that create a perfect environment for beekeeping. Sicilians are very proud of their honey. No visit to Etna would be complete without sampling some of the local liquid gold.
Catania: A Harmony of Refinement, Grittiness, and Whimsy
For a fabulous mix of cosmopolitan grandeur and old-world charm, it doesn’t get any better than Catania. The city is bursting with Baroque goodness in addition to remarkable archeological and architectural points of interest. Among the best of these are the Roman Theatre (so magically hidden right in the center of the city that it feels like some secret Harry Potter meeting place emerging before your eyes as you step inside) and the Benedictine Monastery (one of the most stupendous things the writer of this blog has ever seen on her many travels in Italy, or anywhere for that matter).
The colour palette of Catania is quite singular and clearly inspired (if not created) by the presence of the volcano; the city unfurls in ever-evolving shades of taupe. This dark canvas is punctuated by glorious graffiti, rendering the city itself a funky urban work of art.
Catania is a place where refinement, grittiness, and whimsy coexist in a strangely cohesive harmony. It’s enough to stroll through the fish market and under the quirky pergola of brightly-hued umbrellas in the adjacent streets before emerging into Piazza del Duomo to get the full sensory impact of Catania’s multi-faceted vibe.
Alcantara Gorge: Soaring Basalt Walls and Ice-Cold Water
Located about halfway between Messina and Catania, Alcantara Gorge is a one-of-a-kind place to enjoy a jaw-dropping creation of nature and some of the coldest water you have ever felt, making it an awesome Sicilian destination in the blistering heat of summer. The gorge was formed by lava flows and the erosive power of the Alcantara River over hundreds of thousands of years.
Today, you can explore the dramatic, soaring walls of basalt as you trek through the crystal-clear, ice-cold waters of the river. There’s also a pebbly shore where visitors can relax, picnic, and soak up the Sicilian sun.
DriverInRome would be pleased to chauffeur you around Sicily or anywhere in Italy! Please contact us for both standard and custom itineraries.
