Sicily is an island different from the others, it is imbued with an incomparable culture. No wonder it has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, allowing the preservation of breathtaking places that bear witness to the historical wealth of the region.
Italy is also one of the countries with the most classified sites, along with China and Spain. Sicily, for example, is full of unique and extraordinary sites. Here is our selection of the most beautiful classified sites of Sicily.
Founded in the 6th century B.C., the ancient city of Agrigento, on the southern coast of Sicily, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It hosts remains of Doric temples, some of which are very well preserved and can be visited. The remains of this ancient Greek city-state bear witness to the cultural richness of this ancient city, offering breathtaking landscapes.
The Roman villa of Piazza Armerina
Located in the center of Sicily, the city of Piazza Armerina is home to Villa Romana Del Casale. It was built in the 4th century BC and was originally a hunting lodge. This building is a beautiful example of the luxurious Roman villas of the time with its quality materials and the magnificent mosaic that represents scenes of daily life at the time.
>>> Sicily through the ages and landscapes
The Val di Noto and its baroque cities
Val di Noto is a region in the south-east of Sicily in which there are several Baroque cities (Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragua and Scicli) rebuilt after a huge earthquake in 1693. These picturesque villages showcase the Baroque architectural art and urban planning improvements of the time, thus representing an invaluable artistic value.
Syracuse and the Necropolis of Pantalica
The old city of Syracuse preserves historical and cultural riches that bear witness to the Greek and Roman eras. The island of Ortigia, the center of the city, contains magnificent ancient remains such as the temple of Apollo, the Greek theater or the remains of the temple of Athena.
A little further on, there is the necropolis of Pantalica, containing more than 5,000 prehistoric tombs dating back to the 13th century BC. The site offers breathtaking scenery over the gorge of the Anapo River.
Mount Etna, with an altitude of 3,350m, is one of the largest active volcanoes in Europe. Stories about the eruptions of Mount Etna date back to 425 B.C. when the territory of Catania was destroyed. Today it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in particular for its regular volcanic activity and the important role it plays in the biodiversity of the region.
Palermo and its surroundings
A group of UNESCO World Heritage sites includes several monuments in Palermo, Monreale and Cefalù. In total there are nine religious buildings, seven of which are in Palermo, dating from 1130 to 1194. In Palermo you will find the Royal Palace with the Palatine Chapel, the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Church of San Cataldo, Palazzo della Zisa, the Admiral's Bridge, the Church of Maria dell'Ammiraglio and the Cathedral of Palermo. There is also the Cathedral of Cefalù and the Cathedral of Monreale.
The Aeolian Islands, located north of the Sicilian coast, are an archipelago composed of 7 islands (Panerea, Stromboli, Vulacno, Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari and Salina). These islands are all of volcanic origin and are known to offer a unique and beautiful landscape. The archipelago has experienced many types of eruptions, shaping the landscape that we know today is a must for the study of volcanology for more than 200 years.
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