Visit My-Sicily.com for Sicily Hotels, Holidays and Car Hire.

As elsewhere in the Roman Empire, the Romans were replaced by the Vandals and the Ostrogoths, who demolished far more than they built (one rare example is the villa of Piazza Armerina) and were swept away by the Byzantines. Self catering accommodation Enna The Arabs who followed them moved the capitol from Siracusa to Palermo, renamed most of the existing towns, and planted the first carobs, date-palms, citrus trees, jasmines and melons. Calendar of events in Cefalu. The Normans took over in 1061. Calendar of events in Cefalu They tore down almost all signs of Arab culture. Sant Agata Militello Villa Rentals They brought the island to a new level of prosperity and planted a different kind of seed, still visible today in the blonde and red tresses of many Sicilians. Calendar of events in Cefalu. It is to the Normans that we owe the most spectacular of Sicily's architectural treasures. Flats in Trapani From the cathedrals of Cefalù, Messina and Monreale to Palermo's Zisa and Cuba, the churches of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, San Cataldo and the Martorana. Under the realm of Frederick II, the Swabian king, Sicily became one of the centers of the Western world, and perhaps it is not surprising that the principal architectural endeavors of this era. These lasted only from 1220 to 1250, were of a military nature, such as the castles in Siracusa, Catania and Salemi. Calendar of events in Cefalu. When Frederick died in 1250, his successor Manfred was murdered by the ruthless Charles of Anjou, whose French allies streamed into the island and established a new aristocracy so despised that it led to the popular uprising called the Sicilian Vespers. Farmhouses in Eolie Aeolian Islands Eventually, in 1302, the French gave way to the Aragonese (part of the same dynasty which sponsored Christopher Columbus), who dominated until 1734. Calendar of events in Cefalu. The aristocracy created during this realm left their magnificent homes, such as Palermo's Palazzo Sclafani and Palazzo Chiaramonte, scattered all over the island. Agritourism in Giardini Naxos The Aragonese clergy, while wielding the heavy arm of the Inquisition, effectively conspired to keep almost all artistic traces of the Renaissance out of the island.

For touring the island can be roughly divided into the north-shore and south-shore areas. Self catering accommodation Milazzo The north shore has reefs, olive groves, secluded coves and countless seaside resorts including Cefalu, a gorgeous Arab-Norman city with good beaches. Calendar of events in Cefalu. West of center of the north coast is Palermo the ancient capital and the island’s largest city. Be sure to visit the central market and 12th-century Monreale Cathedral which is 6 mi/8 km west of town (it has impressive biblical mosaics). Hotel Reservations Cefalu About 50 mi/80 km west of Palermo lies the ancient village of Erice atop a mountain: It still has remains of a temple dedicated to Venus. Calendar of events in Cefalu. The southern coast has an even milder climate so there’s swimming most of the year (although it can get cold there between November and March). Discount accommodation Ragusa

Sicily is a mountainous island — an extension of the Apennine Mountains separated from the mainland by the Straits of Messina. Calendar of events in Cefalu There are many reasons to visit Sicily: water sports, beaches of rock and sand (including black sand), natural beauty, good food and friendly people. Flats in Acitrezza

Nebrodi Hotels
Ragusa Accomodation
Sicily holiday packages
Houses to rent in Palermo
Car Hire Capo D Orlando