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. Last minute accommodation Lampedusa 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. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Agrigento. The Normans took over in 1061. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Agrigento They tore down almost all signs of Arab culture. Self catering accommodation Egadi Islands 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. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Agrigento. It is to the Normans that we owe the most spectacular of Sicily's architectural treasures. Camping and Caravan sites in Sant Agata Militello 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. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Agrigento. 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. Agritourism in Segesta Eventually, in 1302, the French gave way to the Aragonese (part of the same dynasty which sponsored Christopher Columbus), who dominated until 1734. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Agrigento. The aristocracy created during this realm left their magnificent homes, such as Palermo's Palazzo Sclafani and Palazzo Chiaramonte, scattered all over the island. Hostels in Ustica 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.  

The Aeolian Islands off the coast at Milazzo are well worth a visit. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Agrigento Mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey and thought to be the home of Aeolus (the god of the wind) by the ancient Greeks, they offer spectacular volcanic scenery and fine beaches. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Agrigento. The island of Lipari is the most developed. Agritourism in Giardini Naxos Sample some of the island’s sweet white Malvasia wine while here. Head for Taormina – Sicily’s most picturesque town. Agritourism in Licata Its magnificent setting on a terrace of Monte Tauro overlooking the sea and its views of Mt Etna have long made it a top tourist destination. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Agrigento. The town was an important centre for trade and art through successive Roman, Norman, Spanish and French rules. Houses to rent in Taormina

Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean islands, lies between southern Italy and North Africa. Tourist attractions in Piazza Armerina The island can be seen as a "stepping stone" between Europe and Africa. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Agrigento. A beautiful, mountainous island, Sicily has been occupied by a series of migrants and invaders. These include the Greeks, Cathaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Angevins and Spaniards. In 1861 Sicily became part of Italy when Garibaldi united the Kingdom of Italy and the island. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Agrigento Eighty-five years later Sicily achieved "relative independence". This means that although Sicily belongs to Italy it is responsible for much of its own local affairs. Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Agrigento. The island is divided into nine provinces: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani. Hostels in Acireale Throughout history islands have been invaded by foreign powers. Sicily Villa Rentals However, Sicily's rugged terrain has provided its people with a degree of protection as many of its towns and villages are high in the mountains.

Diving Centres Dive Sites and Schools Agrigento