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. Hostels in Caltanissetta 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. Places of interest in Egadi Islands. The Normans took over in 1061. Places of interest in Egadi Islands They tore down almost all signs of Arab culture. Acitrezza Holiday Flats 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. Places of interest in Egadi Islands. It is to the Normans that we owe the most spectacular of Sicily's architectural treasures. Nightlife Entertainment in Acireale 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. Places of interest in Egadi Islands. 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. Cheap guesthouses Marsala Eventually, in 1302, the French gave way to the Aragonese (part of the same dynasty which sponsored Christopher Columbus), who dominated until 1734. Places of interest in Egadi Islands. The aristocracy created during this realm left their magnificent homes, such as Palermo's Palazzo Sclafani and Palazzo Chiaramonte, scattered all over the island. Ustica Car Hire 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.  

From early times Sicily has been coveted for its fertile land and today Sicily still has a largely agricultural based economy. Places of interest in Egadi Islands. Its main products include wheat (hard wheat from Enna for bread and pasta), barley, corn, peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, courgettes, potatoes, grapes, figs, pears, peaches, La Ficurinnia or the fig of India (from the West Indies) and citrus fruits and almonds (introduced by the Arabs). Places of interest in Egadi Islands A sweet liquid called "manna" is produced in Castelbuono and Pollina. Messina Accommodation This is collected from a species of Ash tree. It solidifies and is used in cakes and sweets. Places of interest in Egadi Islands. Dairy produce includes a number of cheeses such as Ricotta, Pecorino Siciliano and Caciocavallo Ragusano. Egadi Islands Accommodation The Sicilian fishing industry provides tuna, swordfish, sea bream, sardines, octopus, squid, prawns and mussels. Other industries include wine (for example, Donna Fugata, Regaleali, Malvasia and sweet Marsala), balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, bottled water (from Geraci), salt and other food processing. Self catering accommodation Sant Agata Militello Sulphur mines in Caltanissetta have traditionally played a part in the Sicilian economy. Today chemicals and refined petroleum are modern Sicilian industries. Places of interest in Egadi Islands. The growth of transport companies and the modernisation of Sicily's road system have been essential to Sicily's industrial development. Palermo Villa Rentals Chief Sicilian ports are Catania, Messina and Palermo.

The Aeolian Islands off the coast at Milazzo are well worth a visit. Places of interest in Egadi Islands 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. Places of interest in Egadi Islands. The island of Lipari is the most developed. Camping and Caravan sites in Giarre Sample some of the island’s sweet white Malvasia wine while here. Head for Taormina – Sicily’s most picturesque town. Solunto apartments 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. Places of interest in Egadi Islands. The town was an important centre for trade and art through successive Roman, Norman, Spanish and French rules. Last minute accommodation Sicily

Places of interest in Egadi Islands