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. Eolie Aeolian Islands lodging 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. Siracusa Syracuse Map. The Normans took over in 1061. Siracusa Syracuse Map They tore down almost all signs of Arab culture. Agritourism in Giardini Naxos 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. Siracusa Syracuse Map. It is to the Normans that we owe the most spectacular of Sicily's architectural treasures. Hotels Taormina 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. Siracusa Syracuse Map. 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. Milazzo weather forecast Eventually, in 1302, the French gave way to the Aragonese (part of the same dynasty which sponsored Christopher Columbus), who dominated until 1734. Siracusa Syracuse Map. The aristocracy created during this realm left their magnificent homes, such as Palermo's Palazzo Sclafani and Palazzo Chiaramonte, scattered all over the island. Discount hotels Licata 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 little known Aeolian Islands just of the northern coast of Sicily are an undiscovered delight, particularly if you're looking for peace and quiet surrounded by the pleasures of nature. Siracusa Syracuse Map The sea is deep blue, warm and clear, ideal for underwater swimming and fishing, accompanied by flying-fish, swordfish, turtles, sea-horses and hammerfish. Siracusa Syracuse Map. The islands are bathed in a limpid clear light, setting off the black volcanic pumice stone. Cheap Messina Hotels Vines are cultivated on the coastal strips and around the towns. Hostels in Noto On the island of Vulcano bathe in its warm sea-water, heated by underground volcanic springs. Siracusa Syracuse Map. The active volcano on Stromboli offers a spectacular opportunity to observe lava flows and frequent noisy minor eruptions. Last minute accommodation Lipari

Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean islands, lies between southern Italy and North Africa. Dive Sites and Diving Holidays Sicily The island can be seen as a "stepping stone" between Europe and Africa. Siracusa Syracuse Map. 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. Siracusa Syracuse Map 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. Siracusa Syracuse Map. The island is divided into nine provinces: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani. Giardini Naxos Hotels Throughout history islands have been invaded by foreign powers. Self catering accommodation Egadi Islands 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.

Siracusa Syracuse Map