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. Acitrezza Tours and Excursions 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. Tourist Information office centre Lipari. The Normans took over in 1061. Tourist Information office centre Lipari They tore down almost all signs of Arab culture. Booking Hotels 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. Tourist Information office centre Lipari. It is to the Normans that we owe the most spectacular of Sicily's architectural treasures. Sicily apartments 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. Tourist Information office centre Lipari. 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. Nightlife Entertainment in Giardini Naxos Eventually, in 1302, the French gave way to the Aragonese (part of the same dynasty which sponsored Christopher Columbus), who dominated until 1734. Tourist Information office centre Lipari. The aristocracy created during this realm left their magnificent homes, such as Palermo's Palazzo Sclafani and Palazzo Chiaramonte, scattered all over the island. Nightlife Entertainment in Siracusa Syracuse 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.  

Mt Etna, the largest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, lies south of Taormina. Eolie Aeolian Islands Accommodation You are permitted to climb up to 2900m. Tourist Information office centre Lipari. A rope marks the spot where the volcano’s unpredictability makes it unsafe to go any further. Further south, the town of Syracuse was once a very powerful Greek city. Milazzo Villa Rentals Check out the medieval buildings on the island of Ortigia which lies in the centre of town. Don’t miss the 5th century Teatro Greco – a masterpiece hewn out of rock with a seating capacity for 16,000 people. Sant Agata Militello photos The five Doric temples in the town of Agrigento are also well worth a visit. They are the most well preserved of Sicily’s Greek ruins and are truly spectacular.

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. Tourist Information office centre Lipari The sea is deep blue, warm and clear, ideal for underwater swimming and fishing, accompanied by flying-fish, swordfish, turtles, sea-horses and hammerfish. Tourist Information office centre Lipari. The islands are bathed in a limpid clear light, setting off the black volcanic pumice stone. Egadi Islands Accomodation Vines are cultivated on the coastal strips and around the towns. Erice Accommodation On the island of Vulcano bathe in its warm sea-water, heated by underground volcanic springs. Tourist Information office centre Lipari. The active volcano on Stromboli offers a spectacular opportunity to observe lava flows and frequent noisy minor eruptions. Cheap flats in Eolie Aeolian Islands

Tourist Information office centre Lipari