Sometimes referred to as "the crossroads of the Mediterranean," the island of Sicily has had more rulers than any other region in Italy: Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans, just to name a few. Sicily's location between Europe and Africa provides the visitor with a rich cultural heritage of exotic foods, traditions, and architecture. From active Mount Etna to the endless array of beaches and the hill towns between, Sicily offers sights unlike any other region in Italy.
street markets: hidden treasures
The frantic atmosphere and the smells and sounds that fill the air of Palermo's street markets are more reminiscent of the kasbahs of Morocco and Cairo than of modern Italy-- in fact, this is a relic of Sicily�s Arab past.
direct from sicily
Meet Jonathan Blosser who went to Sicily by way of Pennsylvania... He shares his expirence and offers a few sage words about how you can make your transition to Italy a reality.
it's the fire inside
While most tourists would just clamber to the edge of Mount Etna waiting for a huff or a puff, Jacqueline finds the true source of Sicily's heat. Read about her discovery in her award-winning piece.
beauty is in...
Even the Sicilian landscape can evoke powerful feelings of attachment to
this region, according to one virtualitalia.com reader in Bella Sicilia!
why are sicilians so happy?
A Virtualitalia reader lets us in on Sicily's healthy pleasures in "Savor This!"
those little things you do...
Some people really know how to capture the confusion, awe, and excitement we all feel when we find ourselves in a new and unfamiliar place. New Yorker James Mancuso kept just such an account of his travels through Italy and here for your reading pleasure, is an excerpt from his Sicilian trip. Stranger in a Strange Land.
what do you know about sicily?
Match your wits with out travel editor and find out how much you really
know about Sicily!
the thrill of sicilian cuisine
Sicilian cuisine is the most varied and exciting in Italy. Because of the
influence of its Arabic heritage--it uses flavor combinations unheard of on
the continent and they work beautifully. Cook an authentic Sicilian meal.
publish your sicilian adventure
Have you been to Sicily? Help us represent the true culture and personal perspective of this region by sending us your story. Or if you just have a brief note to share, post it on our
travelling to italy forum.
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