Historical Sites

Sicily is located in the heart of the Mediterranean and has been the target for many settlers for over 6000 years. The island has been invaded form Africa and Europe and has seen many changes over the years. There are many Greek, Roman and medieval sites to visit that have been well preserved. There are the main sites such as Syracuse, Segesta, the roman villa at Casale, Taormina's Ancient Amphitheatre and sites in Taormina itself, Agrigento, and Catania but often small towns will have some local historical sites to see. There are Arab and Norman influences as well and just looking at the buildings and churches in Sicily you can see history all around you. If you enjoy more recent history there the catacombs in Palermo where the Sicilians have preserved their dead in their finest clothes.

Museums
There are many museums in Sicily and they range in size and subject. Even small towns will have a museum dedicated to local people or wine production. Larger cities have a wider range of museums from Greek and Roman museums to museums for art and literature. Local tourist offices have lists of all the museums available to visit.

Theatres
Excellent ancient theatres are found at Taormina, Syracuse and Segesta and in the summer months plays and music festivals such as opera or pop concerts are performed at the theatres.

Elton John, Diana Ross and Simply Red are just some of the famous people who have appeared in Sicily. There are many modern theatres as well offering entertainment.

Churches
Churches in Sicily are very elaborate and ornate. The Sicilians take pride in their churches and they need to be treated with respect. All major towns and cities have churches and cathedrals worth visiting. Many churches will have preserved remains of saints inside special glass containers. On the churches saint day the remains or a statue of the saint will be brought out of the church and paraded around the streets for all to see. This is considered an important occasion and there will be a festival to celebrate the saint.

Tourist Magazine
Tourist Events and Exhibition
Magazine in English and Italian
Or online
ciaocatania@apt.catania.it
Has all events and phone numbers etc- very good!

Tourist Offices
Taormina Tourist Office
Palazzo Corvaja
Just off Corso Umberto I
Tel: 0942 2 32 43
www.taormina-ol.it
Opens 8am to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm Monday to Saturday
9am to 1 pm Sunday

Palermo Tourist office
Piazza Castelnuovo 34
Tel 091 58 38 47
www.palermotourism.it

Catania Tourist Office
Via Cimarosa 10-12 Tel 095 730 62 22
www.apt.catania.it

If you have any queries, our FAQ page may have the answer that you are looking for. We also welcome you to send us an email, or if you prefer, you can give us a call. All our contact information is available on our contact us page.