Recolonized in succession by the Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans, Sicily is brimming with ancient riches to uncover. From monumental temples to mosaics of unparalleled precision, each of these sites is another chapter in the story of the era when these Mediterranean powers molded the island's history.
The Roman Villa del Casale, a palace of wonders situated in Piazza Armerina
One of the most charming aspects of the Sicilian countryside is the abundance of mosaics.
The archaeological park of Neapolis, a living testament to Syracuse's rich past.
," the ancient setting of tragedies and power meetings was carved into the stone. Below, the Roman amphitheater still resonates with the echoes of gladiatorial battles. The Orecchio di Dionisio, a man-made cave in the shape of a human ear, built during the time of the ancient Greek leader Denys the Elder, produces astonishingly clear auditory effects. A must-visit archaeological site.
The Origins of Segesta from the Elymians to the Greeks and Romans
This view offers a bird's-eye perspective over the valley and, on a clear day, one can even see as far as the sea.
The Ancient Theatre of Taormina, Caught Between the Sky and the Sea
Dating back to the 3rd century BC by the Greeks, and later altered under the Romans, that venue is still hosting events to this day. The theater's half-circle design, supported by rows of seats carved out of the rock, makes effective use of the site's natural acoustics. The view is breathtaking: panning from right to left, the vine-covered slopes of Mount Etna, the hilltop houses of Taormina and the sparkling blue sea.
The city of Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, "the most beautiful of all earthly cities"
The southern coast boasts the Valley of the Temples, featuring a collection of massive structures on a rocky outcrop. The Temple of Concord, with its intricately preserved Doric columns, stands out in this location, which in 500 BC was the site of the ancient Greek city of Akragas - described by the poet Pindar as "the most beautiful of mortal cities." A bit further along, the Temple of Zeus, despite being partially in disrepair, is a colossal, awe-inspiring structure: it is one of the largest temples ever constructed by the Greeks.