Sicily

This book is the result of three separate trips to Sicily, interaction with the local people in Italian, and a massive amount of research. The focus of the book is not social conditions, economy or politics but the varied and fascinating culture of Sicily whose heritage goes back to the ancient Greeks who built still standing temples and amphitheatres there in 5th century BC. The image of Sicily is often tainted as the birth-place of Mafia, stereotyping is still common, although organised crime still exists, it is no more than in other parts of Italy and is not something noticeable. Travelling around Sicily, life in urban centres feels like any other part of Italy be it Milan, Rome or Naples. The sunny island has its own culture, unique towns and monuments, popular tourist sites, delicious food and wine, etc. Among the prime destinations, the hilltop towns of Taormina, Erice, and the majestic Greek temples of Agrigento are musts; the capital Palermo with its Norman and Baroque churches, Byzantine mosaics, picturesque street markets is unmissable; the villages and vineyards at the skirts, moonscapes near the top of the active volcano, Etna, are rightly on tourist maps; historical centres of Catania and Trapani are as fascinating as they are fine-looking; beautiful beaches of Campobello di Mazara, Greek and Roman amphitheatres, Baroque architecture of Siracusa, the delightful resort towns of Cefalù and San Vito Lo Capo are equally worthy destinations. There is of course much, much more...