Choose from 68 Fun Things to Do in Sicily
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Neptune's Fountain (Fontana di Nettuno)
The powerful figure of Neptune appears in many fountains around Italy, including the Fontana di Nettuno - Neptune’s Fountain - in Messina. The Messina version was completed in 1557 by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli.
Montorsoli designed the Neptune figure to face the city of Messina from its original position near the harbor. The fountain was moved to its currently location in Piazza dell’Unità after it was damaged.
Neptune stands above a tiered fountain in the Messina square, holding his signature trident over the sculpted figures of two sea monsters representing two particularly treacherous rocks near Messina’s harbor. Neptune’s hand originally reached toward the city in a gesture of protection, though in the fountain’s current location his arm reaches toward the sea. Many tours of Messina’s city center include a stop at the fountain.
Practical Info
The Messina fountain predates the more famous Neptune fountain in Florence by seven years, and was probably an influence on the Florentine design.
Address: Via G. Garibaldi, Messina, Italy
From $ 115
Mount Etna
Set on the eastern coast of Sicily, Mount Etna is among Europe’s tallest (and the world’s most active) volcanoes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, the volcano has shaped Sicilian history and continues to impact life on the island today. Visitors can explore the mountain’s smoldering volcanic craters and lava fields.
The Basics
You can hike, ride, or take a cable car up Mount Etna, with full- and half-day tours from the nearby cities of Catania, Taormina, and Messina. The Funivia dell’Etna runs a cable car from the Rifugio Sapienza up the mountain to about 8,200 feet (2,500 meters). From there, you can join a guided hike of the volcanic area known as the Valle del Bove, or a less strenuous 4x4 jeep ride. Combine a visit to Mount Etna with a stop at the nearby Alcantara Gorge, carved out by an ancient lava flow. Mount Etna sunset tours are especially spectacular, and wine enthusiasts can choose a tour that combines a visit to Mount Etna with wine tastings at some of the wineries located along the slopes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you’re exploring Mount Etna on foot, be sure to wear appropriate shoes, a hat, and sunblock, and carry ample water.
- You’ll want to capture the breathtaking sunset views; don’t forget your camera.
- For kids, a visit to the volcano can be a welcome break from sightseeing, so consider a family-friendly hike or fun 4x4 tour.
- The cable car is accessible to wheelchair users, as is one mountain trail.
- There is only one public bus daily from Catania to Mount Etna, so it’s best to visit on a private tour that includes transportation to the mountain.
How to Get There
The closest major city to Mount Etna is Catania, and buses run daily to the Rifugio Sapienza, the starting point for many hikes and jeep tours. Otherwise, take the Catania-Messina highway and exit at Gravina di Catania to visit the south side of Etna, or at Giarre to visit the north-east side.
When to Get There
Eruptions occur on Mount Etna with such regularity that there’s always the possibility of witnessing one. Eruptions that come from the summit of the mountain (rather than out from the side) can be the most visually stunning, especially at night, when brilliant orange lava spits into the dark night sky.Sunset is also a beautiful time to visit.
Wine and Food at Mount Etna
Despite the fact that eruptions have been responsible for serious damage to the cities and towns near Etna for millennia, people still continue to inhabit the mountain. The rich volcanic soil is particularly fertile for raising fruit, vegetables, and vineyards—many prestigious wines come from these mountain slopes, and it’s easy to sample these labels by joining a tour that includes wine tastings.
Address: Sicily, Italy, Italy
From $ 22
Politeama Garibaldi Theater (Teatro Politeama Garibaldi)
The imposing Politeama Garibaldi Theater overlooks Palermo’s Piazza Ruggero Settimo with its triumphal arch entrance. It was built in the late 19th century, and today is home to the Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana.
The word “politeama” comes from Greek and refers to the theater being built for multiple purposes, since Palermo already had a grand opera house in the Teatro Massimo. It’s primarily known for the Orchestra, however, and looks every bit inside like the classic Italian theater it is.
The theater itself is all red velvet and gold, with two levels of theater boxes lining the semi-circular main seating area. Two rows of columns ring the outside of the circular building, meeting at the triumphal arch at the entrance. Even the theater’s curtain at the front of the stage is a work of art, depicting a scene from Greek mythology painted in 1891.
Some Palermo tours include visits inside the Politeama Garibaldi Theater, and hop-on hop-off bus tours through the city stop nearby if you want to visit on your own.
Practical Info
Guided tours of the Politeama Garibaldi Theater must be booked in advance and last approximately 20 minutes.
Address: Via Turati 2-4-6, Palermo, Italy
Hours: Open for tours Mon-Fri 10am-1pm
Admission: €5 adults, €4 for under 18/over 65, children under 6 free
From $ 23
Marsala
You might be familiar with the name “Marsala” because of the famous fortified wine that originates in the city - and in fact, one of Marsala’s nicknames is the “Città del Vino,” or city of wine. It would be a shame to get to this city on the western coast of Sicily and not try its namesake wine, but that’s surely not the only reason to visit.
Marsala is a historic port city, the furthest point west on the island of Sicily, and is known for its history, beaches, and, of course, wine. The ancient Roman city that once occupied this spot was one of the most important on the island, thanks to its position as a busy commercial port. Today, while Marsala is still a port city, it’s more of a tourist area than a commercial center.
Things to do and see in Marsala include an archaeological museum, a former Benedictine monastery (which houses a Garibaldi exhibit), the lagoon (popular with windsurfing and kite surfing), and the nearby island of Motya (an archaeological site where an ancient Greek city once stood).
Most people coming to this part of Sicily are likely attracted by the sun, sand, and surf - not to mention the relaxed attitude toward summer. Foodies will be interested in sampling Marsala’s namesake wine. The Marsala that gets exported is a fortified wine, but you’ll find a wider variety of Marsala available in the city itself.
Visitors to Marsala can fly into nearby Trapani and then take the train along the coast (the train from Palermo to Marsala takes more than three hours). If you plan to visit multiple places in Sicily, however, you would benefit from renting a car.
Marsala is a historic port city, the furthest point west on the island of Sicily, and is known for its history, beaches, and, of course, wine. The ancient Roman city that once occupied this spot was one of the most important on the island, thanks to its position as a busy commercial port. Today, while Marsala is still a port city, it’s more of a tourist area than a commercial center.
Things to do and see in Marsala include an archaeological museum, a former Benedictine monastery (which houses a Garibaldi exhibit), the lagoon (popular with windsurfing and kite surfing), and the nearby island of Motya (an archaeological site where an ancient Greek city once stood).
Most people coming to this part of Sicily are likely attracted by the sun, sand, and surf - not to mention the relaxed attitude toward summer. Foodies will be interested in sampling Marsala’s namesake wine. The Marsala that gets exported is a fortified wine, but you’ll find a wider variety of Marsala available in the city itself.
Visitors to Marsala can fly into nearby Trapani and then take the train along the coast (the train from Palermo to Marsala takes more than three hours). If you plan to visit multiple places in Sicily, however, you would benefit from renting a car.
Address: Sicily, Italy, Italy
From $ 116
Quattro Canti
Some Italian piazzas are picturesque squares where locals stroll in the evenings, or watch their children play, or gossip with the neighbors. And sometimes, as is the case with Palermo’s Quattro Canti, they’re busy intersections.
Despite the fact that the Quattro Canti - also known as the Piazza Vigilena - is an intersection that’s often full of cars, it’s still one of the attractions visitors seek out in the city. This is largely because of the four buildings that sit at the four corners of the intersection - “quattro canti” means “four corners” - which are Baroque buildings dating from the early 17th century. The four buildings are almost identical, save for a few details.
Each of the four buildings is slightly curved, giving the piazza a rounded footprint, and there are statues in niches that represent the four seasons, the four Spanish kings of Sicily, and the four patron saints of Palermo. Each building is connected to a different Palermo neighborhood, and the patron saint on that building is the patron of that neighborhood.
Despite the fact that the Quattro Canti - also known as the Piazza Vigilena - is an intersection that’s often full of cars, it’s still one of the attractions visitors seek out in the city. This is largely because of the four buildings that sit at the four corners of the intersection - “quattro canti” means “four corners” - which are Baroque buildings dating from the early 17th century. The four buildings are almost identical, save for a few details.
Each of the four buildings is slightly curved, giving the piazza a rounded footprint, and there are statues in niches that represent the four seasons, the four Spanish kings of Sicily, and the four patron saints of Palermo. Each building is connected to a different Palermo neighborhood, and the patron saint on that building is the patron of that neighborhood.
Practical Info
Unfortunately, since the Quattro Canti is more traffic-clogged
crossroads than piazza these days, the buildings themselves are not as
beautiful as they once were - and admiring the facades under the grime
can be tough with cars whizzing by. Still, the Quattro Canti is at the
heart of old Palermo, so you’ll pass through it often - just try to
imagine what it used to be like, before the automobile.
Address: Via Maqueda, Palermo 90133, Italy
From $ 23
Messina Cruise Port
The Messina port, set in the busy port city on the narrow Strait of Messina, is many cruisers’ first taste of Sicily. The closest Sicilian city to mainland Italy and a popular port of call for Mediterranean and European cruises, Messina offers striking architecture, flavorful street food, and easy access to Taormina, Mount Etna, and other Sicilian sights.
The Basics
Messina is rich in history and culture, and bus or Segway tours of the city cover highlights like the 12th-century Duomo with its bell tower and astronomical clock, the Regional Museum of Messina, and the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, as well as the nearby Cape of Peloro along the coast. If you want to delve deeper into the island, join a shore excursion to the clifftop town of Taormina, famous for its ancient Greek theater, pretty center, and picturesque coastline. Many Taormina tours also include a stop at the scenic village of Castelmola and Mount Etna, Italy’s largest active volcano. Another popular option is a Cyclops Riviera tour along Sicily’s lush eastern coast, with stops at the fishing hamlets of Acireale and Catania.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Local bus and train services can be unreliable; opt for a shore excursion that includes roundtrip transportation to avoid worrying about making it back to the ship in time.
- City tours include visits to important chapels and churches, which require modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
- Shore excursions, especially those stopping at Mount Etna, include significant stretches of time outdoors and some walking. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and choose comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Sicily is famous for its unique cuisine and excellent street food, so be sure to sample some local delicacies while exploring the island.
How to Get to Messina from the Messina Cruise Port
The Messina cruise port sits directly in downtown Messina, so it’s easy to walk straight off the ship and into the Piazza del Duomo, the heart of the historic center. There isn’t much need for taxis, as most of the city’s main sights are within walking distance of one another. If you do choose to go further afield, car rentals and taxis are readily available.
Port Information
The language in Messina is Italian, and despite the city’s port status, English is not commonly spoken. The main tourist hubs are a bit more English-friendly. The currency is the euro and ATMs can be found throughout the city. Stop by the Tourism Office at Piazza Stazione for additional information.
Address: Via V Emanuele 11, n 3, Messina, Sicily 98100, Italy
From $ 64
Isola Bella
The Italian name of Isola Bella contains both a truth and a misnomer: though worthy of being called beautiful, this tiny rocky outcrop along Sicily’s coast near Taormina is not actually an island. Located off the Lido Mazzaro beach on the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand that is often covered with water at high tide. The picturesque point was gifted to Taormina in 1806 by the King of Sicily and later purchased by the Scottish Lady Florence Trevelyan—her villa still sits on the highest point—until being taken over by the region of Sicily and made a nature reserve in 1990.
The Basics
You can walk out to Isola Bella when the strip of beach connecting it to the mainland is not covered by water, but it’s best to visit this "beautiful island" by sea. Boat tours exploring the coastline of Taormina typically include a sail along Capo Taormina and a stop at the Grotta Azzurra sea cave. The craggy coast is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving tours, and full-day tours sometimes include lunch at a seaside restaurant featuring fresh fish and local wine. Other popular day trips or shore excursions that can be combined with a boat trip include a walk through the hilltop village of Castelmola above Taormina; a hike on Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Italy; or a trip to the popular resort town of Giardini Naxos.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring your swimsuit if taking a boat tour or simply exploring the island by foot, as the beaches are prime for sunbathing and taking a dip.
- Don't forget a hat, sunblock, and plenty of water to stave off the heat if hiking on the island.
- Passengers must be agile enough to board and disembark on boat tours, so travelers with limited mobility should confirm accessibility before booking.
How to Get to There
Isola Bella is located along the Taormina coast halfway between the cities of Messina and Catania, and can be reached on foot from the mainland at certain times of day, or by boat from any city along the Sicilian coast.
When to Get There
Sicily is most crowded in summer, when Italians flock to its beaches to escape the heat. Late spring and early fall have days that are warm enough to take a swim in the crystalline waters off Isola Bella without the hassle of the summer crowds.
Taormina's Famous Sights
Most excursions to Isola Bella depart from Taormina, so be sure to see some of this beautiful city's most remarkable monuments, including the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, the Cattedrale di Taormina, the Villa Comunale gardens, Corso Umberto, and Piazza IX Aprile.
Address: Isola Bella, Taormina, Sicily, Italy
From $ 40
Kolymbetra Garden (Il Giardino della Kolymbetra)
Hidden among the ruins of Greek structures in the Valley of the Temples is the Kolymbetra Garden. This under-appreciated oasis is within sight of some of the temple ruins.
The Kolymbetra Garden (Il Giardino della Kolymbetra) is an archaeological site as well as a garden. The area started as a large pool that was used as a water reserve for the nearby city. Paths were dug in the area to divert rainfall into rivers that would keep the pool full. References to this pool date back to the 1st century AD, though it’s likely it was dug as far back as the 5th century BC.
When the Moors arrived around the 9th century, they planted a garden in this lush area, digging irrigation channels to funnel the former Kolymbetra pool waters to their garden. Today, the Kolymbetra Garden is a peaceful and shady grove of citrus and other fruit trees, olive trees, palms, almonds trees, as well as many other plants. Parts of the original Kolymbetra pool are still visible, too.
Practical Info
December and January are prime citrus season in Sicily, when the citrus trees in the garden will be at their peak. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and food products made from both are available for sale at the garden, depending on the season.
Address: Valle dei Templi, Agrigento, Italy
Hours: Feb, Nov, Dec: 10am-2pm; Mar-Apr, Oct: 9:30am-5:30pm; May-Jun, Sep: 9:30am-6:30pm; Jul-Aug: 9:30am-7:30pm
Admission: €5 adults, €2 children (4-14); Garden & Valley of the Temples - €13.50 adults, €8.50 children (4-14)
From $ 58
Noto
The city of Noto is located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, and it makes up part of the Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage site. Settlements in Noto date back to the 3rd century B.C.E., in present-day nearby Noto Antica. The newer city of Noto was rebuilt in a slightly different position after an earthquake in the late 17th century C.E. that completely destroyed the town. Having the entire place rebuilt in the then-popular Sicilian Baroque style led to the town being one of several in the area that remain perfect examples of the best of this unique architectural style. These Val di Noto towns were added to UNESCO's list in 2002.
Of all the Val di Noto towns, Noto itself is seen as the best showcase of the Sicilian Baroque. The town's many churches are exquisite and worth visiting, along with other historic buildings in the city center. Walk down the Corso Vittorio Emanuele III to see the prettiest buildings, taking your time and enjoying the scenery.
Practical Info
Noto is just under 90 miles south of Taormina on the southeastern coast of Sicily. You can take the train (with a stop in Siracusa) or a combination of train and bus, but the trip takes about twice as long that way as if you rented a car and drove. The other option is to book a spot on an organized tour.
Address: Noto, Italy
From $ 58
Marzamemi
The small town of Marzamemi sits at the southeastern-most point of Sicily, and is known for its pretty beach and abundant seafood. Historically, Marzamemi has long been known as an important seafood processing town. The Arabs who came to Sicily in the 9th century C.E. started some of the first fish processing operations here, and the tuna processing facility that was built in the 16th century – the Tonnara – still stands today. This historic building is no longer used for fish processing, however.
Marzamemi still serves as a fish processing center, but the town is far more popular as a summer seaside tourist destination. The small town swells in size during the summer, as visitors flock to the pretty beach and historic center. In addition to the Tonnara and the town's beautiful beach, don't miss the Church of San Francesco di Paola.
Practical Info
Marzamemi is not far from Noto, a popular stop along the southeastern coast of Sicily. It's roughly 100 miles south of Taormina, and the best way to get there is by renting your own car or booking a spot on an organized tour – public transportation to Marzamemi is non-existent.
Address: Marzamemi, Italy
From $ 58
Monreale
Overlooking the Golden Valley (Conca d’Oro) on top of Mons Regalis, the medieval village of Monreale earns a spot on the travel map for its magnificent mosaic-filled cathedral, built by William II and completed in 1184. The grand Duomo, considered to be one of the best examples of Norman architecture in Sicily, is filled with mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament, covering some 68,889 square feet (6,400 square meters) of the interior.
Beside the cathedral is the abbey cloister, built around the same time as the church and expanded in the 1300s. This portion of the structure is best known for its 200-plus intricate double columns decorated in glass mosaic. Each column’s capital depicts a different aspect of medieval Sicily.
Practical Info
To avoid the worst of the tour bus crowds, plan your visit to the Duomo in the early morning or late afternoon. While only a short drive from Palermo, parking in Monreale can be difficult to find, so it’s better to take the bus from Piazza Indipendenza.
Address: Monreale, Italy
From $ 64
Ortygia
The city of Syracuse on the eastern coast of Sicily is partly located on an island called Ortygia, where much of the city’s history can be found. The island figures into Greek mythology as the place where the Greek goddess Leto gave birth to Artemis, and its name comes from the ancient Greek word for quail; Leto's sister is said to have turned into a quail and become the island when she fell into the sea.
There are two islands that connect the island with mainland Sicily, and most of the city of Syracuse is on the mainland. Among the sights in the historic city on Ortygia are its seventh-century cathedral and the Fountain of Arethuse.
Practical Info
The island of Ortygia is only about one mile long and a half-mile wide, so it's most easily explored on foot.
Address: Ortygia, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
From $ 28
Mercato di Capo
One of the best ways to get to know a city is through its food and markets. Mercato di Capo, located near the old city walls, is one of the best markets in Palermo, Italy on the island of Sicily. The stalls in this market sell a wide variety of food including local specialties, fruits and vegetables, meat and fish. The vendors selling local delicacies can be found along Via Volturno. Non-food items can also be found here, such as clothing and souvenirs. When you walk through the market, you will hear vendors yelling or chanting in their Palermo dialect as they try to sell their goods.
It is said that the sounds, smells, and sights of this market are some of the best preserved of Sicily's Arab traditions. The market dates back to the times when there was a lot of Muslim influence in this port city, and it has become an important part of the culture. Exploring and shopping at this market is the perfect way to experience Palermo with all your senses.
Practical Info
The Mercato di Capo is located behind the Teatro Massimo and extends from Via Porta Carini toward Piazza Beati. The market is open Monday through Saturday, and it's best to get there early.
Address: Via Cappuccinelle, Palermo, Italy
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday
From $ 23
Mandralisca Museum
Mandralisca Museum may not rank among Italy’s (or Sicily’s) largest cultural attractions, but visitors say it’s still worth making a stop. That’s because this small, privately owned destination is a Mecca for Greek ceramics, Arab pottery and some incredible Italian Renaissance portraits. The museum dates back nearly two centuries and houses the personal art collection of Barone Mandralisca, including an iconic portrait by Donatello da Messina.
Although the museum is full of rare wonders, travelers and locals say visitors should be prepared, as most of the museum’s signage is only in Italian. Still, the works alone make it well-worth the trip.
Practical Info
The museum is located near the corner of Via Mandralisca and Cortile Ferrara in Cefalu. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Address: Via Mandralisca, 13, Cefalù PA 90015, Italy
Hours: Open daily 9am-7pm
From $ 58
Piazza Duomo
The square in front of Taormina’s cathedral may have an obvious name - the Piazza del Duomo - but its primary decoration is a bit of an eyebrow-raiser.
The Duomo and the piazza are just off Taormina’s main street, the Corso Umberto I. The Duomo dates from the 13th century, although the main doorway was rebuilt in the 1630s. That’s also when the Baroque-style fountain was placed in the center of the Piazza del Duomo. The fountain was added to the square in 1635, and at the very top is a sculpture representing Taormina’s city symbol.
The symbol of Taormina is a centaur - half man, half horse - but for some reason the statue atop the fountain in the Piazza del Duomo isn’t a straightforward centaur. Not only is the figure female rather than male, it also only has two legs (the back two) rather than four. No one knows why the centaur isn’t quite “normal,” but the people of Taormina have adopted the statue as the town symbol.
Besides the fortified-looking Duomo, other buildings on the Piazza del Duomo include the Palazzo Ciampoli (now a hotel), the 15th century Floresta House, and the 17th century Palazzo Municipale - Taormina’s town hall.
Address: Taormina, Sicily, Italy
From $ 115
House Museum of Soap (Casa Museo del Sapone)
The House Museum of Soap (Casa Museo del Sapone), created by an artisan soap company in their estate’s historic Sicilian farmhouse, is dedicated to the history and science of soap-making. You can view old presses and agricultural tools, see demonstrations, and even make your own soap during the guided tour.
The Basics
Surrounded by olive groves in the countryside outside of Sciacca, the House Museum of Soap sits next to the workshops where Saponi e Saponi make their artisan soaps and natural cosmetics from their estate’s extra-virgin olive oil. The 19th-century building that houses the museum was carefully renovated to preserve its original stonework and high ceilings. Then in 2015, the family who owns the company turned the farmhouse into a museum that traces the history of soap dating back to 2800 BC. The museum is open only for guided tours, so you must book ahead to visit; tours of the museum make for a fun day trip from Agrigento and include a workshop where you can make your own soap.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With its hands-on workshop, this is a fun stop for older kids and crafty folks.
- Tours are offered in English.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The House Museum of Soap is located in Contrada Cartabubbo, a country hamlet near Sciacca in the Agrigento area of southwest Sicily. There is no public transportation to the museum, so the best way to visit is by driving or joining a guided tour that includes transportation.
When to Get There
The museum is open year-round. Visits are by prebooked guided tours only, so there are no set hours.
Sciacca Toy Museum
If you would like to explore Sciacca further, consider visiting the Museo del Giocattolo Sciacca, a small but excellent toy museum in the center of town.
Address: Contrada Cartabubbo, Sciacca, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 6
Neapolis Archaeological Park
The Neapolis Archaeological Park is home to many of Syracuse’s most important Greek and Roman ruins, including the Greek Theater dating from the fifth century BC, a third-century-BC sacrificial altar, second-century Roman amphitheater, and a limestone quarry that provided stone for the ancient city.
The Basics
A must for archaeology buffs, the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside the city of Syracuse, and visitors can tour its Teatro Greco that once held 16,000 spectators for the staging of the final tragedies of Aeschylus; Teatro Romano that hosted gladiatorial combats and horse races; monolithic Ara di Gerone II altar dedicated to Heron II, where 450 oxen could be sacrificed at one time; and the sprawling Latomia del Paradiso quarry complex.
Because its size and history spanning centuries, it's best to explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park with a guide. Join a walking tour of the archaeological park from Syracuse, or from the Sicilian cities of Taormina or Catania. You can also combine a visit to the park with day trips to the nearby towns of Ortigia and Noto.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tours of the Neapolis Archaeological Park require walking over uneven terrain, so wear sturdy shoes' a hat and sunscreen are also useful.
- Because of the rough terrain, the park is not accessible to wheelchairs.
- In late spring, the Greek Theater begins its annual season of classical theater performances.
- A tour of the park is particularly interesting for fans of archaeology.
How to Get There
The Neapolis Archaeological Park is located just outside Syracuse, an easy walk from the historic center or the train station.
When to Get There
The open-air park can get uncomfortably hot under the Sicilian sun in the summer, so plan to visit first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon. The Teatro Greco is often used during the summer months for classical plays; the park closes earlier than usual on performance days.
Natural Acoustics
Part of the park’s ancient limestone quarry, the Ear of Dionysius cave boasts acoustics so precise that it is said that the tyrant Dionysius kept his enemies imprisoned inside so he could more easily eavesdrop on them.
Address: Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, Province of Syracuse, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 28
Piazza IX Aprile
Italy’s public squares come in all shapes and sizes, and some are decidedly more beautiful than others. Taormina’s main square, Piazza IX Aprile, is both popular and gorgeous - which is why it features so prominently in many Taormina photographs.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Piazza IX Aprile is the paving - rather than a simple gray stone surface, the piazza looks a bit like a giant chessboard with its oversized alternating black and white marble squares. The impact is striking, especially on a sunny day.
The ornate Church of St. Joseph, built in the 17th century, overlooks the square, and its bright pink and white facade gleams against the black and white squares. Another building on the piazza is the 15th century St. Augustine, a former church that now serves as Taormina’s library. The passageway in the 12th century clock tower on one side of the piazza leads to the Borgo Medievale, one of Taormina’s oldest districts.
Many streets and piazzas in Italy are named after important dates in Italian history, which is where the name Piazza IX Aprile comes in. Although Giuseppe Garibaldi, a leader in the unification efforts, didn’t actually land on Sicily until early May in 1860, a rumor spread through Taormina on April 9 that Garibaldi had landed at Marsala. The rumor may have been a month early, but the locals still preserve the news of that April date in the name of their main square.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Piazza IX Aprile is the paving - rather than a simple gray stone surface, the piazza looks a bit like a giant chessboard with its oversized alternating black and white marble squares. The impact is striking, especially on a sunny day.
The ornate Church of St. Joseph, built in the 17th century, overlooks the square, and its bright pink and white facade gleams against the black and white squares. Another building on the piazza is the 15th century St. Augustine, a former church that now serves as Taormina’s library. The passageway in the 12th century clock tower on one side of the piazza leads to the Borgo Medievale, one of Taormina’s oldest districts.
Many streets and piazzas in Italy are named after important dates in Italian history, which is where the name Piazza IX Aprile comes in. Although Giuseppe Garibaldi, a leader in the unification efforts, didn’t actually land on Sicily until early May in 1860, a rumor spread through Taormina on April 9 that Garibaldi had landed at Marsala. The rumor may have been a month early, but the locals still preserve the news of that April date in the name of their main square.
Address: Taormina, Sicily, Italy
From $ 64
La Martorana
The church known most commonly as “La Martorana” is an architectural example of Sicily’s changing allegiances over the centuries. The facade alone features three different architectural styles.
The Martorana (Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio is the official name) dates back to 1141. You can no longer see the original Norman facade, but you can still see the typical Norman red dome from the exterior. Thankfully, once you’re inside the church, the original 12th century mosaics still shine in all their Byzantine glory. These mosaics are the highlight of a visit to La Martorana, and if you want to see them at their best, go first thing in the morning.
Back outside the church, you’ll notice that over the old Norman facade there is now a Baroque facade and a Romanesque bell tower. After the church was completed in the mid-12th century, it was later given to a Benedictine nun by the name of Eloisa Martorana - hence the church’s nickname - in the 1190s so she could establish a convent there. The convent flourished through the 19th century, and it was under the direction of the nuns that many of the architectural changes were made. By the early 1900s, the convent was no more - Mussolini gave the church to the Greek Orthodox in Palermo in 1935.
The Martorana (Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio is the official name) dates back to 1141. You can no longer see the original Norman facade, but you can still see the typical Norman red dome from the exterior. Thankfully, once you’re inside the church, the original 12th century mosaics still shine in all their Byzantine glory. These mosaics are the highlight of a visit to La Martorana, and if you want to see them at their best, go first thing in the morning.
Back outside the church, you’ll notice that over the old Norman facade there is now a Baroque facade and a Romanesque bell tower. After the church was completed in the mid-12th century, it was later given to a Benedictine nun by the name of Eloisa Martorana - hence the church’s nickname - in the 1190s so she could establish a convent there. The convent flourished through the 19th century, and it was under the direction of the nuns that many of the architectural changes were made. By the early 1900s, the convent was no more - Mussolini gave the church to the Greek Orthodox in Palermo in 1935.
Practical Info
Browsing through the pastry shops in Palermo, you may find the name
“Martorana” on the realistically-sculpted marzipan fruits. The nuns of
La Martorana were famous for their marzipan, and the name is still used
on the marzipan treats made in Palermo.
Address: Piazza Bellini, 3, Palermo, Italy
From $ 32
Piazza & Fontana Pretoria
Palermo’s most famous piazza, the Piazza Pretoria, is just a few steps from the busy Quattro Canti - but a world away in terms of the kind of piazza experience it delivers.
The centerpiece of the Piazza Pretoria is the fountain, known as the Fontana Pretoria. It’s huge, designed in the 1550s by a sculptor from Florence named Camilliani. The fountain was originally commissioned for a private villa in Tuscany, but was gifted to the city of Palermo in 1574. City officials had razed several homes to make way for a grand fountain, meant to show off Palermo’s impressive city plumbing, but locals weren’t quite prepared for the fountain’s decorations when it was unveiled.
There are 16 figures on the Fontana Pretoria, all of which are entirely or partially nude, that circle the fountain. There is no side from which you can simply enjoy the water itself without seeing a nude statue - which many Palermitans in the late 16th century found scandalous. There are two churches facing the Piazza Pretoria - Santa Caterina and San Giuseppe dei Teatini - which may have added to the perceived inappropriate nature of the fountain’s decor.
The centerpiece of the Piazza Pretoria is the fountain, known as the Fontana Pretoria. It’s huge, designed in the 1550s by a sculptor from Florence named Camilliani. The fountain was originally commissioned for a private villa in Tuscany, but was gifted to the city of Palermo in 1574. City officials had razed several homes to make way for a grand fountain, meant to show off Palermo’s impressive city plumbing, but locals weren’t quite prepared for the fountain’s decorations when it was unveiled.
There are 16 figures on the Fontana Pretoria, all of which are entirely or partially nude, that circle the fountain. There is no side from which you can simply enjoy the water itself without seeing a nude statue - which many Palermitans in the late 16th century found scandalous. There are two churches facing the Piazza Pretoria - Santa Caterina and San Giuseppe dei Teatini - which may have added to the perceived inappropriate nature of the fountain’s decor.
Practical Info
The Fontana Pretoria was nicknamed “Fontana della Vergogna,” or
“fountain of shame,” by locals at the time, and the moniker stuck - even
though Palermo is no longer ashamed of its famous fountain.
Address: Piazza Pretoria, Palermo, Italy
From $ 32