Sicily is a very ancient land, an island of very fascinating historical and natural beauties. From the east to the west coast, there are numerous UNESCO sites in Sicily, which have become part of the World Heritage Site.
There are natural areas, such as the Aeolian Islands, but also architectural and artistic areas, such as the Baroque centers of the Val di Noto.
In this article, you will find a guide on the World Heritage Site in Sicily, the UNESCO sites of the island between Norman and Baroque architecture.
The baroque centers of the Val di Noto
Val di Noto is famous for its late Baroque cities, whose historic centers have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The influence of the late Baroque in these cities is such that there is no other center in the world with the same characteristics. Rebuilt in 1693 following a violent earthquake, they therefore have a very regular plan and urban innovations, embellished with the typical decorations of this artistic movement.
The cities of Val di Noto included in this list are Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Caltagirone, Scicli and Militello.
The Necropolis of Pantalica near Syracuse
In Pantalica there is one of the largest and best preserved necropolises from the prehistoric era. The most important inhabited center of that area, in fact, was precisely Pantalica and later, with the arrival of the Greeks, Syracuse was founded. These, not only have left a vast architectural heritage, but also a cultural heritage, still traceable today in the history of the city.
The Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
The archaeological area of Agrigento, also known as the Valley of the Temples, includes the territory that was first occupied by the ancient Greek polis and its buildings. This place has always been praised by travelers and writers, as well as one of the stops on the artists’ Grand Tour.
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The Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands are an archipelago of Sicily, of mainly volcanic origin. This natural heritage has always been studied due to the geological processes that modify the territory.
In fact, the study of the phenomena of the Aeolian Islands has formed a large class of scientists specialized in volcanology and geology, since there are numerous treatises on the subject.
The Villa del Casale, Piazza Armerina
In Piazza Armerina, near Catania, there is the Villa Romana del Casale, which testifies how different cultures of different origins in the Mediterranean could create a collaborative society.
Arab-Norman Palermo
Palermo is a city where Arab and Norman culture and architecture manage to blend and create unique wonders in the world. This UNESCO itinerary includes 9 sites where this influence is clearly distinguishable. The UNESCO heritage sites are: San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Martorana Church, San Cataldo Church, Royal Palace, Palatine Chapel, the Zisa, Ponte dell’Ammiraglio, the Cathedral of Palermo and the Cathedral of Cefalù and Monreale.
Mount Etna
Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, on the east coast of Sicily. The documentation of its activity dates back more than 2000 years and is very interesting to observe in order to understand the geological processes in the course of formation. For this reason, Etna is one of the most studied volcanoes in the world, whose studies are of global importance for understanding and observing volcanic phenomena. Furthermore, the historical, cultural and educational heritage is invaluable.
