Sicily attractions

At 1,300 hectares, the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples, in Agrigento, Sicily, is the largest archaeological site in the world. The site contains many examples of Greater Greek art and architecture and is a national monument of Italy. The area was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1997.

The Ancient Theater of Taormina is an ancient Greco-Roman amphitheater in Taormina, Sicily. Built by the ancient Greeks in around the third century BC, the site was renovated by the Romans around 500 years later. Carved into the Sicilian hills, the theater is still in use today. The likes of Bob Dylan, Elton John and Sting have all graced its stage, which boasts stellar views of the ocean and surrounding countryside. Not your average music venue!

The Greek Theater of Syracuse has a storied past. Hosting everything from theater performances and religious worship to large events and public trials, this hillside relic was a key landmark in Sicily during Greek and Roman-era history. It was even the venue for gladiatorial battles, with up to 15,000 people able to view the blood sports of the Roman Empire. You'll literally stand where lions and humans faced-off all those centuries ago. This archaeological site is prime for exploring, its whispering remains are full of incredible stories that will excite history lovers and casual visitors alike.

Stare out across the sea from this scenic Syracuse citadel. The castle was built in the early 13th century by Emperor Frederick II and was home to a number of Sicilian queens from the 14th to 16th centuries. While some of its former glory may be gone, remnants of this once great castle remain, including intricate masonry.

The Tindari Archaeological Area lets visitors feast their eyes on the remains of the impressive perimeter walls built under Dionysius the Elder. This Roman settlement perched high over the sea was once the perfect fortress, and contains thermal spas, taverns, and an impressive patrician house full of mosaics and other fancy decorations. The theater was built by the Greeks before it was re-done by the Romans for gladiatorial contests.

Situated in a prime location in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily – and thus Syracuse – was influenced significantly by ancient Rome and Greece. Filled with relics, the Paolo Orsi Museum weaves together the fabric of times in a chronological journey through Syracuse's history from prehistory through the fall of the Roman Empire. There's plenty of artifacts to make your journey through the ages even more fascinating, and a collection of medals in the basement to admire, including depictions of Hercules wrestling the lion during his twelve labors.

Teatro Politeama Garibaldi in Piazza Ruggero Settimo is a major theater of Palermo, and home of Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana.

The construction of Palazzo Asmundo dates back to 1615, but it was only completed in 1767. The Baroque palace is filled with beauty, from the stuccoes of Serpotta school, to the Venetian shutters and the Baroque doors. Keep an eye out for Gioacchino Martorana's frescoes that are rich with allegories, as well as the marital chests of the XVI and XVII century, the Sicilian ceramics, and the Neapolitan and French porcelains. There's also copious cartographic documentation to admire. Along with the artifacts, the museum houses an elegant bistro and a puppet theatre.

The Palazzo Bellomo Museum is a treasure chest of art from Syracuse and the surrounding regions of Sicily. Based in a building which dates back as far as the 12th century, the museum boasts masterpieces of painting and sculpture by the likes of Gagini, Mazzolo and Messina. Explore this small, charming museum for a slice of authentic Sicily!