With rich history, spectacular scenery, stunning architecture, sumptuous cuisine, and friendly people, Sicily has been the subject of fascination and awe for centuries.
Here are some fascinating facts about Regione Siciliana!
1. The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is one of the five autonomous regions of Southern Italy.
2. Sicily is a volcanic island in central Mediterranean Sea. Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active mountain, is its most notable landmark.
3. Over the ages, Sicily was ruled by several different powers, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Arabs, Vandals, and Ostrogoths. Influences of these cultures can be seen on the island’s art, architecture, and food.
4. Despite being an island in the Mediterranean Sea, more than four-fifth of the Sicilian terrain is hilly and mountainous. The countryside, in fact, is incredibly fertile and has been under cultivation since ages.
5. Interestingly, Sicily is surrounded by three different seas viz., the Mediterranean Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Ionian Sea.
This places the island strategically on major European and North African maritime routes, a feature that has been effectively exploited over the centuries.
6. The capital of Sicily is Palermo. In 2018, the city was designated the “cultural capital of Italy”.
7. Palermo is also known for its rich cuisine. In fact, in 2015, Forbes named it the “European capital of street food”.
8. Palermo is also home to Italy’s largest opera house – the Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, a.k.a. Massimo Theater. It is one of the largest opera houses in Europe and is known for its world-class acoustics.
Originally penned in literary Sicilian, only the Tuscan version of the poetry survives now.
9. Sonnet, a form of short poetry, was invented in Sicily. Giacomo da Lentini, a 13th century Sicilian poet, is credited with its invention.
10. Although Italian and Sicilian are the two prominently spoken languages in Sicily, others such as French, German, Arabic, and Romanian are spoken as well.
11. Many world-famous personalities have called Sicily their home, including the Greek mathematician Archimedes, Domenico Dolce of Dolce and Gabbana, and musician Vincenzo Bellini, among others.
12. Sicily is famous for its delicious wines. The island is known for its several wine regions such as Mount Etna, Noto, Faro, and Vittoria.
13. If you’re a foodie, Sicily will never let you down. The island is the birthplace of Cannoli, the famous Italian pastries.
14. Also, don’t miss out on the Sfincione or Sicilian Pizza that comprises a thick crust with a generous topping of tomatoes, anchovies, onions, and herbs!
15. The Sicilian Mafia, the Cosa Nostra from Godfather movies, is indeed real!
These anti-social elements have been in existence on the island since the 19th century; however, now the island is gradually moving away from this troubled past.