Sicily, among the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, preserves a cultural and natural heritage of inestimable value. Seven sites have been honored with the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO, making Sicily one of the most heritage regions in Italy. Visiting them will allow you to discover this region from east to west and travel through various historical eras: from Roman civilization to the Baroque. Here, then, the 7 UNESCO heritage sites of Sicily to visit.
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
The Archaeological Area of Agrigento, also known as Valley of the Temples, is a site of extraordinary historical and cultural importance that testifies to the greatness of Greek civilization in Sicily. Inserted into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997, this archaeological area offers visitors the opportunity to admire some of the best preserved Doric temples outside Greece. Among these, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Hera Lacinia and the Temple of Olympian Zeus stand out.
For reach the Archaeological Area of Agrigento, you can arrive in the city by private car, but also by buses and trains and then head towards the ancient area. Nearby, it is also worth visiting the Kolymbetra Garden and the center of Agrigentowith lots to see.
Villa Romana del Casale
The Roman Villa del Casale, located in the heart of Sicily Piazza Armerina, is an archaeological treasure that fascinates with the richness of its mosaics. Also declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1997, it dates back to the late ancient period, around the 4th century. The large villa is characterized by the exceptional state of conservation of the mosaics, which allow for reconstruct scenes of daily life.
To reach the Villa Romana del Casale, it is possible to travel by car or by bus that departs from the main Sicilian cities. After the Villa, consider also visiting Piazza Armerina, a city known for its baroque cathedral and the Aragonese Castle.
Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000 thanks to their extraordinary natural beauty and the volcanic phenomena that formed them. This archipelago is made up of seven main islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi, each with its own identity and related things to see. From the lunar landscapes of Vulcano to the crystal clear waters of Panarea, each island offers unforgettable experiences of nature, culture and relaxation.
To visit the Aeolian Islands it is possible to leave from the ports of Milazzo, Messina, Palermo and Naples with hydrofoils and ferries. Once you arrive on the islands, you can choose to explore them by seawith boat excursions that offer a different and fascinating perspective, or by landalong the trekking paths that offer wonderful views.
Late Baroque cities of the Val di Noto
The Val di Noto, in southeastern Sicily, is an exceptional example of the Baroque art that flourished in Europe in the 17th century. The eight cities that make up this UNESCO site – Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli – were rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693 in a beautiful baroque style. This is the reason why the site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
To visit the Val di Noto and its baroque cities, you can get there by car or public transport from the main Sicilian cities. Once there, plan an itinerary that includes all these wonderful cities. Among the places not to be missed are the Cathedral of San Giorgio in Modica, the Cathedral of San Nicolò in Noto and the Cathedral of San Giorgio in Ragusa Ibla.
Syracuse and Pantalica
Syracuse, one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean, was a cultural center of primary importance in classical antiquity. Together with the rock necropolis of Pantalica, it has become a UNESCO heritage since 2005. Syracuse is famous for its extraordinary archaeological park (called the Neapolis) which includes the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Ear of Dionysiusbut also for the island of Ortigia, its historic center.
Pantalica, on the other hand, is one of the largest prehistoric settlements in Europe, with over 5,000 Bronze Age rock-cut tombs. You can reach Syracuse travel by train or bus from the main Sicilian cities. Once in the city, you can explore the historic center on foot. Pantalica can be reached by car or with guided excursions starting from Syracuse.
Etna
Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, dominates the landscape of eastern Sicily with its presence. But why is Etna part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site? Its volcanic activity and evidence dating back up to 2700 years ago make the Mongibello a wealth from a scientific and cultural point of view.
Visiting Etna is an adventure that allows you to discover new scenarios in every season of the year. In winter you can ski, while in summer you can go trekking along the paths of the Park. Very popular too excursions by train and off-road vehicle. To get to Etna, it is possible to leave from Catania or Taormina with scheduled buses or organized tours. Alternatively, those traveling by car can reach the Rifugio Sapienza, located on the southern side of the volcano, from where the excursions depart.
Arab-Norman Palermo and the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale
The Arab-Norman monumental complex of Palermo and the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale represent an incredible fusion of cultures. The site has been recognized as a UNESCO heritage site since 2015 and develops around the Sicilian capital. In Palermo, a city full of things to see, you can visit:
- The Norman Palace
- The Palatine Chapel
- La Zisa
- The Cathedral of Palermo
- The Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti
- The Church of Martorana
- The Church of San Cataldo
- The Admiral’s Bridge
Moving towards the province, however, you will find the beautiful Cathedral of Cefalù, a town overlooking the sea, and the Cathedral of Monreale, located high above the capital, a short distance away by bus or train. If you would like to continue your visit to discover Sicilian riches, remember that, in addition to material heritage, you will also find many intangible assets such as the art of dry stone walling, the Mediterranean diet, the Puppet Opera and the sapling vine of Pantelleria.
