Must see in Sicily

Sicily Essentials

Sicily contains some of the Mediterranean's most significant historical sites. This list features the Valley of the Temples' Doric architecture and the Roman Villa of Casale’s expansive mosaics. Visitors can explore the active stratovolcano Mount Etna and the white marl cliffs of the Scala dei Turchi. The island’s unique Arab-Norman heritage is showcased through the golden mosaics of Monreale, Cefalù, and the Palatine Chapel. Ancient Greek theaters in Taormina and Syracuse offer coastal views, while the Baroque architecture of Noto and the multi-layered history of Palermo’s cathedrals complete the island's essential landmarks.

Sicily Essentials — Map

General Cucombre / CC BY 2.0

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Valley of the Temples

Vast archaeological park and UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring exceptionally preserved Doric temples from the Hellenistic period. The site represents the ancient city of Akragas and is the largest archaeological park in Europe.

Hein56didden / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Etna

Mount Etna, or simply Etna, is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, between the…

G.dallorto / CC BY-SA 2.5

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Greek theatre

The ancient theatre of Taormina is an ancient Greek theatre in Taormina, Sicily, built in the third century BC.

Andrew Malone / CC BY 2.0

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Greek Theatre

The Greek theatre of Syracuse lies on the south slopes of the Temenite hill, overlooking the modern city of Syracuse in southeastern Sicily…

Σπάρτακος / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Segesta

Segesta was one of the major cities of the Elymians, one of the three indigenous peoples of Sicily.

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Selinunte

Selinunte was a rich and extensive ancient Greek city of Magna Graecia on the south-western coast of Sicily in Italy.

Leandro Neumann Ciuffo / CC BY 2.0

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Monreale Cathedral

Monreale Cathedral is a Catholic church in Monreale, Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy.

José Luiz / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Roman Villa of Casale

The Villa Romana del Casale is a large and elaborate Roman villa or palace located about 3 km from the town of Piazza Armerina, Sicily.

Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / CC BY 2.0

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Palatine Chapel

The Palatine Chapel is the royal chapel of the Norman Palace in Palermo, Sicily.

Tiberio Frascari / CC BY-SA 2.0

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Turkish Steps

White marl cliff formation featuring smooth, wavy rock shapes that resemble a staircase. The site is a designated Natura 2000 protected area.

Lamberto Zannotti / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Noto Cathedral

Noto Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Noto in Sicily, Italy.

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Royal Palace of Palermo

Historic castle and the oldest royal residence in Europe, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features an architectural style that fuses Byzantine, Islamic, and Romanesque elements.

Entheta / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Cefalù Cathedral

The Cathedral of Cefalù is a Roman Catholic basilica in Cefalù, Sicily.

Effems / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Palermo Cathedral

UNESCO World Heritage cathedral and archiepiscopal seat featuring a blend of architectural styles from Norman to Neoclassical. It houses royal and imperial tombs alongside a historical astronomical meridian line.

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