Exploring the Beautiful Ruins of Sicily

While the stunning modern buildings and grand luxurious villas in Sicily offer a definite appeal to tourists, the island has an equally remarkable collection of ruins in ancient sites with a remarkable history. Not only do these archaeological sites say a lot about the island's past, they are also considered architectural wonders, having surpassed centuries of wear and tear. For a truly rewarding historical trip, you shouldn't miss the following sites.

Taormina and Its Greek and Roman Ruins

Taormina is a small commune off of the island's east coast in Messina. Mostly known for its beaches, it has been a popular tourist attraction since the 19th century. However, because the modern town is built on an ancient site, Taormina is also popular for its beautiful ruins - somewhat a contrast to nearby cosmopolitan towns with their luxurious villas. In Sicily, history is often "in your face" and the surviving parts of ancient buildings in the town give Taormina a distinctive charm. From reservoirs to sepulchres and from unique edifices to the town's tessellated pavements, Taormina is a wonderful testament to its ancient history. But perhaps the most extraordinary monument is the ancient Greek theatre; its lasting beauty and preservation continues to wow both tourists and locals. It is still frequently used as a venue for concert and theatrical performances.

The Necropolis of Pantalica

One of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the island, the site of Pantalica has incredible rock-cut chamber tombs that date back to 13th century BC. The massive number of these cemeteries is impressive in itself. While not exactly as elegant as some of the centuries-old churches and beautiful villas in Sicily, the almost 4,000 tombs spread throughout the site are quite breathtaking. Pantalica is located between the towns of Ferla and Sortino, and has five major cemeteries located on top of the hills, in steep slopes, and along the Anapo River. Apart from the five cemeteries, the Pantalica also has a multi-roomed building called the Anaktoron. It also sits on a hill and is composed of many rectangular rooms and large blocks. Excavated in the 19th century, perhaps the most intriguing thing about the Anaktoron is that its origins still remain obscure.

Piazza Armerina and its Multiple Architectural Influences

Baroque architecture is one of the most distinct Sicilian attributes, and it is evident in the many cathedrals, houses and villas in Sicily. However, it is not the only style that has surpassed centuries and countless influences. As a matter of fact, the Piazza Armerina is known for its churches that display Gothic and Norman architecture - such as the magnificent Aragonese Castle, which sits on a volcanic rock, the Church of Fundrò, and the famous 4th century Villa Romana del Casale, with its extensive collection of Roman mosaics. Villa Romana del Casale features various architectural influences, which range from the medieval period to the 18th century, and the intricate mosaics have helped boost the town's appeal over the years.

Helen Forbes is from Essential Italy, a company specialising in Italian holiday villas, apartments and hotels. If you’re looking for the perfect villas in Sicily we can help. Our handpicked accommodation offers distinctive Italian qualities, great comfort and convenience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.