ROCS Travel - Simply Sicily 2020

S ICILIAN FLAVOURS

Among the desserts stand out the Cannolo and Cassata, which enhance the freshness and authenticity of local ricotta. No less is the Granita, which here rejects the ice to be cream: the Sicilian one is discovered in a thousand Flavours and is delicious to the point of “challenging” the best homemade ice cream, is really unique in the world and is accompanied by the fragrant brioche strictly with the “Tuppo”. In Sicily are born many delicacies that have their roots in tradition and faith, becoming beloved symbols and not only consumed. A bridge between the sweet and the salty, the juiciest red oranges from the countryside dearest in the sun and the most famous pistachio, the one of Bronte, now master of the culinary scene thanks to its gastronomic versatility, that ranges from the use of sweet cream in desserts to lively pests that marry ancient grains, in the form of inimitable first courses. Sicily's varied landscape makes a dramatic first impression. Fly into Catania and the smoking hulk of Etna greets you; arrive in Palermo and it's the sparkling Golfo di Castellammare. This juxtaposition of sea, volcano and mountain scenery makes a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. Hikers can wind along precipitous coastlines, climb erupting volcanoes and traipse through flowery mountain meadows; birders benefit from the plethora of species on the Africa-Europe migration route; and divers and swimmers enjoy some of the Mediterranean's most pristine waters. Whatever your personal predilections, Sicily and its dozen-plus offshore islands offer enough activities to build an entire vacation around. The climate and landscapes in Sicily allowa you to practice many outdoor sports, you'll be spoiled for choice. Those who love the sea can dedicate themselves to diving and snorkelling, experiencing the bliss of the wonderful Mediterranean sea then encircles Sicily's coast. Discover the “Paradise of Divers” on the seabed of Ustica, in the heart of the first Italian marine reserve, you won't believe your own eyes images and with the beautiful colours and combinations of flora and fauna. THE GREAT OUTDOORS

SIMPLY VIENNA 2020

ARCHITECTURAL GLORY

Sicily is bursting at the seams with later artistic and architectural gems. In a short walk around Palermo you'll see Arab domes and arches, Byzantine mosaics and Norman palace walls. Circle around to southeast Sicily and you'll find a stunning array of baroque architectural masterpieces, from the golden-hued domes and palaces of Noto to the multi-tiered cathedral facades of Ragusa and Modica. Meanwhile, throughout the island you'll find yourself stumbling upon the evocative remains of Arab and Norman castles. This embarrassment of cultural riches remains one of the island's most distinctive attractions.

A RICH A VARIED HI STORY

The most iconic part of Sicilian history has to be the Greek and Roman era. Among many Greek settlements Syracuse is the most important one. The Greek influence left a special mark on Sicily’s culture and economy. The island’s commerce was blooming and the architecture was impeccable. Thanks to Greek religion and their magnificent architects, we’ve got many amazing ancient locations to visit. Some of them, especially those in Agrigento’s Valle di Templi, are a part of world’s most precious heritage. The rise of the Roman Empire had a lot to do with this island. Sicily was the granary for the Empire. It was the centre of a slave rebellion in two Servile Wars. Also, it was the place where Christianity first appeared in the Empire and started spreading like wildfire.

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FLORIANA | MOSTA