Two Sicilies Places: 30 Best Places to Visit in Two Sicilies. The Kingdom of Two Sicilies was a kingdom in southern Italy from 1816 until 1861, ruled by a cadet branch under the Spanish Bourbons. It was the largest state in Italy by population and size before Italian unification. It included Sicily and most of what is now the Mezzogiorno, encompassing all of the Italian peninsula south of the papal state.
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1. Norman Palace
The Palazzo dei Normanni is also known as the Royal Palermo Palace. It was the residence of the rulers of Sicily during the time of the Hauteville Dynasty and served as the seat of government for the rulers of Sicily after that. Since 1946, the Palazzo has been the headquarters of the Sicilian regional assembly. – Two Sicilies Places
2. Quattro Canti
Quattro Canti is a baroque square located in the historical quarters of the Italian city Palermo. The square is located at the intersection of the two main streets that Palermo has to offer: the Via Maqueda and the Cassaro. At this intersection, you can see the corners of the four ancient quarters: the kalsa he salceri the Albergaria, and the Castellammare. – Two Sicilies Places
3. Cathedral of Cefalù
Cefalù Cathedral also known as the Roman Catholic Basilica, is a basilica belonging to the Roman Catholic faith located on the island of Sicily, Italy. It is one of the nine structures on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Arab-norman Palermo, as well as one of the Cathedral Churches in the city. The building dates back to 1131 and was constructed between 1240 and 1252 in the style of Norman architecture. Sicily was conquered by the Normans in 1091.
According to the story, the cathedral was built after the Holy Saviour was promised to Roger II, King of Sicily after he had escaped from a storm and landed on the city’s beach. The cathedral has a fort-like appearance and, from a distance, can be seen dominating the skyline of the medieval town. It was a powerful symbol of the Norman presence. – Two Sicilies Places
4. Staircase of Santa María del Monte
The cascading staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, or Scalinata, is one of the most famous staircases in Sicily, Italy. Built-in 1606, it connects the older part of the ancient Caltagirone with the new city built on top of it. – Two Sicilies Places
5. Necropolis of Pantalica
The Pantalica Necropolis is a series of necropolises with stone-cut chamber tombs located in the southeast of the Italian island of Sicily. The necropolis dates back to the 13th-7th centuries BC and was thought to contain more than 5,000 burial sites, though the latest estimate puts the number at slightly less than 4,000. – Two Sicilies Places
6. Tonnara di Marzamemi
One of Sicily’s oldest and most significant sites is the historic Tonnara d’Marzamemi, which can be visited for full Sicilian-style events in the loggia or the courtyard of Palazzo d’Italia dei Princi Bonaccorsi, located in Reurdone.
The Loggia was originally used as a hideout for the large Tonnara boats, and is a large room, crossed by tufa arches, with a view of the sea and an old fishing port. The loggia is connected directly to the private courtyard, which, thanks to an ancient door, leads to the picturesque Piazza Regina Margherita in the heart of the little village. – Two Sicilies Places
7. Monumento alla Strage di Capaci
Cosa Nostra carried out the Capaci massacre on May 23, 1992, a terrorist attack on the road to Capaci in which they detonated a car bomb containing 500 kg of TNT, RDX, and ammonia nitrate, to kill anti-Mafia Magistrate Giovanni Falcone.
The car bomb was detonated on the A29 highway at 5:57 pm, while Falcone’s motorcade was passing by, including his wife and police officers, in three heavily-armored Fiat Cromas. – Two Sicilies Places
8. Saline Genna
The first mention of Salina Genna dates back to the 15th century. We produce salt in a completely natural manner. Our “curatolo” Enrico is always happy to explain the different steps in the production and harvesting of salt.
Taste our “Americana” at the end of the day, taste our wines from the winery Pellegrino in Marsala, explore our lagoon on a boat, and visit Mozia, one of the most famous islands in Italy. Don’t miss the relaxing salt bath with mud of our salt. Great for your body and skin. – Two Sicilies Places
9. Réserve naturelle du Zingaro
The first natural reserve in Sicily was established in May 1981 and is located almost entirely in the municipality of San Vito lo Capo. The reserve is made up of seven kilometers of undisturbed coastline of the Gulf of Castellammare, including the mountain chain, which is characterized by cliffs and small bays. – Two Sicilies Places
10. Calamosche Beach
Calamosche Beach is one of Sicily’s most beautiful and untouched beaches, just a few kilometers from the baroque town of Noto. The waters are crystal clear and the sand is always pristine, making Calamosche a paradise for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers alike. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Calamosche Beach’s features and attractions. – Two Sicilies Places
11. Piazza del Duomo
This is one of the most visited squares in Catania, not only by tourists but also by Sicilians. It is where the two main streets meet. We walked here a few times and could see the Duomo and the old palaces around it. The Elephant Fountain is located in the center of the square. It is one of the best places to visit in Catania. – Two Sicilies Places
12. Sciacca
Sciacca is a city and a comune located in the municipality of Sciacca on the southwest coast of Sicily in southern Italy. The town has a panoramic view of the Mediterranean. The town of Sciacca was founded by the Greeks in the fifth century BC as the thermal spa for the town of Selinunte, which is 30 km from Sciacca. The area’s inhabitants came to take a bath in the sulfur springs, still highly prized for their medicinal properties, of the mountain that rises above the town. – Two Sicilies Places
13. Tonnara di Scopello
Scopello tuna fishing is one of the oldest and most significant in all of Sicily. It dates back to the 13th century and was greatly extended by the family of Sanclemente in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. It was later owned by the Society of Jesus, and then by the Florio family. It is in the Castellammare de Golfo area, close to the Scopello mountains. – Two Sicilies Places
14. Palermo Cathedral
The Palermo Cathedral, also known as the Palermo Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, is a Roman Catholic basilica located in the southern Italian city of Sicily. The basilica is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. – Two Sicilies Places
15. Messina
The port city of Messina is located in the north-eastern part of the island of Sicily, on the opposite side of the Strait of Sicily from mainland Italy. The city is best known for its Norman-style cathedral, which features a Gothic portal, gothic-style windows from the 15th century, and an astronomically calibrated clock on its bell tower.
The city is also home to some mythological fountains, some of which feature mythological figures. The most famous of these is the founta di Orione, which is adorned with carved inscriptions. Another is the Fountain of Neptune, which is topped with a statue of a sea god. – Two Sicilies Places
16. Sicily
Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island and is located at the “toe” of Italy’s “boot”. The island’s rich history can be seen in the valley of the temples, the preserved ruins of 7 monumental Greek temples in the Doric style, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Cappella palatina, the former royal chapel in the capital city of Palermo. At the eastern edge of Sicily is Mount Etna. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. – Two Sicilies Places
17. Nebrodi Park
The mountains of the Apennines, also known as the “Sicilian Apennines” or “Sicilian Alps”, are found in the northeastern part of the island of Sicily. These mountains, together with the “Madonie” and “Peloritani” mountains, form the “Apennines” known as the “Nebrodi” or “Monti Nebrodi”.The mountain range is divided into two parts the Alcantara River and the Simeto River, which forms the southern border of the range.
The Peloritani mountains on the east border of the island form the base of the range, while the Monti mountains on the west border form the foothill. The Madonie mountains are on the northwest border of the range from the “Monti” mountains, while Mount Etna is on the northeast border of the range, facing the “Tyrrhenian Sea”. – Two Sicilies Places
18. Catania
Catania is a port city located on Sicily’s eastern coast. It is located at the base of Mount Etna, a volcanic mountain with hiking trails leading to its peak. The city’s broad central square, piazza del Duomo, is adorned with a whimsical statue of the famous Count Fontana Dell’Elefante and the intricately carved cathedrals of Catania. – Two Sicilies Places
19. Pantelleria Island
Pantelleria is an island and municipality located in the Strait of Sicilia in the Mediterranean Sea. Pantelleria is 106 km southwest of Sicily and 68 km southeast of the coast of Tunisia. On a clear day, Pantelleria can be seen from Sicily. – Two Sicilies Places
20. Selinunte
Selinuntes a city of ancient Greek origin located on the southwest coast of Sicily, Italy. It is located between the Cottone and Modione rivers. It is divided into two frazioni by the river Cottone. Selinunteal known as Silinunti is an ancient Greek city of the Magna Graecian period. – Two Sicilies Places
21. Ortigia
The name “Ortygia” is derived from the Ancient Greek word “órtyx”, meaning “quail.” It is a small island that is home to the ancient city of Syracuse in Sicily. The island is also known as the “Old City” of Sicily and is home to many historical sites. – Two Sicilies Places
22. Mount Etna
The oldest and most active volcano in Europe, this mountain in Catania offers breathtaking views of the beautiful Sicilian countryside, particularly magical at sunset. The mountain is also home to some of the world’s most impressive craters and ice caverns.
To reach the summit, you’ll need to book a guided tour, which is a great way to learn about the volcano’s fascinating geography and history from a knowledgeable guide. It’s important to remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes and to dress in layers since temperatures can change depending on the altitude. – Two Sicilies Places
23. Ancient Theatre of Taormina
Taormina is home to one of the oldest Greek theatres in Sicily. It was built in the 3rd century BC as a Hellenistic theatre. The remains of a second Hellenistic building can be found underneath the Roman cave. The theatre was rebuilt in the 4th century AD, probably under the reigns of Hadrian and Trajan. The orchestra was converted into an arena, and the stage was removed. – Two Sicilies Places
24. Cattedrale di Monreale
The Monreale Cathedral, also known as the Monreale Monastery, is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Monreale in the province of Palermo, southern Italy. It is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the world and was founded in 1174 by the ruler William II of Sicily. – Two Sicilies Places
25. Isola Bella
Isola Bella is a Borromean island in Northern Italy, located in the Gulf of Borromeo, about 400 meters from Stresa, a lakeside town. The island measures 320 m long by 400 m wide and is divided into three parts: the Palace, the Italianate Garden, and the small fishing village. – Two Sicilies Places
26. Taormina
The town of Taormina is located on the eastern shore of Sicily, at the foot of Mount Etna. The volcano is constantly erupting, and there are hiking trails to the top of the mountain. The town is well-known for its theater, which dates back to the Greco-Roman era and is still in use today.
Cliffs near the theater give way to the sea, creating small coves with picturesque sandy beaches. There is a narrow strip of sand connecting the town to the tiny island of Isola Bella and its nature reserve. – Two Sicilies Places
27. Alcantara Gorges
The Gorges of Alcantara Situated on the east coast of Sicily, the Gorges were the result of the cooling of the lava flows from the volcanic mountain of Mount Etna. The lava cooled and formed hexagonal columns, which were then smoothed and polished by the river Alcantara.
You can walk through the Gorges, treading the clear waters of the Alcantara River, which flows between towering basalt cliffs. The walls of the Gorges rise to a height of 50 meters. – Two Sicilies Places
28. Aci Castello
The city of Aci Castello is a municipality in the metropolitan area of Catania. It is situated 9 km north of the city center of Catania, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The main economic activities of the municipality are related to agriculture and the processing of raw materials.
Aci Castello borders the municipality of Acireale. It is bordered by the municipality of Catania, the municipality of San Gregorio de Catania, and the municipality of Valverde. – Two Sicilies Places
29. Syracuse
Syracuse is a city in Sicily, located on the southeast coast of the island of Sicily. The city is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is divided into two parts: the city proper and the island of Ortigia. In 2005, the city of Syracuse and its necropolis, Pantalica, were declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. – Two Sicilies Places
30. Vendicari Nature Reserve
Oasi faunistica Vendicari is a protected nature reserve in Sicily, Italy, covering an area of 1,512 hectares. It was founded in 1984 and was opened for public use in 1989. The reserve is located in the province of Syracuse, in the Region of Sicily, not far from Noto and the municipality of Pachino. – Two Sicilies Places
31. Noto
Noto, also known as Notu or Netum, is a town and municipality located in the province of Syracuse, in the Italian region of Sicily. It is situated 32 km southwest of Syracuse, at the base of the Iblan Mountains. Noto is the origin of the name of the surrounding region.
The town is also home to the church of Noto, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2002. – Two Sicilies Places
32. Ragusa
Ragusa, a city and municipality in southern Italy, is the capital and largest city of the province of Ragusa. It is situated on a hillside of limestone, between the two deep valleys of Cava San Leonard and Cava Sant’Agostino. In 2016, the population of the city was 73,288. – Two Sicilies Places
33. Modica
Modica is a city located in the southeastern part of the island of Sicily. It is renowned for its baroque architecture, such as the Cathedral of St George. The Chocolate Museum in Modica showcases the city’s chocolate-making history, with a working lab and a bronze statue of the 20th-century poet Quasimodo at the museum.
The museum also houses the home of the author, Salvatore Casa Natale, where Quasimodo was born and where his books and furniture are now on display. The Modica F.L. L. Belgiorno museum houses a bronze statue of Quasimodo from the 3rd century B.C. – Two Sicilies Places
34. Marsala Salterns
The saline della Laguna is situated on the coast between Trapani and Marsala in the western part of Sicily, on the so-called “salt route”. It is situated just before Mothia and is surrounded by natural beauty and the rich history of the area.
Visitors can visit the mill of Infersa and the museum, take part in activities at the saltpans “Ettore” and “Infersa”, visit the long island of Isola Lunga, or stay in a room with a view of the saltpan. – Two Sicilies Places
35. Favignana
Favignana is a municipality in southern Italy, comprising three islands of the Aegean archipelago. It is located about 18 kilometres west of Sicily, between the cities of Trapani and Marsala, in the coastal region where the lagoon of Stagnone and the airport of Trapani are located. – Two Sicilies Places
