UNESCO is a United Nations organization specialized in enhancement the values of education, science and culture. Every year, new monuments and beautiful places located all over the world are added to the list of World Heritage Sites as they stand out for their historical, artistic and cultural importance.
The magnificent places of Sicily could not miss on this list! Its ancient monuments, splendid landscapes, century-old churches and the traces of a unique history are the elements that make Sicily one of the most fascinating Italian regions.
Here is a list of the seven Sicilian places recognized as "World Heritage Sites" by UNESCO: discover them all and start planning your dream trip to Sicily!
1. Archaeological area of Agrigento
The splendid Valley of the Temples in Agrigento (discover more!) contains the remains of this ancient Greek city-state. This magnificent archaeological area contains ten Doric temples, some of which are still intact and visitable. The timeless scenery that characterizes Agrigento is breathtaking and an indescribable experience for each tourist.
Looking for a villa for rent in Agrigento?
Choose Villa Agorà
2. Villa Romana del Casale and Piazza Armerina
The Roman Villa in Piazza Armerina is a masterpiece of late Roman art dating back to the 4th-3rd century BC. This luxury villa is located in the Contrada Casale, a locality in the heart of central Sicily. Its enchanting mosaics are the best preserved in the world and their colors still shine like centuries ago.
3. Aeolian Islands
The islands of Stromboli, Panarea, Vulcano, Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari and Salina form one of the most beautiful Italian archipelagosy. These heaven-on-earth sites have a volcanic origin and have been awarded for their naturalistic and landscape value, as they are one of the main places for volcanology studies. The beautiful panorama and the turquoise sea adorn this magic place making it extraordinary.
4. Baroque cities of the Val di Noto
"Val di Noto" is an area of south-eastern Sicily, extending between the provinces of Syracuse, Catania and Ragusa. The localities of Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, CataniaRagusa, Scicli, Caltagirone and Militello in Val di Catania are known for their priceless architectural value, because they are unique examples of European Baroque art. These picturesque villages, especially that of Noto, preserve some wonderful art masterpieces that stand out for their homogeneity.
5. Syracuse and the Rock Necropolis of Pantalica
The Necropolis of Pantalica is located a stone's throw from the center of Syracuse and contains more than 500 prehistoric tombs dating back to the 13th century BC, as well as some splendid natural rock caves and the famous Palazzo del Principe. Even the city of Syracuse (discover more!) is part of the UNESCO heritage, as it conserves a unique artistic and historical treasure. The old town center, situated on the island of Ortigia, contains numerous testimonies of Greek and Roman times, such as the ear of Dionysus, the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, the Temple of Apollo and the Greek Theater.
Are you looking for a villa for rent in Syracuse?
Choose Villa del Mito or Villa Angelina!
6. Mount Etna
Mount Etna (discover more!) is a volcano whose cultural and mythological meaning mixes with the scientific value. Europe's highest volcano is a naturalistic beauty that can be visited at any time of the year to appreciate its charm, both during an excursion under the sun and skiing on its snow-covered slopes. Its stupendous panoramas present steaming vents, verdant woods and rocky terrain that get illuminated by incandescent lava in occasion of the extraordinary eruptions.
Looking for a villa for rent near Mount Etna?
Choose Villa La Boheme or Villa Torre Etnea!
7. The Arab-Norman itinerary of Palermo, Monreale and Cefalù
This magnificent UNESCO heritage is formed by a group of civil and religious monuments in Palermo, the cathedrals of Monreale and Cefalù. All these buildings stand out for the unique artistic style, based on the coexistence and interchange of different cultures. The result is an original kind of architecture, made with Byzantine, Islamic and Latin art elements. Inside Palermo (discover more!), which is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, the town of Monreale and the delightful maritime village of Cefalù (discover more!) there are splendid treasures that fascinate tourists taking them along a wonderful time travel.
Looking for a villa for rent near Palermo?
Choose Villa Vincenzo!
© Alice Pilastri
