Example of Itineraries
Sicily
Land of Myth and Legend
The territory of the East and South-East of Sicily is a coffer of naturalistic and archaeological treasures that can be appreciated walking along the slopes of Etna ; visiting the baroque towns of Catania, Modica and Ragusa Ibla, whose monuments belong to the World Heritage List; and also discovering the Ibleian canyons scattered with traces of an ancient and unique civilisation immersed within the rocks and plunged in enchanting Mediterranean flora.
The eastern land is a site where Greek temples and theatres coexist with Norman Cathedrals and Swabian castles testifying to the succession of ancient civilisations. But Sicily is also the land of myth and legend often evoked by the religious feasts during which religion and heathen beliefs fuse.
THE IBLEIAN CANYONS : NATURE, ARCHEOLOGY AND BAROQUE
The Ibleian mountains stretch along the South-East coast of Sicily, enclosing the Provinces of Syracusa and Ragusa. This is a land scarred with deep canyons and rich in nature and archeological treasures such as the necropolis of Pantalica or the rocky churches of Cava d’Ispica where it is possible to walk immersed in an evocative landscape. In this part of the island it is also possible to visit the baroque towns of the “ Val di Noto” , unique for their churches and old buildings embellished with statues, grotesque masks and columns, today protected by UNESCO.
The Easter week in the South-East side of Sicily
Easter in Sicily is very moving because of the re-enactment of the Death and Resurrection of Christ, which takes place following local traditions which are all unique and fascinating. In the Province of Ragusa, each town has its own attractions and the tradition of Easter dates back to the period of Spanish Reign. The historical centre of the town are characterised by procession such as the one of the “ Madonna Vasa Vasa” in Modica during the Easter Sunday or that of Ispica in the Good Friday with the statue of Christ at the Cross
[Length of the tour variable. Recommended minimum Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday]
THE FEAST OF SAINT AGATA IN CATANIA
The town of Catania, interesting for its roman ruins and baroque monuments, the latter being protected by UNESCO , pays homage to its’ patron, Saint Agata, during the month of February. The religious feast, involving a lot of “fedeli” (the faithful), most of whom are dressed with a white smock and a black velvet cap, takes place along the streets of the historical centre, lighted with coloured illuminations. Some of the main attractions are the “candelore” made of sculpted wood depicting the history of the Saint and the “fercolo” which carries the Saint’s relics and is pulled by the devotees. The gastronomy too is linked to the history of Agata, for example little sweets made of marzipan called the “olivette” .
[Length of the tour variable. Recommended minimum three days]
From Mount Etna to the Ibleian canyons
A tour among the Naturalistic Parks such as Mount Etna or the Nature Reserve of Pantalica and the Anapo Valley, enjoying spectacular nature and unique archeological sights. A necropolis hewn out of solid rock along with houses and churches, ancient burial-grounds and greek theatres. A tour which discovers baroque towns belonging to the World Heritage List and relives the myth of Ulysses (Odysseus) and Polifemo, the Cyclops.
Dott.ssa Camarda Rosamaria
Guida Turistica– Studiosa d’Arte
Via G. D’Annuzio, 27
95128 Catania
Tel: 0039339.4299624
Fax: 0039095 446795
Email: camarda.rosamaria@tiscali.it
INFORMATION
The discovery of this region can be organised to suit the needs of every group and therefore can have variable duration according to the period chosen. These itineries aim at uncovering every aspect of eastern Sicily: Nature, Archeology, Art, Folk lore, and locally produced foods and beverages.
The tours can be conducted in either English, Italian or French