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Places |
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SEE PHOTOS OF MESSINA AND OTHER PLACES WE VISIT DURING THE SU
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MESSINA
Lying on 50 km of coast, facing the continental part of Italy on
the crossroad of Tirrenian and Ionian Sea, Messina with more than 300.000
inhabitants is the 13th city in Italy. In the past, to its
natural harbour Messina was an important stop in the Mediterranean
trade routes and had been representing a crossroad of cultural and
artistical exchanges. In 1908 one an earthquake razed
9/10 of the city to the ground, provoking as many as 130,000 dead.
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 PALERMO
The resulting blend of Norman and Arab culture fostered a unique hybrid
style of architecture.
Palermo is a city with almost three millennia of history, beautiful palaces
and churches,
coulourful markets, marvelous food and a distinctive cultural identity.
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 MOUNT ETNA
It is one of Europe’s most famous active volcanoes. Its actual height has been repeatedly
modified by eruptions throughout time; it currently (1998) stands at 3350 m above sea level.
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AGRIGENTO
The ancient city (Akragas for the Greeks) occupied a
magnificent panorarnic position on a high plateau dominated to the North by
two hills, which constituted the Acropolis and terminating to the South in
the Hill of the Temples. Today we can admire the remains of 7 temples out of
the original 10 or more which still remind us of this glorious centre of
Greek civilization in Sicily.
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TAORMINA
Perched on a rocky spur at about 200m height, Taormina occupies a fabulous position,
overlooking the sea and right opposite Etna volcano. The amazing beach in front
"Isola Bella" little island, the ancient greek theater on a
superb position, the romantic atmosphere
along peaceful street past its elegant shops, restaurants and cafés, made of Taormina a popular destination since the 18th century. Many foreigners, notably British and German, have decided
to build villas in the town and many illustrious figures have sojourned there, including
Emperor William II and King Edward VII, and such famous families as the Rothschilds and the
Krupps.
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 MONREALE
Monreale, from "Mons Regalis" (Royal Mountain), is a little town located
on the slope of Mount Caputo, overlooking the "Conca d'Oro", the
beautiful valley beyond Palermo.
Monreale is world-renowned for its cathedral all
mosaic decorated. A dazzling 12th century mixture of arab, byzantine and
norman artistic styles framed by traditional romanesque architecture.
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