The Most Impressive Buildings in Sicily Italy

From ancient Greek temples and theatres to baroque churches, we think these are the most impressive buildings on Sicily.

View All Trips

Keen to explore Sicily’s architecture? Book Culture Trip’s 10-day adventure where you’ll be guided through the Italian island’s ancient towns by our Local Insider.

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.

CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

In the eighth and ninth centuries BCE, southern coastal Italy was colonised by the Greeks. Calling the region Magna Graecia, Latin for Greater Greece, the new rulers constructed enormous temples and theatres, many of which still stand all over southern Italy and Sicily.

Temple of Segesta

Historical Landmark

Segesta, Calatafimi, Trapani, Sicily, Italy

Segesta, a hilltop town in western Sicily, not far from Trapani, is home to a Doric Greek temple thought to have been constructed in the fourth century BCE. It’s in remarkable condition – and because a roof wasn’t added, historians now think that it was never completed. Besides which, there are no traces of the usual decorations found in other temples of this era.

Temple of Concordia, Agrigento

Historical Landmark

Temple of Concordia, Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy

The Valley of the Temples in Southern Sicily, near the city of Agrigento, is truly an archaeological wonder. The Temple of Concordia is the largest and best-preserved Doric temple in Sicily and generally accepted as one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Concordia was the Roman goddess of harmony, and this temple dedicated to her was constructed in 420BCE.

Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Cathedral, Theater

The Greek Theatre in Taormina, Sicily, Italy

The dramatic views are just the beginning of the astounding Greek theatre in Taormina. Perched high above the sea in the far corner of the town, this centuries-old theatre is still used today for film screenings and live concerts.

Palermo Cathedral

Cathedral, Church

Built primarily in the 12th century, the main cathedral in Palermo is a historical and architectural mishmash, much like the city it represents. A prime example of the Arab-Norman style and protected by Unesco, it features elements of Western, Byzantine and Islamic cultures. The exterior is gothic in style, and, inside, you’ll find the Cathedral Treasury, with jewels and garments once worn by Sicily’s former kings and queens.

Massimo Theatre, Palermo

Theater

Massimo Theatre,interior Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Teatro Massimo is the largest theatre in Italy. Built in the late 1800s, it is still renowned for its perfect acoustics. The neoclassical design was inspired by the great Greek temples on Sicily. You might recognise the interior, which was used to film the final scenes of The Godfather III.

Mirto Palace

Cathedral, Museum

The Palazzo Mirto in the city of Palermo was the home of the aristocratic Filangeri family for almost four centuries. Today, it is a museum, where you can visit the 21 lavish rooms filled with extravagant art and lush furnishings. The palace was once an Arab fortress as well. You will find this grand former residence in the Kalsa neighbourhood.

Cathedral of San Giorgio, Modica

Cathedral, Church

This baroque church in the town known for its unique chocolate commands your attention. Rebuilt after devastating earthquakes in the Middle Ages, the current structure was completed in the 18th century. The impressive church is a flight of 250 wide steps from the main piazza. Inside, you can find paintings and sculptures celebrating Saint George and a meridian sundial on the floor of the church.

Cathedral of St Nicholas, Noto

Cathedral, Church

Two limestone statues on top the facade of the Noto Cathedral built in the style of the Sicilian Baroque,

The cathedral in the town of Noto is another example of Sicilian baroque architecture that is recognized and protected as a Unesco World Heritage site. Built in the golden-toned sandstone that is characteristic of the region in Southeastern Sicily, the bold curves and ornate decorations glow in the light. In 1996, a main section of the church collapsed, and renovations took 11 years to complete.

Villa Romana del Casale

Historical Landmark

A few thousand years ago, this was the home of a wealthy Roman ruler, who built a mansion to display his power and wealth. Today, the Villa Romana del Casale still retains the most extensive collection of Roman-era mosaics in the world, including the very famous girls in red bikinis.

Archaeological Park of Neapolis

Museum, Park, Ruins, Theater

Greek Theater (Teatro Creco) at Neapolis Archaeological Park, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

Syracuse (Siracusa) is home to a wealth of ancient treasures. The Archaeological Park of Neapolis holds some highlights, including ruins and the Archaeological Museum of Syracuse. The Latomia del Paradiso is now a citrus grove, and the Ear of Dionysius is famous for its acoustic. There are two ancient theatres to visit here – the Roman amphitheatre, which dates back to the first century, and the Greek theatre, which dates back to the fifth century BCE. Both are still used today for summer performances.

Zisa Palace Palermo

Museum

La Zisa in Palermo, one of the best preserved Norman castles in Sicily

This Moorish-style castle lies on the western edge of the city of Palermo. The name Zisa comes from the Arabic phrase “al-Azīz” – which translates as “splendid” – and is inscribed at the palace’s entrance. It was once the summer residence of the Norman king Guglielmo I, who enjoyed the unique architecture that kept the palace cool in spite of the scorching Sicilian sun. After years of neglect, it is now a museum, where visitors can seek a cool respite.

Cefalù Cathedral

Cathedral, Church

Cefalu, Sicily, Italy - Apr 7th 2019: Tourists on the old town square in the outdoor cafe gardens in front of Cefalu Cathedral. Famous Roman Catholic Basilica in Norman style is popular attraction.

The cathedral in the seaside town of Cefalù is part of the protected Norman-Arab collection. It features Northern European Romanesque architecture, which is a different style than the others. Inside, are glittering gold mosaics and beautiful Byzantine-style cloisters.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

See Our Culture Trips

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.