From ancient Greek temples and theatres to baroque churches, we think these are the most impressive buildings on Sicily.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Become a Culture Tripper!
Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $1,322 on our unique trips.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I am a Rome based blogger, beach girl, ebook writer, information curator, traveler, coffee and cocktail drinker. My friends call me “the Source” and I am your go-to girl for the best information on just about anything in the eternal city, the Amalfi Coast, Capri and the island of Ponza.
