10 Fun Things to Do in Sicily, Italy

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By Orson Johnson

Everyone thinks of the Mafia when they think of Sicily. What does one do for fun in the region that was home to the most powerful families of their time?
1. Visit the archaeological sites. Sicily is steeped in ancient history and has several ruins and monuments worth visiting. The Valley of the Temples, which dates back to the Grecian era, can be found in the city of Agrigento. Byzantine-Christian cemeteries from the 4th and 5th centuries are found here too. Visitors to Sicily must also take a look at the Greek amphitheater in Taormina.

Discover Sicily

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Author: R. Ritchie

Sicily's prime geographic location in the centre of the Mediterranean Basin has meant that, over time, settlers and conquerors from the medieval Normans, Aragonese Spanish, Moorish North Africans, ancient Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans have come and, except for the latter, mostly, gone. Today, Sicily's Roman ruins are rivaled only by those in Rome, and lovers of Roman archaeology will find a treasure trove of sites to explore.


To get an idea of the diversity of Sicily in ancient times and particularly the range of artifacts from the Greek and Roman colonizations of the island, visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale in Palermo. One of Italy’s greatest archaeological museums, it is filled with rare finds that put the multiple foreign occupations in perspective. As well, you’ll have a chance to compare priceless artifacts from the island’s different civilizations, including those from the Phoenician, Punic, Greek, Roman and Saracen periods. Listed here are some of the best Roman ruins in Sicily:

Iron Age Grave Site Discovered Near Novo Mesto - 29 July 2010 - Guide2Slovenia News

Image via WikipediaIron Age Grave Site Discovered Near Novo Mesto - 29 July 2010 - Guide2Slovenia News

Iron Age Grave Site Discovered Near Novo Mesto29 July 2010
Description:

A dual grave from the 4th century BC was discovered at an archaeological site near the city of Novo mesto in the Dolenjsko region (SE) on Monday. The archaeologists assume a man and a woman were buried together.

Since there were no skeletal remains in the grave the scientists had to make their assumptions on the basis of the objects found in the grave.

Finds such as this are very rare in the Halstatt culture area, two have been found near Novo mesto. The grave contained objects such as glass and amber beads, clay pots and weapons, said the head of excavations Borut Kriz of the Dolenjska Museum.

The reason for such double burials is still disputed. There could have been ritual reasons, as it had been recorded by the "father of history" Herodot for the people living in the Balkans, there could have been emotions or something completely different, curator Kriz added.

The area where the grave was discovered, the Kapiteljska field, is a rich archaeological site where in the three decades of excavation 36 sepulchral mounds, 300 Late-Bronze-Age urns and 700 Halstatt urns had been found.

The excavations, sponsored by the Novo mesto municipality and the Ministry of Culture, have been carried out throughout by the Dolenjska Museum. President Danilo Tuerk has also visited the excavation site.

Source: ukom.gov.si

Art in Italy

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Italy is internationally recognized for its vast culture, art development and language production. Travel to Europe
and study Italian in Italy is a great option to discover the country where the two thirds of the world’s historical heritage lies. All types of architectural styles of the west globe can be found in Italy. Discover amazing cities as the region of the Tuscany that counts with more artistic expressions than the whole of Spain. The UNESCO has declared as World Heritage Sites more than 40 regions of Italy. Discover this astonishing past while you study Italian in Italy.

The Historic Center of Florence is a huge conglomerate of constructions and expressions from the Renaissance times and the Etruscan settlements in Italy. As you study Italian in Italy enjoy in Florence impressive buildings as the Church of Santa Croce and the Uffizi and Pitti Palace. Don’t miss the incredible works of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Giotto.

You should visit Rome and discover the capital of the ancient Roman Empire and the Roman Republic. In Rome you will enjoy religious constructions as the papal buildings and monuments
to old rulers like the Column of Marcus Aurelius. Study Italian in Italy as you go around the extensive mausoleums of Augusts and Hadrian, the Pantheon and Trajan’s Column.

In Lombardy you must get immersed in the mystery of the Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Study Italian in Italy and find in this chapel a marvellous architectural complexity and the masterpiece “The Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci.

The city of Venice is an artistic expression in itself. While you study Italian in Italy you will encounter the major maritime power Italy ever had. Venice constructions and its intelligent display framed by water, are the most beautiful postcard Italy will confer you. Also enjoy the works of master Titian and Veronese.

A special place to visit in the region of Padua as you study Italian in Italy is the Botanical Garden created in 1945. This is the first botanical garden created in the world and it still keeps its premier layout. It also maintains its original purpose of being a scientific research center.

If you are interested in the archaeological past of the country, you must visit the province of Udine while you study Italian in Italy. In Udine you will find the greatest archaeological reserve of the kind; go around the remains of the wealthy city of Aquileia that was destroyed by Attila in the 5th C. Here you will also find the famous Patriarchal Basilica in your journey through history while you study Italian in Italy.

Italy is full of Catholic and Christian religious heritage. If you want to enjoy the biggest expression of faith in the country you should visit the Sacri Monti as you study Italian in Italy. This place portrays a group of chapels of architectural design from the 16th C, with valued paintings and statues. The chapels are perfectly integrated to the natural hilly landscape with blue lakes and pine trees. Study Italian in Italy and enjoy a country rich in culture, arts and faith.

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