Sicily Island (Sicilia, Italy),the sights and beaches of which annually attract millions of tourists, gathered on its territory many historical and architectural monuments that belong to different eras of human civilization. Its capital is called Palermo. About her in more detail and will be discussed further.
As noted above, the capital of Sicily(Italy) - Palermo. The city is one of the oldest settlements of the whole country. It is the largest port in Italy, and in terms of population is in fifth place in the state. In particular, as of today, there are about 655 thousand inhabitants. Palermo is located on the Mediterranean coast, in the eastern part of the island, near the foot of Mount Pelegrino. Its western part is relatively young. However, housing here is much more expensive compared to the central areas. In general, the city can be called chaotic, noisy and colorful. It boasts a unique atmosphere, friendly people, beautiful architecture and delicious food.
The main question of interest to alltravelers whose purpose is to visit Palermo (the capital of Sicily) - how to get to the city is best. It is more convenient to do it on the plane. Unfortunately, direct flights from our country to the island are not provided. Thus, it is necessary to carry out a combined flight through Rome, Venice or Milan.
According to official historical information,The city was founded by the Phoenicians in 734 BC. Initially, it was called Sousse, which translates as "flower". Due to its good geographical position, commerce and trade developed rapidly. A little later, a port appeared here, which later became the main station of the Carthaginian fleet. This, in turn, further accelerated its development. From the moment Romans arrived here in 254, the city became a real breadbasket of the empire. Whatever it was, these were not the best times of his existence, and he gradually fell into decay. Since 535, Byzantines ruled here, but the situation has not changed dramatically.
In the ninth century the city was conquered by the Saracens,who immediately proclaimed that Palermo - the capital of Sicily. The history of its development, from this point on, turned in a completely different direction. The city quickly found its present magnificence and transformed into one of the most important shopping centers of the entire Mediterranean Sea. During the Saracens reign, more than 300 mosques were erected here. At the same time, the conquerors did not persecute Christians or Jews, therefore historians call this time a period of tolerance. With the Arabs, new irrigation technologies came here. At the same time, citrus groves, famous all over the world, appeared here.
In 1072, the island of Sicily (including the capital)was captured by the troops of the Norman king Ruggiero D "Altavilla. The new rulers were very talented and versatile. Moreover, they allowed the local Aborigines to retain their identity. In 1130 the Sicilian kingdom was founded here, and its capital remained the city of Palermo. The architecture of the Norman period is just another confirmation great adaptability of the rulers of this period to the local traditions, because it harmoniously united and preserved the Roman, Byzantine, Arab and new Norman trends.
In 1266 the city was conquered by Charles of Anjou.However, fifteen years later, the local population started a rebellion against the government, which turned into a war. It lasted nine years, during which absolutely all the French were exterminated here. After its completion, the era of Spanish rule began. The year 1618 was marked by the beginning of the Thirty Years War in Europe. This period was also unfavorable for the island of Sicily. The capital, like other cities, suffered from high taxes, and extremely poor harvests aggravated the situation. As a result, the hatred of the Spaniards among the local population grew, as a result of which another uprising arose. As a result, the Senate was dissolved, and taxes were lowered. However, very soon the Viceroy regained its rights and imposed tough measures against local residents.
In 1734, representatives of the Bourbons seized power on the island. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, they united Sicily and the Neapolitan kingdom, proclaiming the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
In May 1860, together with one thousandvolunteers on the island landed Giuseppe Garibaldi. In just three days of fierce fighting, the city surrendered and became part of the united Italy. Over the next decades, riots, uprisings and repressions constantly arose here, during which the inhabitants of the island gradually got used to living together with the kingdom. At the same time, the world-famous Sicilian Mafia appeared, which initially supported the power of landowners over the peasants.
Если во времена Первой мировой войны Палермо не suffered, then during the Second World War, the capital of Sicily was repeatedly bombed by the Allied forces. Without housing then there were more than 14 thousand local citizens. In the fifties of the last century, the city was covered by a wave of immigrants who came in search of work. They did not have housing, so at this time there was a construction boom, which went down in history as the "devastation of Palermo." This is not surprising, since unique structures and buildings were demolished, on the site of which multi-storey concrete houses and parking lots appeared. At the same time, the most affected center remained in ruins. The number of local population in these years has grown by almost 20%.
Palermo is sometimes called sprawledopen-air museum. This is not surprising, since there are 295 chapels and churches, the fourth part of which were previously monasteries. All Italy is proud of these monuments, especially the inhabitants of the island of Sicily. Sights (the history of some of them dates back almost three thousand years) were created under the influence of various cultures and eras. It should be noted that the city acquired its charm thanks to an interesting layout: here the two main local streets are perpendicular to one another, and intersect in Piazza Quantro Canti, which appeared in the seventeenth century. In more detail the most significant places of the city are described below.
One of the main attractions, whichIt boasts the capital of Sicily, is considered the Cathedral of Palermo. In its architecture, Arabic and Norman style are simultaneously intertwined, as well as Baroque and Gothic. According to the research, this is due to the fact that the structure was rebuilt and reconstructed several times. More specifically, the Byzantine church was originally located at this place, transformed into a mosque in the ninth century by the Arabs. After the conquest of the city by the Normans, it was consecrated in honor of the Virgin Mary. In the twelfth century, the local archbishop erected a cathedral here, which over the next seven centuries was rebuilt and expanded more than once. He gained his present appearance in 1801.
The official name of this attractionPalermo sounds like the church of Santa Maria del Ammirallo. It is located on Bellini Square and was erected in the twelfth century by the Normans. The appearance of the temple has also undergone numerous changes throughout its history. The bell tower and the interior have retained their original appearance to the present day. The interior simply amazes the imagination with its unusual and magnificence. Norman-Byzantine mosaics that adorn the walls and the dome deserve separate words. For nine centuries, they have not lost the brightness of colors. This fact is called a real miracle even by scientists.
Most mysterious and mysteriousA landmark that the Sicilian capital has is considered to be the Capuchin Catacombs. They are ancient burial under the monastery of the same name. Due to the unique climate of the local dungeons, the bodies of the deceased, buried in the period from the fourteenth to the nineteenth century, have survived to this day. In total, there are about eight thousand mummies of people that belonged to different classes (monks, priests, married couples, rich people and children). Although the catacombs are outside the historic center of the city, you can even get here on foot. This place is considered one of the most popular among tourists in Palermo. At the same time, it is recommended to visit it only to very inquisitive people with strong nerves.
Separate words deserves the NormanRoyal Palace. Its building at first glance is quite simple. But when ingested, the initial impression of him changes dramatically. Here before visitors opens a luxurious interior. Some of the halls are preserved in its original form, but much of the castle in the Spanish era was rebuilt. Today, the local parliament is sitting here. On the second floor is the Chapel of the Palatine, whose walls are decorated with mosaics dedicated to biblical themes. It was laid out by local and Byzantine craftsmen from the twelfth to the fifteenth century. Nothing of the kind can be found even in the ancient temples of Constantinople.
The capital of Sicily, Palermo, has several symbols,One of which is considered the church of San Giovanni del Eremitti, erected in 1142. Currently, you can see several imperial and royal sarcophagi, as well as jewels found in the tombs of monarchs.
В церкви Святого Франциска Ассизкого представлено many works of art. In different eras, they were created by such famous masters as Giacomo Serpotta, the Gagini family, Francesco Laurana, Pietro Novelli and others.
Адмиральская церковь сооружена в 1143 году, во the reign of King Roger II. This name she received in connection with the fact that it was built on the money of Admiral George of Antioch. Of particular interest here is a unique collection of relics, among which are ancient mosaics with its image.
A real gem of Sicilian Baroquename the Temple of Jesus, the construction of which started in 1590. In 1636 it was consecrated, and in 1892 - awarded the status of a national monument.
Anyway, the capital of Sicily is not famousonly their temples and palaces. There are many other interesting places that attract tourists from all over the world. For example, the Pretoria Fountain, opened in 1555, built the Florentine mannerist Francesco Camigliani. By itself, it represents a composition that consists of a number of pools that differ in size. They are surrounded by marble statues of allegories, fantastic monsters, animals and mythological characters.
People who want a break from the majesticmonuments and architecture, can visit the Botanical Garden, on whose territory is collected a unique collection of plants that are representatives of all continents. In total, there are about 12 thousand units.
Like many other regions of Italy, the islandSicily is distinguished by the great love of the locals for the national opera. It is not surprising that 21 theaters function here. The most famous and magnificent among them is the Teatro Massimo erected in 1897. This is the largest such institution in Europe with excellent acoustics, accommodating up to three thousand spectators at the same time.
Briefly describe all the attractions of the city is impossible - they just need to see at least once in a lifetime.
Despite the great importance and touristinterest in Palermo, there are other interesting and worthy places to visit on the island of Sicily. Cities-resorts, whose sights, like the capital ones, cannot leave indifferent even sophisticated travelers, spread throughout the coast.
Agrigetto is the largest resort onMediterranean coast. The city is famous not only for its thermal springs, but also for its beautiful sandy beaches. It includes three Pelagian islands that attract lovers of unique landscapes, boat trips, fishing and diving.
On the east coast of the island is a cityCatania, washed by the Ionian Sea. Its main attraction is the strip of beaches formed from volcanic sand. Its length reaches nine kilometers.
Главным курортом всего острова является Таормина, located in the province of Messina and washed by the waters of the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas. The area is famous for its beaches, the most popular of which is called Spiaja-Sabbie-Nere. It consists entirely of black volcanic sand.
Other popular resorts are Siracusa and Ragusa.