The historical centre of the city has a regular layout, which it gained over a period of time, at the behest of the Aragons, replacing the maze of narrow streets dating from Arab and Norman days.
Founded by the Phoenicians (8th-7th century) with the name of Ziz (flower), it belonged to Carthage before coming under the domination of Rome in 254 BC., later becoming one of the most important centres on the island. After the fall of the Empire, it was ruled by the Goths before becoming a Byzantine possession in 552. Palermo was conquered by the Arabs in 831 became capital of the independent emirate of Sicily and entered a period of considerable prosperity. Ruggero d'Altavilla brought it under Norman rule in 1072 and made it the capital of his kingdom, a position it retained until the Angevins chose Naples as their capital city, causing Palermo to decline. Its fortunes were those of the Kingdom of Sicily until it became part of Italy in 1860.
Palermo has innumerable fine monuments and works of art, including: the cathedral (12th century, with 14th-15th and 18th century additions), the Martorana church, dating to Norman times with beautiful Byzantine-style mosaics; the church of S. Giovanni degli Eremiti, Norman with Arab influence and its adjacent cloisters; the church of S. Giuseppe dei Teatini (17th century), the church of S. Cataldo, in Arab-Norman style, the 13th century churches of S. Francesco and S. Spirito, the Oratorio di S. Lorenzo (Baroque). Non-ecclesiastical buildings include the Palazzo dei Normanni, of Arab origins, with Norman additions and decorations (outstanding Cappella Palatina, with wooden ceiling, mosaics and frescoes), and later renovation; the Palazzo Chiaramonte (medieval), Palazzo Abatellis (14th century, in Gothic-Catalonian forms), the 12th century Zisa, and Cuba, both Arab-style constructions, together with many other buildings and churches of various periods. The Parco della Favorita is an environment of considerable interest.
The city's economy is based principally on the service industries, employment in the public sector being particularly high, and indeed now superior to effective administrative requirements. The numerous commercial activities are carried out particularly by small units or involve only modest trade. There is a busy port, handling passengers and freight. Though the industrial sector has developed to some extent over the past few decades, it is unable to absorb the large available workforce (Palermo has a high rate of unemployment) and factories are mostly small to medium in size. The most important branches of industry are: housing construction, linked to the high level of urban expansion, shipbuilding, engineering, food manufacturing and textiles. Agriculture still provides employment for consistent numbers (citrus groves, horticulture in the Conca d'Oro) and the flow of tourists is attracted by the city's monuments and works of art as well as by the nearby beach at Mondello.
Events: Fiera Internazionale del Mediterraneo (May-June), Festino di S. Rosalia (10th-15th July), Festa dei Morti (1st November).
Famous People: Alessandro Scarlatti (musician, 1660-1725), Stanislao Cannizzaro (scientist, 1826-1910), Rosolino Pilo (patriot, 1826-1860), Ernesto Basile (architect, 1857-1932), Vittorio Emanuele Orlando (politician, 1860-1952), Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (writer, 1896-1957).
Cultural Institutions: Accademia di Belle Arti, Conservatorio, University, various libraries and museums, including: Museo Archeologico Nazionale (Phoenician, Greek, Etruscan, Carthaginian and Roman remains; splendid sculptures from Selinunte archeological area), Museo Preistorico. `Fondazione Mormino', Gallery of Modern Art, National Gallery of Sicily, Museo Etnografico `Pitrè', Museo del Risorgimento, Puppet Museum, Botanic Gardens.
In the Province: Piana degli Albanesi (Albanian customs and dress), Bagheria (Museo di Storia patria), Cefalù (Museo della Fondazione Mandralisca), Monreale (Norman cathedral), Termini Imerese (spa and beach resort), Isola delle Femmine (beach resort), Geraci (Museo delle Madonie), Terrasini (Museo del carretto siciliano-Sicilian Cart Museum).
Founded with the name of Akragas by the inhabitants of Gela in the 6th century BC., Agrigento quickly became an important centre in Magna Grecia, as can be seen from the massive remains still visibile near the town. Destroyed by Carthage in 406 BC., it rose again and about two centuries later was under Roman rule. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was dominated by the Goths and then the Byzantines (6th century), under whose rule it sharply declined until, in 829, it was taken by the Arabs, who destroyed the town only to rebuild it on a higher site.
The principal ancient monuments are the Doric temples in the Valle dei Templi, dating to the 6th and 5th centuries BC., dedicated to Hercules, Olympian Jupiter, Juno, Castor, Pollux and Demeter, as well as the temple called `the Concordia', still in an excellent state of preservation. The Tomb of Terone, the Oratory of Phalaris and other small temples are also of great interest. Other monuments include the church of S. Nicola (Romanesque-Gothic, 13th century), the Duomo (14th century, with later alterations), the church of S. Spirito.
The economy of Agrigento is based on traditional agriculture (olives, almonds, sheep) and on a consistent proportion of tourism attracted to the nearby coast and especially to the city's exceptional archeological heritage. Industry is limited to the extraction of rock salt and potash and the transformation of agricultural products.
Events: Sagra del mandorlo in fiore (February), Premio Efebo d'Oro (cinema).
Famous People: Empedocles (philosopher, 5th century BC.), Luigi Pirandello (man of letters and playwright, 1867-1936).
Cultural Institutions: Biblioteca Comunale, Biblioteca Lucchesiana, Biblioteca P. Marconi, State Archives, Civic Museum, National Archeological Museum (finds from ancient Greek Akragas), Museo Diocesano, Pirandello's house.
In the Province: Licata (industrial centre), Sciacca (spa, fishing harbour), Porto Empedocle (port of call), Canicattì (agricultural centre), Racalmuto (mining centre), Pelagie islands with Lampedusa (tourism).
Probably a Siculo-Greek settlement, the town was occupied by the Arabs in 829 (the name Kalat-Nissa: castle of Nissa dates back to this time) and its resultant prosperity continued under Norman rule, beginning in 1087. From then on, it shared the vicissitudes of the Kingdom of Sicily, though granted in feud by the Moncada family from the 15th to 19th century. It became part of Italy in 1860.
Its monuments include: the Duomo (16th-17th century) with a richly ornamental interior, the church of S. Agata dei Gesuiti (Baroque, 17th century), the church of S. Domenico (Baroque, 17th century), the church of S. Maria degli Angeli (13th century Gothic portal), the ruins of Pietrarossa castle (Norman), Palazzo Moncada (unfinished, 17th century Baroque). In the neighbourhood, the Badia di S. Spirito (a Norman foundation, 12th century).
Caltanissetta is a market town for agricultural (cereals and almonds) and animal products from the surrounding area, and a mining centre (potash and sulphur, though the latter is now declining). Of the other sectors, the industrial is of very modest proportions, and comprises traditional food manufacturing and building materials. Employment in the public sector is, however, extremely high. There is an active craft industry.
Events: Holy Week Celebrations, Settembre Nisseno, Fiera Centro-Sicula (May).
Cultural Institutions: State Archives, Biblioteca Comunale, Museo Civico Archeologico (terracotta temple, 7th century BC.), Museo del Folclore, Museo Mineralogico.
In the Province: Gela (port, petrochemical complex, archeological museum), San Cataldo (mining centre), Niscemi (agricultural centre), Montedoro (potash), Falconara (seaside resort).
Situated on the Gulf of Catania, this town spreads tidily over the foot of the southern slopes of Etna, as well as to the south on the low-lying fertile Catania plain, where the modern industrial zone has been sited.
Founded by the Chalcidians in the 8th century BC., it quickly attained a position of importance in Sicily, often warring with Syracuse. It was taken by the Romans in 263 and experienced periods of great prosperity under the Empire.
After the fall of the Western Empire, it was dominated by the Goths, and in 552 passed together with the whole island to Byzantium, who held it until the 9th century, when Sicily was conquered by the Arabs.
The Normans took possession in 1072 and its fortunes were those of the Kingdom of Sicily until unification with Italy in 1860. Catania was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693 and rebuilt several years later to an orderly layout on late Baroque lines.
The town has an interesting heritage of monuments and works of art, though few of the ancient buildings still retain their original forms: Ursino Castle, built by Frederick II (13th century), with its characteristic round towers, the Duomo (11th-12th century, rebuilt in the 18th century, fine chapel of S. Agata), the church of S. Maria del Gesù (15th century, Gothic, rebuilt), the Greek theatre (rebuilt in Roman times) and the Odeon, the remains of a Roman amphitheatre (2nd century BC.). Other interesting buildings include the church of S. Nicolò (18th century) with a rich interior, the Collegiate church (18th century), Palazzo Biscari, a fine example of Baroque, the Fontana dell'Elefante (1736) and many other 17th century churches and other buildings.
With regards to the economy, the extremely active traditional commercial sector based on the high productivity of agriculture on the surrounding Catania plain, is now supported by an industrial sector characterized by the presence of small to medium-sized units manufacturing chemicals, engineering products, food, electrotechnicals, electronical products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and construction materials. Port activities are now declining and little more than a service to industry, though tourism linked to the scenic attractions of the area (Etna, Riviera dei Ciclopi) is flourishing.
Events: Fiera Agrumaria (February), Festa di Sant'Agata (5th February), Festa di Sant'Alfio (10th May).
Famous People: Giovanni Verga (writer, 1840-1922), Vincenzo Bellini (musician, 1801-1835), Giovanni Pacini (musician, 1796-1867), Mario Rapisardi (poet, 1844-1912).
Cultural Institutions: State Archives, Civic Library, University Library, Accademia di Belle Arti, University, Museo Belliniano, Museo Civico di Castel Ursino (archeological Greek, Hellenic, Roman collections; art gallery, numismatics, majolicas), Musei di Geologia, Mineralogia, Petrografia, Vulcanologia, Osservatorio Astrofisico.
In the Province: Acireale (spa and beach resort), Caltagirone (handmade ceramics), Paternò (agricultural centre), Aci Trezza (Fish festival, 24th June), Aci Castello, Misterbianco (agricultural and industrial centre), Pedara (holidays).
Enna lies in the heart of Sicily, in a panoramic setting on a stretch of high ground in the region of the Erei hills, and, at 931 m. above sea level, is the highest provincial chief town in Italy. Once a Siculi settlement, in pre-Roman times it was held by the Greeks, Syracusans and Carthaginians. Though a municipium at the time of the Roman Empire, it was of no great importance, and its history was that of the region: Greek domination then Byzantine, followed by that of the Arabs and Normans (11th century), as part of the Kingdom of Sicily.
Its monuments include: Castello di Lombardia, built by Frederick II of Swabia over previous constructions: 6 of its 22 towers are still standing (interesting interiors); the Duomo, of 13th century origins, rebuilt in the 16th century, richly frescoed; the church of S. Francesco d'Assisi (14th century).
The principal town in one of the most impoverished provinces of Italy, Enna has an economy based principally on the service industries, employment in the public sector being of particular importance; the industrial sector is underdeveloped, apart from traditional mining activities (sulphur, potash) and now in difficulty.
Events: Festa di Maria Santissima della Visitazione (2nd July), summer events at the Castello di Lombardia.
Famous People: Giuseppe Alessi (man of letters, 1774-1837), Napoleone Colajanni (politician, 1847-1921).
Cultural Institutions: State Archives, Library, Museo Alessi (numismatics section, archaeological exhibits, ceramics, paintings).
In the Province: Calascibetta (of urban and environmental interest), Nicosia (cathedral, agricultural centre), Barrafranca (sulphur extraction), Piazza Armerina (Roman villa Casale, agricultural centre), Lake Pergusa (car racing).
Founded as Zancle in the second half of the 8th century BC. by Chalcidian Greeks, its name was changed to Messene in about 490 BC. with the arrival of settlers from Messenia. Later conquered by Syracusans, Mamertines and Carthaginians, it came under the influence of Rome in 264 BC. After the fall of the Empire, Messina was dominated by the Goths before passing to Byzantium in 553 and Arab rule in 843. It became a Norman possession in 1061. From this date, its history was that of the Kingdom of Sicily. Messina was on several occasions struck by an earthquake and the last, in 1908, almost destroyed it completely, claiming over 60,000 victims.
Its monuments include: the Duomo, rebuilt to its original 2nd century forms, of which something remains (portals, mosaics, tombs); the Orione fountain (16th century), the church of the SS. Annunziata dei Catalani (Norman style, partly rebuilt) and many other churches rebuilt after the earthquake.
Messina's economy relies prevalently on the service sector, with expansion also of port activities, important for cargo and passenger shipping (ferries to the mainland); employment in the public sector is significantly high, also in tourism related activities. There is little industrial development, the existing industries comprising small to medium-sized companies in the building trade, foods, engineering, boatyards and chemicals.
Events: Fiera Campionaria Internazionale (International Trade Fair, August), Sfilata dei Giganti (14th August), Processione della `Vera' (15th August), Concert season.
Famous People: Antonello da Messina (artist, 1420-1496).
Cultural Institutions: University, Conservatorio `Corelli', Geophysical Observatory, Accademia dei Pericolanti, University Library, Biblioteca Comunale, Museo Nazionale.
In the Province: Milazzo (port of call, tourist and industrial centre), Taormina (Antiquarium, Greek theatre), Aeolian islands, Tindari (ruins of Greek city), Giardini Naxos (archeological museum), Castroreale Terme.
Its monuments include: the cathedral (18th century), the church of S. Maria delle Scale (18th century), the church of S. Giorgio (Baroque, with Renaissance sculptures), the church of S. Giuseppe (Baroque) and the Palazzo del Comune.
Considerable impetus was given to development of the city's economy in 1953 with the discovery of hydrocarbon deposits in the vicinity, stimulating a certain degree of industrialization, including petrochemicals, building materials and food (pasta, oil, canning, wine producing and cakes etc.). The commercial sector, traditionally linked to the highly productive agriculture of the surrounding countryside (cereals, olives, grapes, vegetables), is still extremely prosperous.
Events: Mostra dell'artigianato and Mostra regionale del Ricamo e Sfilato Siciliano (October).
Cultural Institutions: State Archives, Biblioteca Civica, Museo Archeologico, Museo del Petrolio.
In the Province: Vittoria (of urban interest), Modica (environmental interest), Comiso (agricultural and industrial centre), Scicli (agricultural centre), Ispica (agricultural centre), Acate (wine), Castello di Donnafugata.
Founded by Greek settlers in the 8th century BC., under the various tyrants that ruled it, Syracuse grew to became of economic and political importance in the Mediterranean, often engaged in struggles against the Greeks themselves and the Carthaginians, as well as against the other Siculi towns in Magna Grecia.
Syracuse has a number of most interesting monuments and works of art, including: the Greek theatre (3rd century BC.), the Roman amphitheatre (3rd century BC.), the Temple of Apollo (7th-6th century BC.), the Latomie (prisons hewn from the rock), the Duomo, built 7th century over a 5th century BC. Doric temple, Castello Maniace (13th century), Castello Eurialo (8 km. away, remains of Greek fortifications), Palazzo Bellomo (13th-15th centuries), Palazzo Montalto (end 14th century).
The town's economy is based on traditional agricultural activities (table and wine grapes, citrus fruit, flowers and vegetables) including livestock (particularly cattle breeding), commerce (busy port) and an industrial sector which has developed considerably over the last few decades, attracting workforces also from other provincial centres. Industries present include chemicals, engineering, papermaking, construction materials.
Events: Festa di S. Lucia (13th December), `Rappresentazioni classiche al teatro greco' (June-July).
Famous People: Theocritus (poet, 310-260 BC.), Archimedes (mathematician, 285-212 BC.), Epicarmo (play writer, 5th century BC.), Elio Vittorini (writer, 1908-1966).
Cultural Institutions: State Archives, Biblioteca Alagniana, Biblioteca Comunale, Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Bellomo, Museo Archeologico (Greek and Roman exhibits).
In the Province: Augusta (one of the major Italian ports, industrial centre, petrochemicals), Noto (Baroque buildings), Sortino (Pantalica necropolis), Avola (agricultural centre), Palazzolo Acreide (Antiquarium), Lentini (Museo Archeologico).
Founded by the Greeks who named it Drepanon (billhook), it fell to the Romans at the battle of the Egadi, with the defeat of the Carthaginians.
Its monuments include: the Sanctuary of the Annunziata, 13th century with several later additions, housing various works of art including the Madonna and Child, statue by Nino Pisano; the church of S. Agostino (several original Gothic elements), remains of Palazzo Ciambra (15th century), the church of S. Maria del Gesù (inside, terracotta by Andrea Della Robbia), Palazzo del Governo (18th century).
Trapani is an important fishing centre, with a fishing fleet specialized in tunny fishing, on which the fish processing and canning industry depends. Commerce related to the port is also of some importance.
There is little industry, however, except for the traditional productions of wines and salt (salinas), in addition to construction materials, marble, textiles and engineering.
Events: Processione dei Misteri (Good Friday), Luglio Musicale Trapanese (July).
Famous People: Vito Carrera (artist, 1555-1631), Leonardo Ximenes (scientist, 1716-1786), Vito Beltrami (patriot, 1805-1884), Salvatore Calvino (patriot, 1820-1883), Eliodoro Lombardi (poet, 1834-1894).
Cultural Institutions: State Archives, Biblioteca Fardelliana, Museo Nazionale `Pepoli' (archeological section, sculptures).
In the Province: Erice (artistic and environmental interest), Marsala (wine, Museo degli arazzi fiamminghi), Mazara del Vallo (fishing port), Alcamo (agricultural centre), Segesta (archeological centre), Pantelleria (beach resort, wines).