Road trip in Sicily – crossing from West to East

Visit Sicily

I did a self drive road trip taking me through the Centre of Sicily from West to East. Check out the sites that I found particularly interesting:

Valley of Temples near Agrigento; Villa Romana near Piazza Armenia; Caltagirone; Enna; and finally Catania.

Valley of the Temples

The Valley of the Temples is an archeological site located on a ridge just outside of Agrigento. The Valley of the Temples is one of Italy’s most famous archeological sites and a “must-see” when in Sicily. Some say that is the largest in the world extending some 1,300 hectares.

Temples date back a long time

You will find seven temples built during the 6^th and 4^th Centuries BC. Some have resisted the passing of time, others were burned by the Carthaginians and others still were destroyed by earthquakes.

Temple of Castor and Pollux at the Valley of Temples

Unfortunately only four columns of the Temple of Castor and Pollux have survived time. Nevertheless, it is the symbol of modern Agrigento.

Visit Sicily should include “Villa Romana” – the most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world in Piazza Armenia

The mosaics are found in “Villa Romana”. The name “Villa Romana” suggests that it was building. However, it was actually more of a settlement located some 3 km outside the town of Piazza Armenia. It contains the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world.

Most important building

“Villa Romana” was built sometime around the 4^th century AD and located at the centre of a large agricultural estate.

Vandals and Visigoths partially destroyed the site. A large landslide in the 12the Century covered the major part of the area thus completing the destruction.

Archeological excavations unveiled its splendour.

The area was then used for agricultural purposed up until first archeological excavations were carried out in the late 19^th Century. Between 1950-60 major excavations took place. They uncovered “Villa Romana” and its spectacular Roman mosaics.

“Villa Romana”

It is not only the mosaics but the entire setting of Villa Roman which is amazing.

Visit Sicily – Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a center for the production of pottery, particularly maiolica. Its name is derived from the Arabic and means “Castle of Jars” indicating how long pottery works have been produced in the area. Ceramics are omnipresent in Caltagirone. Wherever you go, you will find some.

Famous stairs in Caltagirone

Landmark of the city is the 142-steps “Scalinata de Santa Maria del Monte”. Each step is decorated with hand painted ceramic tiles. Once a year, on 25 July, candles of different colours are places on each step illuminating the artwork.

Little tourist train taking you through Caltagirone

I took a little tourist train that drove through the very narrow streets of the oldest part of Caltagirone. During the 20 minutes ride, we came across some stunning buildings and balconies.

Enna

Enna is located on the summit of a giant hill which has a circumference of some 5 km. It is surrounded by cliffs making Enna an amazing natural fortresses.

Enna is the highest city of the Sicily

Enna is located in the center of Sicily and considered the “lookout of Sicily”.  At a bit over 900 meters, it the highest city of the island and offers gorgeous view on neighbouring villages.

Fortress close to Enna

The close by Castello di Lombardia is the most important example of military architecture in Sicily.

Catania

Catania offers plenty of history and related sites to visit. Interestingly, it is different to the other towns and cities as dark color lava stone was used for the buildings.

Market of Catania

I loved the fish and vegetable market of the town. Here some pictures of vegetables, cheeses, olives, fish on display.

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Check out other posts on Sicily including  Siracusa, Noto, Taormina.

Also check out my tips for Sicily. They include some self drive advise.

Enjoy the read!