City: Sicily
Top Things to do in Sicily
Countries
Top 10 Ancient Ruins in Sicily, Italy
Sicily (/ˈsɪsɪli/ SISS-i-lee; Italian: Sicilia [siˈtʃiːlja], Sicilian: Sicìlia) is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is an autonomous region of Italy, in Southern Italy along with surrounding minor islands, officially referred to as Regione Siciliana.
Restaurants in Sicily
1. Tempio della Concordia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,544 reviews
Built in 430 BC, this is one of the best-preserved Greek Temples located outside of Greece.
Reviewed By VadimM67 - Murmansk, Russia
The name of the temple we owe it due to one of the first Sicilian historians Tommaso Fazello. However, to whom this temple was actually dedicated, we don`t know until now. The sad state of the neighbors in the valley suggests that the temple of Concordia had to go through a lot to remain in the beautiful form as it is now. Along with the Parthenon, it is the best-preserved Doric temple in the world. It was necessary to survive the capture of Acragas by the Carthaginians in 406, the first and second Punic wars in the third century BC, the barbarian invasions in the fifth century AD, and the endless wars in Sicily in the middle ages. And, finally, it was necessary to protect themselves from the locals, who pulled apart almost all of ancient Rome. They were more danderous for antique temple than the barbarians. Concordia was lucky here. It was called the Church and it protected from encroachments of fans to get hold of antique building materials. Exactly the same saved the Pantheon in Rome. The Concordia temple is beautiful. From all sides. At any time of the day. In the evening, it is illuminated, but I didn`t go here a second time.
2. Palazzo Drago Airoldi di Santa Colomba
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
Palazzo Drago Airoldi di Santa Colomba è annoverabile per posizione e sviluppo tra le dimore storiche siciliane più interessanti del Cassaro, l'attuale Via Vittorio Emanuele. Il recente restauro ha riconsegnato splendore alla struttura. La visita guidata permette di ammirarne l'architettura, gli interni con i soffitti affrescati e numerose opere d'arte.
Reviewed By tdyer_1999 - Rome, Italy
This was a lovely discovery in the heart of Arab-Norman Palermo, a stone's throw from the Cathedral. The palazzo was originally built in the 11th century apparently and developed in the centuries that followed. The current owner has lovingly restored the 18th and 19th century cieling frescoes and put on display an eclectic art collection comprising paintings, sculptures, ceramics as well as personal memorabilia dating back through his own family. He takes you on a personalised guided tour of the various rooms of the 'piano nobile' punctuated by historical and contemporary commentary. He is as full of character as the palazzo itself! An hour very well spent!
3. Necropoli di Pantalica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 422 reviews
Hiking in the magical Anapo river valley, you come upon steep cliff sides that are dotted with thousands of rock-cut tombs dating from the 13th century BC.
Reviewed By prettylilly - Riverside, United States
For travelers who have the time, Pantalica is well worth arranging. Properly done, it is a full day trip from Siracusa or Noto. We had the services of Carlo Montesanti, who is extremely knowledgeable about the archaeology and natural history of this ancient necropolis and good company as well. (He was recommended by another guide, who claimed that Carlo was THE expert on Pantalica.) Although the 4,000 or so tombs, dating as far back as the 13th century BC are the initial attraction, Pantalica's story continues through the classical era and into the medievall and modern Christian era. In addition, this is wild and beautiful area and makes for a great hike.
4. Ancient Theatre of Taormina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,605 reviews
The view of Mount Etna and the sea beyond is absolutely superb at Taormina's 10,000-seat ancient Greek amphitheater, which was erected in the third century BC and expanded by the Romans.
Reviewed By ryanfL7429GJ
This theater and its location are stunning -- I'm surprised this isn't a more widely known attraction in Italy or even all of Europe. The history here (both Greek and Roman) and the spectacular beauty and setting of this coastal town (with an active volcano steaming in the background) make this a MUST when visiting Sicily.
5. Tempio di Apollo
6. Scavi Archeologici di Campanarazzu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
7. Valle dei Templi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,409 reviews
This region is one of the most important archeological sites in the world with many great temples such as Hera (Juno,) Lacinia, Concordia, Heracles (Hercules) and Olympian Zeus (Jupiter,) all dramatically perched along a long rocky scarp.
Reviewed By alikarim - Dallas, United States
This is an extremely well preserved set of ancient Greek temples that you can visit over a mile long walk. Best thing to do is to park yoru car at the bottom of the valley; at the exit of the site. Then take a local taxi (3 Euros/person) to the top of the site, the main entrance, where fro about an entrance fee of $13.50; you can start at the top temple and walk leisurely down to the bottom sites, exploding multiple temples and ruins in great shape. Lots of tourists here, but well worth the visit. It will take several hours to complete this, so plan for a min half day here. A must do in Sicily.
8. Villa Romana del Casale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,535 reviews
This 3rd-century Roman villa features more than 40 beautiful mosaic floors, making it one of the most cherished open-air museums in the region.
Reviewed By connietrav
We were on organised tour with Titan What a fantastically interesting place to visit We had a really good guide and learning about the Villa and seeing the amazing mosaic floors gave an insight of how people lived In Roman times - both rich and poor - a highlight on our trip to Sicily
9. Tempio di Segesta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,888 reviews
This unfinished fifth-century Doric temple has everything but a roof and an interior, and the huge structure seems unaffected by time. A small theater atop a nearby hill offers visitors a stunning view of green hills and the deep blue hues of the sea below.
Reviewed By M2334NTgaryk - London, United Kingdom
I visited the Segesta Site yesterday the 18th of June 2019. I had read all the whining reviews about the free car park at entrance that drivers were being directed away from, and decided to test this. I drove straight to the front gate of the site carpark. I was stopped by a uniform security guard... This car park at site entrance is for disabled drivers or archaeological site staff and is also the drop off point for the shuttle bus. all the cars parked here have staff or disabled passes displayed on their dashboards. I was then politely directed to the tourist carpark at bottom of hill. The facilities at the car park (toilets etc.) are free and clean. 5 euros to park car, free bus shuttle to (and return) site entrance every 15 mins (prompt) 6 euros per person entrance to the site, the temple is a 250m short walk from entrance, the amphitheatre is a long slog up a winding road, you would be mad not to take the theatre shuttle which is only 1.50 euro a person each way. and again runs back and forth about every 15 mins.. The amphitheatre is fabulous and provides a wonderful view, there are also other fascinating ruins dotted about the hillside. The Temple at the bottom of hill is breath-taking and wonderfully preserved, this area is a must see if you are holidaying local. The site was immaculately clean, there are bins for different variations of rubbish everywhere. The tourist car park, the shuttle and the site were efficiently run and clean, the staff were friendly … using all available shuttles, you can (at a leisurely amble) see everything in under 3 hours. ------- reviewers should check their facts before making false and stupid statements that could affect local’s livelihood! --------------
10. Tempio di Giunone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 646 reviews
Reviewed By israroz - Ra'anana, Israel
If you arrive from the parking lot on the Temple Valley internal shuttle, you will reach the upper entrance and immediately after the gate, one of the most beautiful temples will appear to your right. Tempio Di Giunone, the Temple of the Goddess Hera. Because this temple is located at the top of the hill, it is a vantage point for the stunning views in every direction. Stunning temple "NOT 2 B MISSED”.
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