TAORMINA SICILY NEEDS LOVE
Sicily Island Of Light - Sicilia isola di luce Art Documentary
Written by Marella di Grande
Translated by Taisia Gullo
Sicily is a fertile island, thus plundered from age to age by waves of invaders and still now treated badly also by Sicilian people. Sicily needs love and its plea is evident through Claudio Arezzo di Trifiletti's photos: decorations of buildings, friezes and the sculpture of monuments, churches and fountains -stratified over the centuries- convey their yearning for love. The project Sicily needs love is a tour of Sicily with stops in the main cities in order to immortalize the details of the works of art; details which often are not considered by the Sicilians themselves, whose eyes are unaware and dulled by the greyness of ignorance or by dangerous indifference, and fed by frenzy of daily mediocrity. The videos show the cities' awakening in the playful gestures of the amoretti, in the hideous visages and the contorted gaze of the baroque decorations; their poking at the mythological sculptures of the fountains; and their blending with the architectural lines of churches, sometimes convoluted and sometimes essential. The aim of these pictures is to create an artistic documentary or to compose a subliminal short trough a quick sequence; moreover, all these images end with a last frame of ecstatic Madonna which breathes hope into those passersby who have the good fortune to glance at them.
SUBLIMINAL ART TAORMINA
Do you know what our life is? Yours and mine? A dream made in Sicily. Maybe we are still there and we are dreaming
(Leonardo Sciascia)
Taormina is the jewel of Sicily: you can gather it from its charming name and its noble aspect conveyed essentially by surrounding landscape of Etna which slopes down until the turquoise sea. The city is unique is its intertwining of precious architectural and urban elements, consequence of its previous rules. The Greek Theatre, the Roman Naumachiai, the Saracen Castle, the Arabian Necropolis, the gothic Palace of the dukes of Saint Stephen, the Norman Door of the Stroke, the Aragonese Palace Corvaja and Palace Ciampoli until the baroque of the Four Fountains, the buildings of Corso Umberto and of the Saint Joseph Church are some of the examples of the various historic epochs which came one after the other increasing Taormina's splendour.
Sicily is the land of oranges, a land full of flowers where the air in spring is heady with perfume...but what makes it an essential place to visit and unique in the world is the fact that from one end to the other it can be described as a strange and divine museum of architecture (Guy de Maupassant)
Che i fondi provenienti dalla cultura possano rinascere nella cultura.
Claudio Arezzo di Trifiletti 2011
DOCUMENTARIO ARTISTICO SICILIA
Palazzo dei Giurati - Porta Messina - Chiesa di San Pietro - Convento S. Maria del Gesù - Chiesa di San Pancrazio - Fontana e Arco dei Capuccini - Chiesa dei Cappuccini - Palazzo Corvaja - Chiesa di Santa Caterina - Chiesa Madonna delle Grazie - Sant. Madonna della Rocca - Castello Saraceno - Ex Chiesa di Sant' Agostino - Biblioteca Comunale - Chiesa di San Giuseppe - Torre dell'Orologio - Chiesa del Varò - Badia Vecchia - Duomo - Palazzo Ciampoli - Chiesa del Carmine - Convento di San Domenico - Chiesa di San Michele - Palazzo Duchi di S. Stefano - Porta Catania - Chiesa s. Francesco di Paola - Piazza San Pancrazio - Tombe Bizzantine - Odeon - Terme Romane - Naumachie - Chiesa Anglicana - Teatro Greco - Castelmola
Sicily. Volcano's, Beautiful Beaches, Pretty towns...Oh! and the Mafia Homebase.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea; along with surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy,
Other Mediterranean Islands on my Channel
Majorca;
Corfu;
Malta; Glass Bottomed Boat;
Malta- a Full tour;
Malta-Driving on Malta;
Malta-Grand Harbour Tour;
Malta- Ancient Monuments;
Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean. It extends from the tip of the Apennine peninsula from which it is separated only by the narrow Strait of Messina, towards the North African coast. Its most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, which is at 3,320 m (10,890 ft) the tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. The island has a typical Mediterranean climate.
The earliest archeological evidence of human dwelling on the island dates from as early as 8000 BC. At around 750 BC, Sicily became a Greek colony and for the next 600 years it was the site of the Greek-Punic and Roman-Punic wars, which ended with the Roman destruction of Carthage. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, Sicily often changed hands, and during the early Middle Ages it was ruled in turn by the Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. Later on, the Kingdom of Sicily lasted between 1130 and 1816, subordinated to the crowns of Aragon, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and finally the Bourbons, as the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It was united with the rest of Italy in 1860, but a subsequent economic collapse led to a wave of emigration, separatism, and the emergence of the Mafia, whose criminal activities pose problems to this day. After the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946, Sicily was given special status as an autonomous region.
Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature, cuisine, architecture and language. Sicily also holds importance for archeological and ancient sites such as the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Valley of the Temples and Selinunte.
The Sicilian economy is diversified. The agriculture sector is significant with citrus fruits, olives and olive oil, grapes and wine. Tourism and real estate are economically important for the island. Still, with the gross domestic product per capita at around €17,000, it stands at only two-thirds of the European Union average and is one of the least developed regions of Italy.
Sicily landscape, East Coast, Sicily, Italy, Europe
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea; along with surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy, the Regione Siciliana (Sicilian Region). Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean. It extends from the tip of the Apennine peninsula from which it is separated only by the narrow Strait of Messina, towards the North African coast. Its most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, which is at 3,320 m (10,890 ft) the tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. The island has a typical Mediterranean climate. The earliest archeological evidence of human dwelling on the island dates from as early as 8000 BC. At around 750 BC, Sicily became a Greek colony and for the next 600 years it was the site of the Greek-Punic and Roman-Punic wars, which ended with the Roman destruction of Carthage. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, Sicily often changed hands, and during the early Middle Ages it was ruled in turn by the Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. Later on, the Kingdom of Sicily lasted between 1130 and 1816, first subordinated to the crowns of Aragon, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and finally unified under the Bourbons with Naples, as the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. With the Expedition of the Thousand, a Giuseppe Garibaldi-led revolt during the Italian Unification process, it became part of Italy in 1860 as a result of a plebiscite. After the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946, Sicily was given special status as an autonomous region. Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature, cuisine and architecture. Sicily also holds importance for archeological and ancient sites such as the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Valley of the Temples and Selinunte. Sicily has a roughly triangular shape, which earned it the name Trinacria, from Greek treis 'three' and akra 'promontory'. To the east, it is separated from the Italian region of Calabria by the Strait of Messina, about 3 km (1.9 mi) wide in the north, and about 16 km (9.9 mi) in the southern part.[5] Northern and southern coasts are each about 280 kilometres (170 mi) long measured as a straight line, while the eastern coast measures around 180 kilometres (110 mi); total coast length is estimated at 1,484 km. The total area of the island is 25,711 square kilometres (9,927 sq mi), while the Autonomous Region of Sicily (which includes smaller surrounding islands) has an area of 27,708 square kilometres (10,698 sq mi). The terrain of inland Sicily is mostly hilly, and intensively cultivated wherever it was possible. Along the northern coast, mountain ranges of Madonie, 2,000 m (6,600 ft), Nebrodi, 1,800 m (5,900 ft), and Peloritani, 1,300 m (4,300 ft), represent an extension of mainland Appennines. The cone of Mount Etna dominates over the eastern coast. In the south-east lie lower Hyblaean Mountains, 1,000 m (3,300 ft). The mines of the Enna and Caltanissetta district were a leading sulfur-producing area throughout the 19th century, but have declined since the 1950s. Sicily and its small surrounding islands have some highly active volcanoes. Mount Etna, with a height of 3,320 m (10,890 ft), is the tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. The Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, to the northeast of mainland Sicily, exhibit a volcanic complex including Stromboli. Currently active also are the three volcanoes of Vulcano, Vulcanello and Lipari, usually dormant. Off the southern coast of Sicily, the underwater volcano of Ferdinandea, which is part of the larger Empedocles, last erupted in 1831. It is located between the coast of Agrigento and the island of Pantelleria (which itself is a dormant volcano), on the underwater Phlegraean Fields of the Strait of Sicily. The autonomous region also includes several neighboring islands: the Aegadian Islands, the Aeolian Islands, Pantelleria and Lampedusa. Sicily has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild and wet winters and hot, dry summers. According to the Regional Agency for Waste and Water, on 10 August 1999, the weather station of Catenanuova (EN) recorded a maximum temperature of 48.5 °C (119 °F), which is the highest temperature ever recorded in Europe by the use of reliable instruments. The official European record measured by minimum/maximum thermometers is recognized to Athens, Greece, as communications reported a maximum of 48.0 °C (118 °F) in 1977. Total precipitation is highly variable, generally increasing with elevation. In general, the southern and southeast coast receives the least rainfall (less than 20 in., or 50 cm), and the northern and northeastern highlands the most (over 40 in., or 100 cm). Sicily is an often-quoted example of man-made deforestation, which was practiced since Roman times, when the island was made an agricultural region.
Places to see in ( Tarquinia - Italy )
Places to see in ( Tarquinia - Italy )
Tarquinia, formerly Corneto, is an old city in the province of Viterbo, Lazio, Italy known chiefly for its outstanding and unique ancient Etruscan tombs in the widespread necropoli or cemeteries which it overlies, for which it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
In 1922 it was renamed after the ancient city of Tarquinii (Roman) or Tarch(u)na (Etruscan). Although little is visible of the once great wealth and extent of the ancient city, archaeology is increasingly revealing glimpses of past glories.
The Etruscan and Roman city is situated on the long plateau of La Civita to the north of the current town. The ancient burial grounds (necropoli), dating from the Iron Age (9th century BC, or Villanovan period) to Roman times, were on the adjacent promontories including that of today's Tarquinia.
The main necropolis of Tarchuna, part of which can be visited today, is the Monterozzi necropolis with some 6,000 tombs, at least 200 of which include beautiful wall paintings, and many of which were tumulus tombs with chambers carved in the rock below. The city towered above the Marta valley and was about 6 km from the sea. La Civita is made up of two adjoining plateaux, the pian di Civita and the pian della Regina, joined by a narrow saddle.
The Temple Ara della Regina measuring c. 44 × 25 m and dating to c. 4th-3rd century BC, it was built in tufa with wooden structures and decorations, notably the famous and exquisite frieze of winged horses in terracotta that is considered a masterpiece of Etruscan art. The large walls were built during the city's most prosperous period in the 6th century BC and measured about 8 km long, enclosing 135 ha, and long parts of the northern section are visible.
Alot to see in Tarquinia such as :
Tarquinia National Museum: with a large collection of archaeological finds, it is housed in the Renaissance Palazzo Vitelleschi, begun in 1436 and completed around 1480–1490.
The church of Santa Maria di Castello.
Santa Maria di Castello: church built 1121-1208 with Lombard and Cosmatesque influences. The façade has a small bell-tower and three entrances. The interior has a nave and two aisles, divided by massive pilasters with palaeo-Christian capitals and friezes. Noteworthy are also the rose-window in the nave and the several marble works by Roman masters.
Tarquinia Cathedral: once in Romanesque-Gothic style but rebuilt after the 1643 fire, it has maintained from the original edifice the 16th-century frescoes in the presbytery, by Antonio del Massaro
San Pancrazio: Gothic-Romanesque church
San Giacomo and Santissima Annunziata, churches showing different Arab and Byzantine influences
San Martino: 12th-century Romanesque church
San Giovanni Battista: 12th-century church with an elegant rose-window in the simple façade.
Communal Palace, in Romanesque style, begun in the 13th century and restored in the 16th
The numerous medieval towers, including that of Dante Alighieri
Palazzo dei Priori. The façade, remade in Baroque times, has a massive external staircase. The interior has a fresco cycle from 1429.
( Tarquinia - Italy ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting Tarquinia . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Tarquinia - Italy
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Places to see in ( Sicily - Italy )
Places to see in ( Sicily - Italy )
Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is just off the toe of Italy's boot. Its rich history is reflected in sites like the Valley of the Temples, the well-preserved ruins of 7 monumental, Doric-style Greek temples, and in the Byzantine mosaics at the Cappella Palatina, a former royal chapel in capital city Palermo. On Sicily’s eastern edge is Mount Etna, one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes. Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature, cuisine, and architecture. It is also home to important archaeological and ancient sites, such as the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Valley of the Temples, and Selinunte.
Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is just off the toe of Italy's boot. Its rich history is reflected in sites like the Valley of the Temples, the well-preserved ruins of 7 monumental, Doric-style Greek temples, and in the Byzantine mosaics at the Cappella Palatina, a former royal chapel in capital city Palermo. On Sicily’s eastern edge is Mount Etna, one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes.
The medieval hill town of Taormina, famed for its chic Film Fest, is a popular base for touring Etna and the baroque city at its foot, Catania. Nearby Siracusa is known for Greek ruins and its historic island center, Ortigia. The southeastern coast has sandy beaches and calm waters, while Agrigento is home to the Valley of the Temples. The Aeolian Islands feature whitewashed villages and black-sand beaches. Sicily’s melting-pot cuisine includes specialties such as caponata, arancini and cannoli, and its wine-producing tradition dates to ancient times.
There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Sicily. By the order of inscription:
Valle dei Templi (1997) is one of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture, The site is located in Agrigento.
Villa Romana del Casale (1997) is a Roman villa built in the first quarter of the 4th century and located about 3 km (2 mi) outside the town of Piazza Armerina. It contains the richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world.
Aeolian Islands (2000) are a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, named after the demigod of the winds Aeolus.
Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (2002) represent the culmination and final flowering of Baroque art in Europe. It includes several towns: Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa and Scicli.
Necropolis of Pantalica (2005) is a large necropolis in Sicily with over 5,000 tombs dating from the 13th to the 7th centuries BC. Syracuse is notable for its rich Greek history, culture, amphitheatres and architecture. They are situated in south-eastern Sicily.
Mount Etna (2013) is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity and generated myths, legends and naturalistic observation from Greek, Celts and Roman classic and medieval times.
Arab-Norman Palermo and the cathedral churches of Cefalù and Monreale; includes a series of nine civil and religious structures dating from the era of the Norman kingdom of Sicily (1130–1194)
Alot to see in ( Sicily - Italy ) such as :
Mount Etna
Valle dei Templi
Cappella Palatina
Villa Romana del Casale
Palazzo dei Normanni
Palermo Cathedral
Martorana
Cattedrale di Monreale
Alcantara
Isola Bella
Riserva naturale dello Zingaro
Church of the Gesù, Palermo
Ancient theatre of Taormina
Catacombe dei Cappuccini
Teatro Massimo, Palermo
Ear of Dionysius
Riserva naturale orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile
Cefalù Cathedral
Quattro Canti
San Cataldo, Palermo
Palazzo Chiaramonte
Kalsa
Mount Pellegrino
Catania Cathedral
Scala dei Turchi
Palazzo Corvaia
San Giuseppe dei Teatini
Museo archeologico regionale Paolo Orsi
Castello Ursino
Orto botanico di Palermo
Santa Maria dello Spasimo
Greek Theatre of Syracuse
Temple of Olympian Zeus, Agrigento
San Benedetto, Catania
Teatro Massimo Bellini, Catania
Palazzo degli Elefanti
Basilica della Collegiata
San Giovanni degli Eremiti
Museo Mandralisca
Palazzo Abatellis
Zisa, Palermo
Etnaland
Donnafugata Castle
Tonnara di Scopello
Tempio di Segesta
Fontana Pretoria
Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas
Parc archéologique de Néapolis
Fontana dell'Elefante
Temple of Concordia, Agrigento
( Sicily - Italy ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting the city of Sicily . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Sicily - Italy
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Coolest Bar in Sicily
Dickie and Gianni find the Coolest Bar in Sicily. Hiding deep inside the old Norman fortifications of the city of Palermo, it opens into an extraordinary space with huge vaulted stone ceilings and arches, a library, a secret garden restaurant, piano, giant medieval fireplace and groovy music. On top of that, 2 cocktails and a soft drink for under 20 Euros! Fantastic!
EXPLORING SICILY
The hotel we live in is in the middle of the centrum in Catania, Sicily. our first thought was to explore..
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Music:
Tell No Fox - Dust (Daithi Remix)
- TELL-NO-FOXX
- Daithi
ORIGINAL available in itunes:
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If any producer has an issue with any of the music please contact me and I will remove your work immediately.
Contact: sebyoncharo@gmail.com
History of Sicily in one hundred seconds
After a two-months work, i can finally publish my last short documentary: the animated doodle History of Sicily in one hundred seconds.
As the title suggests, it's a fast-run across a pressing and hyper-compact narration.
Those who knew little or nothing about the events told, will be surprised by the great number of conflicts, wars, monarchies, dominations, martyrs and crimes that plagued the island in millenniums.
I advise to not blink your eyelids as you watch the video: you risk to loose a whole century.
Original Italian version here:
Credits:
Script and Animation: Turi Scandurra ( )
Screenplay: Nino Arcidiacono ( )
Music: Peppe Gullotta ( )
Thanks to Alessandro Sciglio (voice for Italian version)
Here's the transcription:
One hundred eighty millions years ago Tethys Ocean splits Pangaea
mountain ranges rise up among coral reeves
it's hot
flora, fauna and dwarf elephants
the volcano Etna grows up by underwater eruptions
then five thousands years ago in Stentinello the first neolithic civilization
Sicanians get overpowered by Sicels
Pantalica is a necropolis for all the dead
phoenician sailors
sea urchins and swordfishes
here come the Greeks
Naxos and Syracuse
theaters carved in rocks or built on a hill like in Taormina
Polyphemus and mermaids
Archimedes and his burning mirrors
Scilla and Cariddi
first Punic War with Rome
Republic and Empire
corn and gladiators, then Vandals and Ostrogoths
Byzantines, Arabians and Muslims
tuna nets, orange and lemon trees
scimitars and sheiks
watering and architecture
ceramics and cassata cakes
Roger II and the Normans
heritage to Suebi
Frederick II and Poetry School
Ciullo d'Alcamo, the first parliament
Aragonese and Angevins
The Vespers when the French drove us mad
then peace of Caltabellotta
House of Hapsburg and Charles V
Bourbon dynasty
Garibaldi who got injuried
Piedmontese army Carabiniers
the Serval, puppetteers
unification of Italy
the Messina Earthquake
bandits and mafia
coppola and lupara
Giovanni Verga and Luigi Pirandello
emigration and First World War
fascism
allied landings, Lucky Luciano
the bandit Giuliano and laced coffee (Sicilian style)
Placido Rizzotto and Peppino Impastato
Tano Badalamenti and Marlon Brando as the godfather
Andreotti and the mafia
the disappearance of Mauro De Mauro
the strange case Mattei and a certain Sindona
lots of Christian Democracy and then Socialist Party
Pizza Connection
Falcone and the Maxi Trial
the Corleonesi and Totò Schillaci at World Cup
Buscetta and Dalla Chiesa
the mafia massacres of Capaci and via d'Amelio
money of Ciancimino, Totò Cuffaro and Raffaele Lombardo
the Strait Bridge and Franza ferryboats
and then, many things still have to happen
but in the end the island will be eaten by the sea.
GAGLIANO CASTELFERRATO - The Stone Fortress - Sicily HD Aerial
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footontheway.wordpress.com
Video by: e-mage
Music: Roulet - Seeing you through the smoke
Gagliano Castelferrato originally Galaria, was founded in 1900 and was already inhabited in prehistoric times. It's a place highly recommended to those who want to discover the less touristy but no less fascinating face of Sicily, especially for castles and good food lovers.
It is characterized by its fortress, of barbarian origin, with its many caves once inhabited by the monks of Agira, founded by St. Philip's who left inside the castle numerous signs of their presence. The castle of Gagliano Castelferrato is fascinating due to its unusual shape . Around it are intertwined history and legend. Quoted by Cicero during his trip to Sicily, the castle resisted the assaults of the Arabs. Indeed, it was well defended by strong walls, towers carved into the rock, ditches and tanks. Inside has a number of spaces and rooms carved with a unique architecture in the rocky soil, with ventilation channels and lighting. Even the furniture was cut into the rock.
Gagliano Castelferrato is one of those places that deserves more appreciation but, remains isolated from the heavy flow of tourism. As many beautiful towns of the Sicilian countryside it still retain its authenticity and the true essence of a rural and unspoilt Sicily that seems to sleep quietly.
Talking about good food do not miss the prickly pear mostarda, the typical food of the people Gagliano.
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Please watch: NEW YORK, a spasso per la Grande Mela, Vlog#2 - Musei, biblioteche e Rockefeller
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Sicily Nature, Parks & Enviroment
Natural enviroment in Sicily Italy.
Sicily maintains numerous nature reserves and green areas. These, scattered throughout the nine provinces, have remarkably increased in number in the last half century.
The Botanic Garden in Palermo, stretching over an area of 10 hectares, is a real green lung and an important sanctuary for various plant species. It also contains busts dedicated to historical figures.
The Entella Grotto Nature Reserve, in the Palermo area, offers a splendid environment that includes a man-made lake. It is close to archaeological-historical cities Elima and Entellina and provides a critical habitat for a rich wildlife, among which is the falco peregrinus.
On a small island some 15km off the Palermo coast, is the Isola delle Femmine (Island of Women) Nature Reserve with its lush vegetation and a natural patrimony represented by leguminosae, graminaceous and composite species; varieties of flowers like nigella, reeds, romulea and Iris; numerous animal communities such as the mediterranean gull, the crested lark and the heron. Remnants of Punic and Roman amphoras were unearthed on the island.
The Sugherata Reserve, stretching over an area of 3,000 hectares in the territory of Niscemi, Caltanissetta, is mostly composed of holm-oaks, evergreens and shrubs.
The Monte Pellegrino Oriented Nature Reserve, in the Palermo province, now entrusted to the Associazione Nazionale Rangers D'Italia, is home to over a thousand plant and wildlife communities, the latter also including a reptile group. The Favorita Park, within the reserve boundries, was used as a royal hunting lodge at the time of Ferdinand III of Bourbon. Many amazing sites can be found there, such as the Valle del Porco, largely covered with rock-plants and holm-oaks. The local fauna mainly consists of raptors like the buzzard, the falco peregrinus and the stone-chat.
In the Gela area, is the Nature Reserve of the Bievere Lake, housing a variety of submerged and sheltering plants, such as orchids, the rare white-broom and the corn-flower. This is most recommended for nature lovers and birdwatchers, it being home to duck species like the porchard and the widgeon, and to many migrators. Several mammal species also inhabit the reserve such as the fox and the weasel, and raptors like the duck-hawk and the marsh-herrier.
The Grotta Conza Reserve, in the territory of Palermo, extends over an area of 4 hectares largely populated by the Mediterranean bush. The presence of limestone carbonate rocks gives this grotto-reserve a geological importance.
The LIPU oasis of the Montallegro Lake, Agrigento, covering an area of 500,000 sqm, is a crucial stopping place for migratory birds. Its scanty vegetation enhances birdwatching.
The Reserve of Platani and Capo Bianco rivers, in the Agrigento area, stretches on a rocky promontory with long beaches. The promontory, once home to greek colonies -- among which was Heraclea Minoa -- is an interesting archaeological park most characterized by fine wooded stretches inhabited by foxes, weasels and duck-hawks.
The Regional Nature Reserve Torre Salsa, in the Stella Mount district, east of Siculiana Marittima, comprises the mouth of the Salso river and a small sandy beach. Its pristine coastal environment is a major attraction for ecotourists.
The Etna Park offers a wide choice of spots; among these is the Valle del Bove (Oxen Valley), a sunken area (hence called valley) with great crevasses and chasms. Photography and nature lovers can enjoy amazing sites and landscapes, such as Bocca Nuova, Monte Zuccolaro or the Grotta delle Vannette. The Etna volcano has always been regarded as a major symbol of Sicily. Today rising over 3,000m, it began to form about 500,000 years ago. Its vegetation varies according to altitude, ranging from pistachio and holm-oaks on the western side, to bay-oaks, oaks, black hornbeams and chestnut woods on the eastern side. Higher up are the remnants of ancient woods which have been largely replaced by pastures and endemic plants.
The Bosco di Santo Pietro, in the proximity of Caltagirone, in the southern side of the Erei Mountains, has a richest flora composed of over 300 species, among which cork- and holm-oaks dominate. The fauna is mostly represented by winged animals and migrators. Such spots as the Cava Cannizzolo, the Cava Vaccarizzo and the Cava Imboscata are a must-see.
The area between Trapani and Paceco houses a fine nature reserve with splendid naturalistic attractions and major stopping place for migratory birds. Especially renowned are its salt pans, re-thriving of late, after a period of decline.
The Valle del Sosio, Agrigento, is particularly interesting, with numerous fine spots and large areas of holm-oaks, walnuts, strawberry-trees. Many fossils, today preserved at the Museum Geologico Gemellaro in Palermo, were recovered across its territory.
Along the coast south of Siracusa is the beautiful Vendicari nature reserve, a major rest place for the migratory avifauna. The Southernmost of all Italian reserves, it is comprised of three large marshy areas with several outlets to the sea. The site known as Calamosche, covering its northern stretch, provides with a beautiful environment with a richest marine wildlife and unspoilt sea floors. A variety of flora inhabited the reserve, dominated by the mediterranean bush and other plants such as the sea-fennel and the spiny chicory. The local fauna includes the water-hen and several communities of migratory birds. The site boasts an important history, having been a Phoenician port and still housing such interesting archaeological specimens as a necropolis and a church from the Byzantine age. A Swabian watch-tower, referred to as the Castello di Vendicari, is situated there near a tuna-fishery.
In the Belice's lower valley there is a gorgeous green area, alas not protected by environmental laws; the site is known as the Riserva del Castello della Pietra, deriving its name from a ruined Norman fortification there located. Covered with a short vegetation, natural bonsai species, capers and dwarf fan palms, it also houses remnants from the Greek, Arab, Roman and Norman epochs.
In the Messina province is the Valle degli Eremiti (the valley of the hermits), a naturalistic site deriving its name from a neighboring hill, once a refuge for hermits. A monastery, now reduced to ruins, was erected here by the Carmelitani Friars in the 1500s. The valley provides impressing spots for excursions on foot.
The Parco Minerario Floristella Grottacalda, in the Enna province, was an important mining area providing a livelyhood for thousands of workers. Today, it represents a fine specimen of industrial archaeology, combined with naturalistic spots, where visitors can still smell the acrid scent of sulphur. The highly injured Palazzo Pennisi, at Floristella, once the residence of the owners and the headquarter of the mining business, is supposed to be soon restored to house a Labour Museum.
The Sambughetti-Campanito Oriented Nature Reserve, Enna, covers a large area of mediterranean bush. Oaks, holm- and bay-oaks dominate the landscape. The reserve includes the Sambughetti Mount (1508m), with remains of an ancient beech-wood, and several small lakes.
The Altesina Mount Oriented Nature Reserve, Enna, is a major tourism attraction. Populated by pines, eucalyptuses and beech-woods, it is home to a richest wildlife. A fine archaeological site and the Nicoletti Park further enriches the Reserve.
Between Vittoria and Camarina, Ragusa, the Aleppo Pine Oriented Reserve is a sanctuary for some of the last remaining specimens of kermes oaks. The local fauna includes such species as the owl and the jay.
The Oriented Nature Reserve of the Irminio River's mouth, Ragusa, offers a rich vegetation composed of a great variety of communities such as the prickly juniper and the lentisk; on the riverside are marsh-reeds, tamerisks and reeds. The fauna includes, among the others, the marsh turtle, the coleopter and the nightingale.
A most interesting and noted naturalistic area stretches from the Lauro Mount to the Sicily Channel, still in the Ragusa district. This provides a critical habitat for a variety of animals and plants. It is divided into three large zones: the Dirillo riverside, the Cava di Bocampello and the Cava Biddieni.
The district of the Alcantara river is a major tourism resort, designated a reserve as to preserve its precious resources and environment. Rose in the Nebrodi mountains, the Alcantara river -- one of the four main rivers in Sicily -- flows into the Ionian Sea, after bathing several cities between Messina and Catania. First just a little creek, it grows in size as it approaches the Etna volcano. Its gradual erosion has created spectacular gorges, today most crowded by tourists. The flora is mostly composed of citrus grove, vineyard, oak wood, varieties of flowers, corn poppy and myrtle. A richest wildlife, including communities of raptors and migratory birds, inhabits the area.
The Madonie Park comprises a range of impressing naturalistic places.
Tracts of rich Mediterranean bush stretches in the vicinity of Polizzi Generosa, near Palermo. The area is scattered with farmhouses and cave-dwellings where innumerable relics have been discovered. Nearby is a fine site known as Padella, with splendid landscapes and spots including a botanic garden.
A site of high naturalistic and archaeological value is that bordered by the San Calogero Mount and the valleys of the Torto and San Leonardo rivers. Here stood the ancient Himera. A dam on the San Leonardo river is today a major attraction for tourists.
The Oriented Nature Reserve of Favara and Granza woods is a vast land covered with trees like cork-oaks, holm-oaks and shrubs. It is home to a rich fauna including the fox, the marten, reptiles, amphibians and birds.
The vast area of the Sicani Mountains, in the Palermo province, offers as much appreciated sites as those in the Nebrodi. With several lakes -- that of Prizzi is particularly interesting -- and naturalistic sites, it provides an ideal habitat for migratory birds and other communities.
The nature reserves of Monte Carcaci, a paradise of endemic plants, and Monte Genuardo, covered by woods and a dense undergrowth inhabited by rare raptors and mammals are also worth-mentioning. Here also stands an Abbey, dedicated to Santa Maria del Bosco, dating from the late 1500s.
The Oriented Nature Reserve Bagni di Cefalà Diana e Pizzo Chiaristella is especially noted for its Arab thermal baths.
The Nature Reserve Pizzo Cane, Pizzo Trigna and Grotta Mazzamuto, one of the largest in the province, features a mostly inaccessible territory comprised of densest woods. It protect rare raptors such as the royal eagle and the red kite.
Palermo's reserve of Serre di Ciminna, with its uncontaminated landscapes, is of high geological value, dating from the Miocene.
The Integral Nature Reserve Grotta di Carburangeli is characterized by interesting karst phenomenons. Rare specimens of stalagmites and stalactites were created throughout the centuries by the constant dripping of the water. A rare group of bats inhabits the Reserve, what contributed to enhance its scientific importance.
The Oriented Nature Reserve Capo Rama stretches on the coast facing the Golfo di Castellammare and Terrasini. It provides with a striking sea landscape with rocky strips, grassy vegetation, shrubs, dwarf fan palms and other species.
The Integral Natural Geological Reserve of Contrada Scaleri, in the province of Caltanissetta, is splitted into two areas. Of high scientific value for geomorfologic researches, this is the first reserve being destined for mostly scientific research.
Of geoligical value is also the Integral Nature Reserve Lago Sfondato thanks to the presence of sulphur and gypsum rocks and karst phenomenons. The landscape sees a predominance of orchids and grassy vegetation. The lake, on the slopes of the Monte Pestichino, has a karstic origin, formed by the collapse of gypsum deposits.
The Nebrodi Mountains, stretching along the thyrrenian coast of Sicily, are characterized by densely wooded areas. The twenty-one municipalities comprised in the territory retain much of their historical heritage, with precious specimens of old fortifications and constructions. Amazing lakes, valleys and peaks dominate the landscape; the richest flora and fauna has been protected since the establishment of the outstanding Parco Naturale Regionale dei Nebrodi. Here live the tortois, the porcupin, the ousel, the hawk, the falcos peregrinus, the owl, horses and many other animal communities. Several villages in this area go back to the period of the Greek decline in Sicily, founded by refugees who evaquated their threatened cities and moved inland up the course of the main rivers. Relics of fortified cities and hamlets contribute to the tourism importance of the Park. Especially worth-seeing are the small cities of Ficarra, San Fratello, Montalbano Elicona, S. Marco D'Alunzio, Mistretta, Roccella Valdemone.
The Pergusa Lake district, in the Enna province, stretched, in ancient times, over a vast territory populated by richest fauna, today rarer and rarer. The decline, started under the Roman domination responsible for a massive deforastation, continued throughout the centuries notably due to the establishment of the landowning system. The situation has only recently improved thanks to environmental measures and restrictions (hunting was forbidden several years ago). Remains of a necropolis and other relics were recovered from the Monte Cozzo Matrice, one of the tallest peaks in the district.
Near Sperlinga, amidst a densely wooded area flows the Salso river, salted, since it crosses some salt works on its course, and surrounded by oaks and a rich fauna.
The Altesina Mount, the tallest in the Erei Mountains, is home to archaeologic relics and to an uncontaminated environment where bay-oaks, holm-oaks, pines, eucalyptuses, poplars and mediterranean bush dominate the landscape. A natural habitat for apennine fauna is here provided.
Worth-mentioning is the area known as Vallone di Piano della Corte, with abundant precipitations throughout the year and impressing gorges.
The mouth of the Belice River, declared as a Nature Reserve in 1984, protects an endangered African landscape, with plenty of sandy dunes and water courses. This area, running between Marinella di Selinunte and Porto Palo, includes two fine coastal strips with aquatic and marshy vegetation. It is a highly windy area with a sub-tropical climate, covered by bushes and abundant grassy vegetation. Wildlife includes the heron, the kingfisher, reptiles, the marine turtle and other communities.
The Gorgo Lake area, near Montallegro, is one of several green oasises scattered around the Agrigento province. Albeit not largest, it is considered a real ornithologic paradise. Interventions by both WWF and LIPU have helped protect the area from poachers and pollution.
In the Enna province are the Bosco di Rossomanno, between Aidone and Piazza Armerina, well-endowed with natural resources and a rich flora, the Bosco della Baronessa, which is a state property, and the Vallone Strazzavertole, with abundant vegetation mostly composed of oaks and holm-oaks.
The Grotte della Gulfa, at a few distance from Alia, Palermo, is a complex of caves and grottoes dug into a cliff, once used as a storehouse by local peasants. Very characteristic is the Tholos, a wide circular space of uncertain origin, inside the grotto, believed to date from before the this was dug.
The Montagna Grande Natural Park is a cherished jewel on Pantelleria island, mostly covered with pines, holm-oaks and shrubs like the prickly pear cactus, the wild broom, the lentisk and graminaceous species.
SICILY'S STATE FOREST PROPERTIES
The tour through Sicily's naturalistic riches comprises several of what are referred to as Aree Attrezzate, several equipped state forests and areas.
PALERMO
In the Palermo province are: Casaboli, covered by pines, aleppo pines, holm-oaks and bushes, and protecting a fauna composed by the wild rabbit, sparrow communities and more; Renda-Aglisotto, reafforested with Mediterranean, Canarian and black pines, cypresses, holm-oaks and maples; the Gradara Mount, in a mountainous landscape dominated by woods of pines and cypresses; the Montagna Longa-Santa Venera; Santa Caterina, a wood at some 900m above sea level providing with a beautiful panorama; the Piano Zucchi, in the heart of the Madonie mountains, with a profusion of black pines, holm-oaks, cypresses and maples.
TRAPANI
The Trapani province includes a number of state forest areas: Erice Vetta, in the proximity of Erice, a natural area mostly covered with holm-oaks and bay-oaks; the Monte Erice, with mediterranean pines and eucalyptuses, and a man-made lake inhabited by ducks and gooses; the Finestrelle, with an interesting Agri-Forestry museum accessible with authorization by the local forest office; the Inici, highly damaged by a fire but still offering a breathtaking coastal view between Castellammare and Balestrate,
AGRIGENTO
The Cammarata Mount, comprising a densely wooded area of conifers; Monte Sara, a 4 hectares wooded area of mediterranean pines and dwarf fan palms; the Arancio Lake, rich in pines and eucalyptuses.
CALTANISSETTA
The province of Caltanissetta comprises four equipped areas: The Parco Attrezzato Comunelli, covered with eucalyptuses and Mediterranean pines, and comprising the Comunelli dam; Alzacuda and Raffo Rosso, both rich in eucaliptyses and picturesque trails; Mustogarufi, with fine trails most frequented by tourists.
CATANIA
Over 48,000 hectares of woods, mostly composed of conifers, surround the Etna volcano.
Monte Boiardo, a wooded area with a predominance of poplars, maples and pines; the Camisa, falling in Demanio Forestale Flascio (State property), covered with plopars, cypresses, pines, bay-oaks and with a dense undergrowth. Motorized vehicles are not allowed here. Nature lovers can enjoy hikes along many beautiful trails; the Demanio Granvilla, a state property with plenty of pines, cypresses, eucalyptuses and a dense undergrowth; the Di Ganzaria district, a wood that offers opportunity for amazing excursions and walks amidst mediterranean pines, bay-oaks, cypresses, eucalyptuses, cork-oaks and a rich undergrowth.
ENNA
The Enna territory comprises: The Ronza, covered with pines, eucalyptuses, false acacias, hosting a rich fauna including birds, fallow-deers and wild-boars. Provided with developed accommodation facilities, this is much frequented by tourists; Selsa Perugina, accessible not far from the Pergusa Lake; the Casale, covered by chestnut and cherry trees.
MESSINA
The state forests in the province of Messina are mainly scattered in the Nebrodi and Peloritani Mountains. The vegetation here is that typical of the mountainside spanning beeches, turkey-oaks, pines, chestnut-trees. Several well-equipped areas have grown to remarkable tourism resorts frequented all the year round; the Piano Margi, covered with mediterranean pines and chestnuts, and home to an artificial hilly lake and a towering rock called the Castello di Margi.
Then there are: the Madonnuzza, deriving its name from a church dedicated to the Virgin of Camaro, largely composed by bay-oaks, pines and chestnuts; the Crupi, with a nice pine-wood and accommodation facilities; the Pantano, covered with pines and eucalyptuses, and only accessible on foot; the Camaro, in the Peloritani Mountains, consisting of an ancient forest in a highly panoramic position, dominated by pines and acacias; the Erbe Verdi, with mediterranean and black pines.
Finally is the Demanio Forestale Savoca, also known as Cavagna. This, accessible through a wood of oaks and chestnuts, offers dramatic views of the Misitano creek and the Etna volcano and is particularly renowned for its delicious porcini mushrooms.
RAGUSA
The Ragusa province also counts a quantity of woods and forests often alternating with fields zig-zagged by the typical dry-stone walls:
Calaforno, covered with mediterranean pines and oriental planes, and inhabited by deers and wild-boars; the Bosco Arcibressi, accessible by a mountainous densely wooded tract, with accommodation facilities, a fauna including fallow-deers, tibetan goats and birds, and a lake inhabited by gooses and ducks; the Canalazzo, a wood of most oaks, holm oaks and bay-oaks.
TRAPANI
The Monte Cofano, in the Trapani province, with its rich flora of most endemic plants and dwarf fan palms closes the list.
Sicilia (Roman province) | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Sicilia (Roman province)
00:02:06 1 History
00:02:15 1.1 First Punic War
00:08:07 1.2 The first Roman province?
00:12:02 1.3 Second Punic War
00:16:08 1.4 Late Republic
00:19:19 1.5 Sicilian Revolt
00:22:23 1.6 Augustan reorganisation
00:25:26 1.7 Imperial province
00:28:09 1.7.1 Latifundia
00:29:30 1.8 Arrival of Christianity in Sicily
00:35:06 1.9 The fall of the Western Empire and Sicily
00:37:42 2 Culture
00:40:04 3 Major centres
00:40:13 3.1 Catania
00:43:05 3.2 Centuripe
00:44:46 3.3 Tauromenium
00:46:06 3.4 Messana
00:47:19 3.5 Tyndaris
00:48:18 3.6 Thermae Himerae
00:49:26 3.7 Panormus
00:50:09 3.8 Drepanum
00:50:36 3.9 Lilybaeum
00:51:13 3.10 Syracuse
00:52:18 4 See also
00:52:29 5 Notes
00:52:38 6 Bibliography
00:55:21 7 External links
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The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Sicilia () was the first province acquired by the Roman Republic. The western part of the island was brought under Roman control in 241 BC at the conclusion of the First Punic War with Carthage. A praetor was regularly assigned to the island from c.227 BC. The Kingdom of Syracuse under Hieron II remained an independent ally of Rome until its defeat in 212 BC during the Second Punic War. Thereafter the province included the whole of the island of Sicily, the island of Malta, and the smaller island groups (the Egadi islands, the Lipari islands, Ustica, and Pantelleria).
During the Roman Republic, the island was the main source of grain for the city of Rome. Extraction was heavy, provoking armed uprisings known as the Servile Wars in the second century BC. In the first century, the Roman governor, Verres, was famously prosecuted for his corruption by Cicero. In the civil wars which brought the Roman Republic to an end, Sicily was controlled by Sextus Pompey in opposition to the Second Triumvirate. When the island finally came under the control of Augustus in 36 BC, it was substantially reorganised, with large Roman colonies being established in several major cities.
For most of the Imperial period, the province was a peaceful, agrarian territory. As a result, it is rarely mentioned in literary sources, but archaeology and epigraphy reveals several thriving cities, such as Lilybaeum and Panormus in the west, and Syracuse and Catania in the east. These communities were organised in a similar way to other cities of the Roman Empire and were largely self-governing. Greek and Latin were the main languages of the island, but Punic, Hebrew and probably other languages were also spoken. There were several Jewish communities on the island and from around AD 200 there is also evidence of substantial Christian communities.
The province briefly fell under the control of the Vandal kingdom of North Africa shortly before the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476, but was soon returned to the Kingdom of Italy and eventually passed to the Byzantines.
Caltagirone in Sicily
Caltagirone in Sensational Sicily is presented by Alessandro Sorbello A town and comune in the province of Catania, on the island (and region) of Sicily, about 70 km southwest of Catania . It is bounded by the comuni of Acate, Gela, Grammichele, Licodia Eubea, Mazzarino, Mazzarrone, Mineo, Mirabella Imbaccari, Niscemi, Piazza Armerina, San Michele di Ganzaria.
The famous decorated staircase of Caltagirone.The city has been long famous for the production of pottery and terra-cotta wares. Nowadays the production is more and more oriented to artistic production of ceramics and terra-cotta sculptures. Other activities are mainly related to agriculture (production of grapes, olives, peaches).
History
The city's name derives from the Arabic qal'at-al-ganom (Castle of the Genies). It was inhabited since pre-historical times, as attested by the presence of two necropolis dating from the second millenium BCE and by numerous other archaeological findings. It was later inhabited by the Sicels pre-Roman population.
The Arabs built here a castle, which in 1030 was attacked by Ligurian troops under the Byzantine general George Maniakes, and which have left traces of Ligurian language in the current dialect. The city flourished under the Norman and Hohenstaufen domination, becoming a renowned center for production of ceramics.
The city was almost completely destroyed by the severe earthquake of 1693. Many public and private buildings have then been reconstructed in Baroque style. Primarily for this reason, the city has been inserted, together with the surrounding territory in an area protected by the UNESCO World Heritage program.
Main sights
A collection of ancient and modern pottery and terra-cotta, dating back to the Magna Grecia period, is available in the local Museum of Pottery, created in 1965.
The main landmark of the city is the 142-step monumental Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, built from 1608 in the old part of the town. The peculiarity is that each step is decorated with different hand-decorated ceramics, using styles and figures derived from the millennial tradition of pottery making. Once a year, on and around the day of the city's patron saint, (St. James, 25 July), the staircase is illuminated with candles of different colours arranged in order to reconstruct an artistic drawing of several tens of meters.
Religious buildings include:
The Cathedral of St. Julian, of Norman origin, with a twentieth-century art nouveau façade by Saverio Gulli.
The Baroque church of San Francesco di Paola. The sacristy is in Gothic style, dating from before the 1693 earthquake.
San Francesco d'Assisi, edified in 1236 and rebuilt in Baroque style after 1693. The façade has two orders with marine symbols and a statue of the Immaculate. The dome is unfinished.
Church of the Gesù (1570). The façade has eight statues portraying saints and the Madonna with Child. The interior, one a single nave, houses a Pietà by Filippo Paladino (1607) and Christ's Nativity by Polidoro da Caravaggio.
Santa Maria del Monte (twelfth century).
The Renaissance Church of the New Capuchins, in white stone, with a noteworthy treasure and a picture gallery.
St. James.
Also noteworthy is the Palazzo Senatorio (fifteenth century), the former Town Hall.
Sicily | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Sicily
00:02:21 1 Geography
00:05:47 1.1 Rivers
00:06:24 1.2 Climate
00:08:18 2 Flora and fauna
00:09:52 3 History
00:10:01 3.1 Ancient tribes
00:11:56 3.2 Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman period
00:15:23 3.3 Germanic and Byzantine periods (440–965)
00:15:36 3.3.1 Germanic (440–535)
00:16:36 3.3.2 Byzantine (535–965)
00:19:58 3.4 Arab Period (827–1091)
00:22:07 3.5 Norman Sicily (1038–1198)
00:24:19 3.6 Kingdom of Sicily
00:25:26 3.7 Hohenstaufen dynasty
00:27:06 3.8 Sicily under Aragonese rule
00:30:25 3.9 Italian unification
00:32:40 3.10 20th and 21st centuries
00:34:19 4 Demographics
00:35:49 4.1 Emigration
00:36:46 5 Politics
00:38:22 5.1 Administrative divisions
00:38:54 6 Economy
00:40:07 6.1 Agriculture
00:42:25 6.2 Industry and manufacturing
00:43:44 6.3 Statistics
00:43:52 6.3.1 GDP growth
00:44:08 6.3.2 Economic sectors
00:44:24 6.3.3 Unemployment rate
00:44:40 7 Transport
00:44:49 7.1 Roads
00:45:32 7.2 Railways
00:47:01 7.3 Airports
00:48:17 7.4 Ports
00:50:02 7.5 Planned bridge
00:51:03 8 Tourism
00:52:09 8.1 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
00:54:16 8.1.1 Tentative Sites
00:54:37 8.2 Archeological sites
00:55:59 8.3 Castles
00:56:11 8.4 Coastal towers
00:57:26 9 Culture
00:58:11 9.1 Art and architecture
00:59:03 9.1.1 Sicilian Baroque
01:00:16 9.2 Music and film
01:01:14 9.3 Literature
01:02:48 9.4 Language
01:04:22 9.5 Science
01:06:18 9.6 Education
01:07:33 9.7 Religion
01:08:57 9.8 Cuisine
01:11:19 9.9 Sports
01:13:38 9.10 Popular culture
01:16:51 9.11 Regional symbols
01:19:34 10 Notable people
01:19:44 11 See also
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
- improves your listening skills
- improves your own spoken accent
- learn while on the move
- reduce eye strain
Now learn the vast amount of general knowledge available on Wikipedia through audio (audio article). You could even learn subconsciously by playing the audio while you are sleeping! If you are planning to listen a lot, you could try using a bone conduction headphone, or a standard speaker instead of an earphone.
You can find other Wikipedia audio articles too at:
You can upload your own Wikipedia articles through:
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Sicily (Italian: Sicilia [siˈtʃiːlja]; Sicilian: Sicilia) 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.
Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean Sea, south of the Italian Peninsula, from which it is separated by the narrow Strait of Messina. Its most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, and one of the most active in the world, currently 3,329 m (10,922 ft) high. The island has a typical Mediterranean climate.
The earliest archaeological evidence of human activity on the island dates from as early as 12,000 BC. By around 750 BC, Sicily had three Phoenician and a dozen Greek colonies and, for the next 600 years, it was the site of the Sicilian Wars and the Punic Wars. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, Sicily was ruled during the Early Middle Ages by the Vandals, the Ostrogoths, the Byzantine Empire, and the Emirate of Sicily. The Norman conquest of southern Italy led to the creation of the Kingdom of Sicily, which was subsequently ruled by the Hohenstaufen, the Capetian House of Anjou, Spain, and the House of Habsburg. It was finally unified under the House of Bourbon with the Kingdom of Naples as the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It became part of Italy in 1860 following the Expedition of the Thousand, a revolt led by Giuseppe Garibaldi during the Italian unification, and a plebiscite. Sicily was given special status as an autonomous region on 15th May 1946, 18 days before the Italian constitutional referendum of 1946. Albeit, much of the autonomy still remains unapplied, especially financial autonomy, because the autonomy-activating laws have been deferred to be approved by the parithetic committee (50% Italian State, 50% Regione Siciliana), since 1946.
Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature, cuisine, and architecture. It is also home to important archaeological and ancient sites, such as the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Valley of the Temples, Erice and Selinunte.
Sicily | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
00:03:09 1 Geography
00:07:42 1.1 Rivers
00:08:29 1.2 Climate
00:11:01 2 Flora and fauna
00:13:06 3 History
00:13:15 3.1 Ancient tribes
00:15:48 3.2 Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman period
00:20:25 3.3 Germanic and Byzantine periods (440–965)
00:20:41 3.3.1 Germanic (440–535)
00:21:59 3.3.2 Byzantine (535–965)
00:26:29 3.4 Arab Period (827–1091)
00:29:20 3.5 Norman Sicily (1038–1198)
00:32:18 3.6 Kingdom of Sicily
00:33:46 3.7 Hohenstaufen dynasty
00:35:58 3.8 Sicily under Aragonese rule
00:40:25 3.9 Italian unification
00:43:25 3.10 20th and 21st centuries
00:45:36 4 Demographics
00:47:34 4.1 Emigration
00:48:48 5 Politics
00:50:55 5.1 Administrative divisions
00:51:33 6 Economy
00:53:10 6.1 Agriculture
00:56:12 6.2 Industry and manufacturing
00:57:55 6.3 Statistics
00:58:04 6.3.1 GDP growth
00:58:24 6.3.2 Economic sectors
00:58:43 6.3.3 Unemployment rate
00:59:03 7 Transport
00:59:12 7.1 Roads
01:00:08 7.2 Railways
01:02:04 7.3 Airports
01:03:44 7.4 Ports
01:06:01 7.5 Planned bridge
01:07:21 8 Tourism
01:08:47 8.1 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
01:11:35 8.1.1 Tentative Sites
01:12:00 8.2 Archeological sites
01:13:46 8.3 Castles
01:14:00 8.4 Coastal towers
01:15:39 9 Culture
01:16:37 9.1 Art and architecture
01:17:45 9.1.1 Sicilian Baroque
01:19:20 9.2 Music and film
01:20:34 9.3 Literature
01:22:38 9.4 Language
01:24:41 9.5 Science
01:27:15 9.6 Education
01:28:53 9.7 Religion
01:30:44 9.8 Cuisine
01:33:53 9.9 Sports
01:36:59 9.10 Popular culture
01:41:15 9.11 Regional symbols
01:44:54 10 Notable people
01:45:04 11 See also
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
- improves your listening skills
- improves your own spoken accent
- learn while on the move
- reduce eye strain
Now learn the vast amount of general knowledge available on Wikipedia through audio (audio article). You could even learn subconsciously by playing the audio while you are sleeping! If you are planning to listen a lot, you could try using a bone conduction headphone, or a standard speaker instead of an earphone.
Listen on Google Assistant through Extra Audio:
Other Wikipedia audio articles at:
Upload your own Wikipedia articles through:
Speaking Rate: 0.7696115890205697
Voice name: en-US-Wavenet-C
I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Sicily (Italian: Sicilia [siˈtʃiːlja]; Sicilian: Sicilia) 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.
Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean Sea, south of the Italian Peninsula, from which it is separated by the narrow Strait of Messina. Its most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, and one of the most active in the world, currently 3,329 m (10,922 ft) high. The island has a typical Mediterranean climate.
The earliest archaeological evidence of human activity on the island dates from as early as 12,000 BC. By around 750 BC, Sicily had three Phoenician and a dozen Greek colonies and, for the next 600 years, it was the site of the Sicilian Wars and the Punic Wars. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, Sicily was ruled during the Early Middle Ages by the Vandals, the Ostrogoths, the Byzantine Empire, and the Emirate of Sicily. The Norman conquest of southern Italy led to the creation of the Kingdom of Sicily, which was subsequently ruled by the Hohenstaufen, the Capetian House of Anjou, Spain, and the House of Habsburg. It was finally unified under the House of Bourbon with the Kingdom of Naples as the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It became part of Italy in 1860 following the Expedition of the Thousand, a revolt led by Giuseppe Garibaldi during the Italian unification, and a plebiscite. Sicily was given special status as an autonomous region on 15th May 1946, 18 days before the Italian constitutional referendum of 1946. Albeit, much of the autonomy still remains unapplied, especially financial autonomy, because the autonomy-activating laws have been deferred to be approved by the parithetic committee (50% Italian State, 50% Regione Siciliana), since 1946.
Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature, cuisine, and architecture. It is also home to important archaeological and ancient sites, such as the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Valley of the Temples, Erice and Selinunte.
Sicily | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Sicily
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The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
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Sicily (Italian: Sicilia [siˈtʃiːlja]; Sicilian: Sicilia) 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.
Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean Sea, south of the Italian Peninsula, from which it is separated by the narrow Strait of Messina. Its most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, and one of the most active in the world, currently 3,329 m (10,922 ft) high. The island has a typical Mediterranean climate.
The earliest archaeological evidence of human activity on the island dates from as early as 12,000 BC. By around 750 BC, Sicily had three Phoenician and a dozen Greek colonies and, for the next 600 years, it was the site of the Sicilian Wars and the Punic Wars. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, Sicily was ruled during the Early Middle Ages by the Vandals, the Ostrogoths, the Byzantine Empire, and the Emirate of Sicily. The Norman conquest of southern Italy led to the creation of the Kingdom of Sicily, which was subsequently ruled by the Hohenstaufen, the Capetian House of Anjou, Spain, and the House of Habsburg. It was finally unified under the House of Bourbon with the Kingdom of Naples as the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It became part of Italy in 1860 following the Expedition of the Thousand, a revolt led by Giuseppe Garibaldi during the Italian unification, and a plebiscite. Sicily was given special status as an autonomous region on 15th May 1946, 18 days before the Italian constitutional referendum of 1946. Albeit, much of the autonomy still remains unapplied, especially financial autonomy, because the autonomy-activating laws have been deferred to be approved by the parithetic committee (50% Italian State, 50% Regione Siciliana), since 1946.
Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature, cuisine, and architecture. It is also home to important archaeological and ancient sites, such as the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Valley of the Temples, Erice and Selinunte.
Enna | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Enna
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
- improves your listening skills
- improves your own spoken accent
- learn while on the move
- reduce eye strain
Now learn the vast amount of general knowledge available on Wikipedia through audio (audio article). You could even learn subconsciously by playing the audio while you are sleeping! If you are planning to listen a lot, you could try using a bone conduction headphone, or a standard speaker instead of an earphone.
You can find other Wikipedia audio articles too at:
You can upload your own Wikipedia articles through:
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Enna [ˈɛnna] listen (Sicilian: Castrugiuvanni; Greek: Ἔννα; Latin: Henna and less frequently Haenna) is a city and comune located roughly at the center of Sicily, southern Italy, in the province of Enna, towering above the surrounding countryside. It has earned the nicknames belvedere (panoramic viewpoint) and ombelico (navel) of Sicily.
At 931 m (3,054 ft) above sea level, Enna is the highest Italian provincial capital. Until 1926 the town was known as Castrogiovanni.