Perspectives on ancient and medieval Sicily: an island and its seas
Important exhibitions about Sicily and the Sicilian seas are taking place this year in London and Oxford (Sicily: Culture and Conquest (British Museum) and Storms, War and Shipwrecks: Treasures from the Sicilian Seas (Ashmolean)). Join us for a discussion of the themes and objects included in these shows, and to explore what we can learn about this largest island in the Mediterranean, its culture, conquest, and maritime commerce and challenges.
Speakers: Dr Peter Higgs (British Museum), Dr Susan Walker (Ashmolean), Dr Lesley Fitton (British Museum), Professor Christopher Smith (BSR).
Monday 20 June 18.00-19.30. At The British Academy 10 Carlton House Terrace.
Siracusa | 10 Things in 24 Hours
Siracusa è uno scrigno dalle innumerevoli bellezze, lungo il viaggio in soggettiva di una turista abbiamo voluto esaltare i (PRIMI) 10 luoghi da non perdere per chi visita la città...
Una moltitudine di siti, naturalistici, archeologici, storico-artistici, letterari, enogastronomici; noi ne abbiamo scelto solo 10 (uno per tipo) e tanti ne sono rimasti esclusi per ovvi problemi di spazio all'interno dello spot. Questa NON è una destinazione mordi e fuggi, ci vuole tempo per visitarla e 24 ore non sono che l'inizio di un lungo sogno chiamato SIRACUSA.
Crediti video:
Regia: Giuppy Uccello - Rossella Di Pietro
Producer: BirdLab (
DOP: Giuppy Uccello
Montaggio: Giuppy Uccello
Ass. di Produzione/Video Assistant/Effettista: Giuseppe Torre
Cameraman: Corrado L.Vasquez / Marco Calafiore
Musiche originali: Peppe Qbeta - Valerio Zappulla
Arrangiamenti e Mixaggio: Valerio Zappulla (Mk Studio)
Attrice: Marly Uccello
Con la collaborazione del: Comune di Siracusa - Assessorato politiche culturali, Siracusa Film Commission, Soprintendenza dei BB.CC.AA di Siracusa, Regione Sicilia - Assessorato dei Beni culturali e dell’Identità Siciliana, Consorzio Plemmirio.
Ringraziamo:
Hotel Posta
Peppe Tata e Seby Calafiore Fotografi
OrtigiaTour
Conzatavola
Visit Ustica Island
Ustica is a charming island which offers many natural and cultural attractions
The small island of Ustica is well known for its nature, sea and culture, all of which mix together to provide a unique holiday. The island offers many attractions such as sea watching in the Marine Protected Area, here with the help of guides you can discover the prominent and lush marine life of the island and the ancient ruins that lay on the sea bed.
Ustica has also a great selection of archaeological sites such as the Faraglioni village, the archaeological museum rich in artefacts and incredible ruins. Moreover, this island offers marvellous walks that allow you to discover Rocca Falconiera, a building of the Roman period, and the towers of the Bourbon age.
To find out more about Ustica Island, visit
WORLDMAGNUM: ITALY TUSISIA REFUGEES SEEK ASYLUM (U.N. REFUGEE AGENCY)
WORLDMAGNUM:18-19 FEBRUARY 2011, LAMPEDUSA, ITALY - Over 6,000 Tunisians landed on the shores of the small Italian island of Lampedusa over the past weeks; Tunisia's political turmoil brought an influx of people to this small island as the unrest spreads across the Middle East, the authorities believe that they will only see more and more people, desperate to escape the poverty and the violence in their countries.
At this maritime museum, now a temporary shelter, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) staff provide information on asylum and international protection.
The few women in the group, who had made a dangerous trip to the island, said that they had fled the country for their safety. Monia lived in Southern Tunisia and she came with her husband, fearing the worst.
They said they were looking for a better life, and to escape the chaos and violence of their country; this man preferred not to give him name.
But most who had made the journey were men like Houssem. He wants to find work to support his family.
Late one evening a rumor spread though the reception camp that France would take the new arrivals. But that was wishful thinking.
Some will apply, but most will continue their journeys to other parts of Europe without papers.
SOUNDBITE (Tunisian) Unidentified young Tunisian man:
People were attacked every day. Every day you heard that this man or that woman died.
SOUNDBITE (Tunisian) Monia, young Tunisian woman:
I had a good job and car for ten years. But now I couldn't leave the house anymore. Girls were abducted, women were raped in their house. But in Tunisia it is impossible to talk about this. It's impossible for a woman to say that she has been raped. She bears it and keeps quiet.
SOUNDBITE (Tunisian) Houssem, young Tunisian man:
Every family in Tunisia needs two people in Europe that can help them, because there are no jobs. That's why we make this journey, and risk dying to come here.
SOUNDBITE (French) Latifa Saadati, Cultural mediator, Trapani Asylum Centre:
The people are scared. Even of us, at the moment. They have just arrived, and they don't know what awaits them here, at this centre. We try to help the, by giving them the information. But even we don't know what is going to happen to them.
WORLDMAGNUM:
See:
MaximsNewsNetwork:
See:
News Netwwork for the United Nations and the International Community
GIVING POWER & RESONANCE TO THE VOICE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNIITY ..........
Coastal Holiday Villa Enza
Villa Enza, may host up to 6 people, is located 9 km South of Syracuse in Sicily, within the Protected Marine Area Plemmirio.
To hav a beautiful refreshing sea-bath, just leave the villa, turn left, and go 38 meters ... and you see this ...
FLYING TO Djibuti , Breguet ATLANTIC Afrika
US Marines attack Japanese positions at the Marshall Islands and the New Britain ...HD Stock Footage
CriticalPast is an archive of historic footage. The vintage footage in this video has been uploaded for research purposes, and is presented in unedited form. Some viewers may find some scenes or audio in this archival material to be unsettling or distressing. CriticalPast makes this media available for researchers and documentarians, and does not endorse or condone any behavior or message, implied or explicit, that is seen or heard in this video.
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US Marines attack Japanese positions at the Marshall Islands and the New Britain Island during World War II.
US turn offensive against Japan in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The United States Carrier Task Force in the Pacific Ocean. Fighter planes and dive bombers on the deck of the Task Force. Sailors push trolleys containing bombs. A map shows Marshall Islands. The planes take off to strike against the enemy. The Japanese planes are hit. The US planes move back to the carrier. The sailors on the carrier work at the machines. US anti craft guns fire at the enemy torpedo planes and destroy them. Explosions as the Japanese planes are hit. An animated map shows New Britain Island. US Major General William Henry Rupertus, Commander of US Marines on a ship. He looks through a pair of binoculars as a US plane drops bombs on the target. US warships launch an attack at the enemy positions. Fire and explosions. The Marines load into landing boats and move towards the shore. They land behind an intense naval bombardment. Tanks, equipment and artillery roll ashore. The tanks lead the way through the jungle terrain and the marines advance forward. Wrecked Japanese planes and equipment. The Marines wade through streams and walk through mud. Location: Pacific Theater. Date: 1944.
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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.
University Travel Salento 12.mp4
Video delle indimenticabili vacanze UNIVERSITYTRAVEL 2012 in Salento
Cathedral of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy, Europe
The Cathedral of St. Mary, the center of the homonymous square, is the medieval cathedral of Pisa and primatial church. Romanesque masterpiece, especially of the Pisan Romanesque, is the tangible evidence of the prestige and wealth achieved by the Maritime Republic of Pisa in the time of its heyday. It was begun in 1063 (1064 according to the Pisan calendar then in force) Buscheto architect, with a tenth of the spoils of the company Pisan in Sicily in the port of Palermo against Muslims (1063). We blend different stylistic elements: classic, Lombard-Emilian Byzantine and particularly Islamic, proof of the international presence of the Pisan merchants in those days. That same year was also started the reconstruction of the basilica of San Marco in Venice, so it may be that at the time there had been a rivalry between the two maritime republics to create the most beautiful place of worship and sumptuous.
The church was built in an area outside the early medieval city walls, to symbolize their power of Pisa, which did not require protection. The area chosen was already used in the Lombard period Necropolis and, already in the early eleventh century, a church was erected never finished that was to be dedicated to Santa Maria. The new large church Buscheto fact is initially called Santa Maria Maggiore until it was finally dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. In 1092 the church, from simple cathedral, passes to be Primate, having been awarded the title of Primate Archbishop Daiberto by Pope Urban II, an honor today only formal. The cathedral was consecrated in 1118 by Pope Gelasius II, belonging to the branch of the Pisan Gaetani (or Caetani), accounts of Soil and Oriseo, but already in the first half of the twelfth century was expanded under the direction of Rainaldo which has the project of the facade, completed by workers led by the sculptors Guglielmo and Biduino. The current appearance of the building complex is the result of repeated restoration campaigns have occurred at different times. The first radical interventions followed the disastrous fire of 1595, following which the roof was rebuilt and were performed three bronze doors of the facade, the work of sculptors from the workshop of Fra Domenico Portigiani, including Gasparo Molo and Pietro Tacca; in the eighteenth century began the gradual coating of the interior walls with large paintings on canvas, the bricks with stories of saints and blessed Pisa, performed by leading artists of the time thanks to the initiative of some citizens who autofinanziarono creating a special business. Among the various interventions of note should be noted the dismantling of the pulpit by Giovanni Pisano who was reassembled in 1926 to a different location and different parts missing, including the scale, and the dismantling of the monument to Henry VII built by Francesco Lupo which was located in front of the door of San Ranieri and then replaced by a simplified and symbolic. The following interventions were made in the nineteenth century and the interior decoration is interested both the external ones, which in many cases, especially for the sculptures on the facade were replaced by copies (the originals are in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo). The building was originally a Greek cross with a large dome where the arms, today is a Latin cross with five naves with apse and transept with three naves, inside suggests a spatial effect similar to that of the great Islamic mosques through the use of raised curve arches, alternating bands of black and white marble and the unusual elliptical dome, Moorish-inspired. The presence of the two women's galleries raised in the aisles, with the solid monolithic granite columns, is a clear sign of Byzantine influence. The architect had welcomed Buscheto stimuli from Levante Islamic and Armenia. The rich decoration includes multicolored marbles, mosaics and numerous bronze objects from the spoils of war, including the Grifo used as east of the roof, taken in Palermo in 1061. The arches in acute profile make reference to Muslim influences and the south d ' Italy. The blind arcades with lozenges recall the similar structures of the churches of Armenia. The façade of gray and white marble, decorated with inlays of colored marble, was built by master Rainaldo. The three portals are subject to four orders of loggias divided by frames with marble inlays, behind which there are single-light, mullioned windows.
Fly for peace 2014 Trapani - Breguet Br 1150 Atlantic - domenica 20 luglio
Fly for peace 2014 Trapani - Breguet Br 1150 Atlantic - domenica 20 luglio
Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada | Virtual Railfan LIVE
Actual start date: 11/14/18
You are watching a live stream of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada, for people who enjoy watching trains. It is hosted by the Revelstoke Railway Museum:
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ABOUT THIS FEED:
Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada, in the Canadian Rockies, is located on the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP), where their Shuswap Sub meets their Mountain Sub. The Shuswap Sub runs to the west to Kamloops, BC (towards Vancouver, BC), and the Mountain Sub runs to the east to Field, BC, through Rogers Pass.
The CP traverses the Canadian Rockies over 2 passes. Rogers Pass, which is to the immediate east of Revelstoke, and further east, Kicking Horse Pass, which is to the immediate east of Field. Rogers Pass is at 4,360 feet (1,330 meters), and Kicking Horse Pass is at 5,339 feet (1,627 meters). To the west of Revelstoke is the lower Eagle Pass, at 1,804 feet (550 meters).
Among the freight trains seen here are unit potash, unit grain, and unit coal. Loaded westbounds feature both mid-train and end-of-train DPU’s, and empty eastbounds have fewer engines, both on front and as DPU’s. Many but not all eastbounds will stop to enter the yard, which is located to the east of the museum and cameras. Also seen are manifests, intermodal, and combined intermodal/manifest..
On occasion, the gates will activate, but will soon after deactivate, with no train, which is due to the switcher in the yard proceeding far forward enough to enter the crossing's track circuit.
There are no VIA Rail passenger trains through Revelstoke, however, during part of the year the Rocky Mountaineer can be seen.
There are 2 ATCS layouts, one for each sub, but there is no server coverage. No radio feeds are available.
There’s no schedule for freight trains, but some of our more knowledgeable members will provide real-time information when it’s available. Please refrain from asking.
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Hotel Nuovo Nord *** Hotel Review 2017 HD, Genoa, Italy
Save money booking hotel Hotel Nuovo Nord in Genoa, Italy
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Property Location
With a stay at Hotel Nuovo Nord, you'll be centrally located in Genoa, steps from Christopher Columbus Monument and Piazza Acquaverde. This hotel is within close proximity of Royal Palace and Galata Maritime Museum.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 19 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with s...
Scuba Diving Akrotiri Reef - Santorini island Greece
Scuba Diving Akrotiri Reef - Santorini island Greece
Sensational Sicily - An Overview
Presented by Alessandro Sorbello
SICILY
Provinces: Palermo,
Agrigento,
Caltanissetta,
Catania,
Enna, Messina, Ragusa,
Siracusa,
Trapani,
This is the biggest island in the Mediterranean, separated from the Italian peninsula by the strait of Messina. It has important mountain groups: Peloritani, Nebrodi, Madonie, Iblei. The coasts offers a landscape of beauty almost everywhere; groups of smaller islands are scattered round the coast (the Eolie or Lipari, Ustica, the Egadi. the isle of Pantelleria and the Pelagie). The Etna, rising in the center of a volcanic area of Sicily, is the highest active volcano in Europe (3,323 mt). The isles of Stromboli and Vulcano also are active volcanoes.
PALERMO
Historical Palermo sits compactly around one central crossroads, the Quattro Canti, which is at the core of four distinct quarters. The Albergheria and the Capo quarter, the latter beyond the cathedral, lie roughly west of Via Maqueda; the Vucciria and old harbour of La Cala and the La Kalsa, lie to the east, closest to the water. In these areas you'll find virtually all the surviving ancient monuments and buildings of the city: the hybrid Norman-Arab-Baroque Cattedrale Sannta Maria Assunta and nearby Palazzo dei Normanni (Royal Palace), with its superb, mosaic-decorated chapel, the Cappella Palatina; the glorious Norman churches of La Martorana and San Giovanni degli Eremeti; the Baroque opulence of San Giuseppe dei Teatini.
Located in the center of Palermo, near Via Libertà.and Piazza Croci, Villa Trabia is one of the few aristocratic homes open to the public.
This estate, which is now owned by the City of Palermo, houses civic offices and a public library. The palace is set in a beautiful wooded park open to the public most days. Built for the Prince of Trabia (Lanza family) in the eighteenth century, Villa Trabia provides a glimpse of the lifestyle of the Palermitan aristocracy of that era. Just outside Palermo you may visit the La Favorita and La Zisa villas and the Capuchin Convent, with its catacombs.
Castelbuono: visit the church Matrice Vecchia and the Ventimiglia castle.
Cefalù with its many beaches is an ideal place for a holiday. In town visit the Cathedral, richly decorated with mosaics, the Museum Mandralisca and the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna.
Monreale: this town overlooks the Conca d'Oro, the beautiful valley beyond Palermo and is is world-renowned for its cathedral - S.Maria la Nuova, a dazzling mixture of Arab, Byzantine and Norman artistic styles framed by traditional Romanesque architecture. The beautiful mosaics in the cathedral are said to be one of the world's largest displays of this art and take 6,340 sqm of the duomo's interior surface, covering practically every inch. The masterpiece and key representation is the domineeringly majestic Christ Pantocrator located on the central apse over the main altar. The entire image is 13 meters across and seven meters high.The splendid cloister of the Benedictine abbey alone would make Monreale famous. Located next to the cathedral, these 228 columns, some with mosaic inlay, each with a meticulously stone carved capital, enclose the gardens of the abbey and are really worth a visit.
Mondello is a most renowned seaside resort, few kilometres from Palermo with crystal clear water and rich underwater vegetation and caves.
Ustica: This is a solitary island (36 miles from Palermo), which has recovered its nature resources thanks to the Marine Reserve that protects its extraordinary seabeds. The under-water flora and fauna are multiplying their species and they can all be visited with guided tours.
AGRIGENTO -
Located on a plateau overlooking Sicily's southern coast, Agrigento was founded as Akragas around 582 BC by a group of colonists from Gela, who themselves were the immediate descendants of Greeks from Rhodes and Crete. Akragas was renamed Agrigentum by the Romans, and Girgenti by the Saracens, only to be christened Agrigento in 1927. At the southern limit of the ancient city, in the so-called Valley of the Temples, the city architects erected their sacred buildings during the fifth century BC. The oldest of Akragas's temples is the Tempio di Ercole, the other ones are the Tempio della Concordia, dated to around 430 BC and perfectly preserved, Tempio di Giunone, Tempio di Giove and the so-called Tempio dei Dioscuri.
Ancient naval battle site 'rammed' with relics of war
On March 10 241BC a huge naval battle took place off the coast of Sicily which put an end to the First Punic War and set the Roman Republic on its militaristic path to becoming an Empire. The Battle of the Egadi Islands is the first ancient naval battle site ever discovered and it is now being surveyed in minute detail. The survey team has been joined by The University of Nottingham's underwater archaeologist Dr Jon Henderson who is using some of the latest underwater archaeology techniques to help survey and map this remarkable battle site.
See these links for more videos featuring Dr Jon Henderson:
Places to see in ( Reggio Calabria - Italy )
Places to see in ( Reggio Calabria - Italy )
Reggio Calabria or simply Reggio in Southern Italy, is the biggest city and the most populated comune of Calabria, Southern Italy. It is the capital of the province of Reggio Calabria and the seat of the Regional Council of Calabria.
Reggio is located on the toe of the Italian Peninsula and is separated from the island of Sicily by the Strait of Messina. It is situated on the slopes of the Aspromonte, a long, craggy mountain range that runs up through the center of the region. The third economic center of mainland Southern Italy.
Lungomare is the beautiful promenade along the beach separated by the inland Corso Vittorio Emanuele by a small strip of botanical garden of palm trees. A few blocks inland (east) Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi is the main artery of Reggio.
During the summer Reggio is as dead in the daytime as a Sergio Leone movie. From 8 to 9pm Corso Garibaldi is full of people. After that everyone is at Lungomare.
Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia It is an Italian archaeological museum in Reggio Calabria with an archaeological collection from sites in Magna Grecia, the famous Bronzi di Riace bill be exhibited in the museum after its restoration
The Bronzi di Riace , the Bronzi di Riace are two famous full-size Greek bronze sculptures of nude bearded warriors, cast about 460–430 BCE, that were discovered by chance in 1972 in the waters of Riace Marina.
Pentedattilo. Pentedattilo is a stunning ancient village in southern Calabria near the sea with a splendid view of Mount Etna on Sicily. It is located about 45 minutes drive away from Reggio (the nearest destination that can be reached by public transport is Melito Porto Salvo or Saline Joniche). The village takes its name from ancient Greek origins. It is surrounded by five cliffs, which reminds the shape of five fingers (Gr. daktylos penta = five fingers). Today Pentedattilo is sometimes called a “Ghost Town” as it was almost fully abandoned by its inhabitants in favour of new homes near the coast. Every summer Pentedattilo hosts a Paleariza Festival, celebrating the Hellenistic culture. Between August and September a fascinating Inernational Short Film Festival takes place there
Scilla, (22 km north from Reggio Calabria). It is a stunning town of Greek origin located north of Reggio Calabria in front of the strait of Messina. Scilla is definately worth visiting becasue of the facsinating panoramic views over the Tyrrhenian Sea, historical presence and beautiful beach. Schilla is famous for sword fish, which has been fished there since Magna Greek times. The Ruffo Castle stands on the top of the famous cape which is wedged over the sea, leaving the beautiful beaches of Scilla, an annual tourist spot, on either side.
Aspromonte National Park This strip of granitic-crystalline origin resembles a giant pyramid. The area is near the sea and reaches 2,000 meters of height with its many mountain peaks and plateaus of marine sedimentary origins.Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Park is enriched by considerable historical, artistic, and archaeological aspects, evidences of the archaic, classical, Greek, medieval, and modern culture. Points of attraction include the Gambarie ski resort (1,311 m) and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Polsi, in the comune of San Luca.
( Reggio Calabria - Italy ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting the city of Reggio Calabria.
Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Reggio Calabria - Italy
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Lincoln's Funeral Train (Live) | LTP #051
Lincoln's Funeral Train (Live) | LTP #051
In this episode of Let' Talk Paranormal Live, we will be discussing the Lincoln Funeral Train and about Abraham Lincoln's return path to Springfield, Illinois.
On April 21, 1865, a train carrying the coffin of assassinated President Abraham Lincoln leaves Washington, D.C. on its way to Springfield, Illinois, where he would be buried on May 4. The train carrying Lincoln’s body traveled through 180 cities and seven states on its way to Lincoln’s home state of Illinois. Scheduled stops for the special funeral train were published in newspapers.
At each stop, Lincoln’s coffin was taken off the train, placed on an elaborately decorated horse-drawn hearse and led by solemn processions to a public building for viewing. In cities as large as Columbus, Ohio, and as small as Herkimer, New York, thousands of mourners flocked to pay tribute to the slain president. In Philadelphia, Lincoln’s body lay in state on in the east wing of Independence Hall, the same site where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Newspapers reported that people had to wait more than five hours to pass by the president’s coffin in some cities.
PANICd Paranormal History Videos - Our Haunted Travels is a series of paranormal history videos that we provide the history of the location, the ghost stories and folklore, the paranormal claims, our personal experiences, and why we believe the location could be haunted. Be sure to follow along with our adventures where we feature a new location we have visited each week at:
Ghost Stories and Folklore are paranormal history videos that will cover the paranormal claims at the particular locations. On occasion, we may deviate from a location and provide some sort of creepy pasta or urban legend video. These videos are narrated by our mascot Boris to add that special creepy effect to the videos. So sit back, listen, and enjoy. You can see the complete catalog of Ghost Stories and Folklore Videos we have at: #haunted #exploring #history
Tune in, let's have some fun.
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#haunted #exploring #history #letstalkparanormal
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Antique Boat Show Parade
The 50th annual Antique Boat Show Parade
Nikona Travel 4K Bluemax studio