Sicily: the Largest Mediterranean Island

Fine fresh air and beautiful blowing sea air characterize the scenic beauty of Sicily Island. With an area of almost 26000 square km, Sicily is the largest Island of the Mediterranean Sea. Abounding in many diverse plant species, it is an attraction to the tourists aspiring to appreciate the floral beauty of nature. Lemon, olive, pineapples, apples, etc. grow in abundance in this lone island. From Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, and Normans, all these mighty nations had acquired control of this island and left their indelible marks for the coming generations to ponder and appreciate. In that sense, the island is a melting pot of history being the cauldron of cultures, races, languages, ideas, etc.

Sicily today boasts of a unique culture and has gained reputation due to its delicious culinary traditions. Its ancient architectures testify the thousand years of history. The capital city Palermo situates among the rugged terrain of the Island and has been renovated recently with modern buildings and establishments. The city was once the site of the commercial center set up by the sea faring Phoenicians from the near East. The metropolis today is crisscrossed with dark and meandering streets and pathways. There are palaces, Churches, theaters and other historical buildings juxtaposed side by side. Inside many ancient churches you can travel back in time forgetting the luxury of modern world. You can get lost into the shadowy past of centuries. The palace made by Norman king Roger the Second in the 12th century is surrounded with beautiful flowers and marble wall. You can't help appreciating the historical value of the palace.

Sangiovani Monastery built in the Sixth century which was transferred to a mosque in the 9th century by the conquering Arabs still stands against all odds. A monument of early Christianity, the monastery provides clues and links to the lives, cultures, and devotion of the early monks and saints who were the backbone of the Western Christendom. The Cathedral of Palermo built in 1195 is a magnificent building with astonishing adoration. The building comprises so many styles and architecture that it can easily outdo the most modern structure in terms of aesthetic appreciation. The curvy dome of the cathedral accompanying the Spanish baroque style and shape has become a top tourist attraction.

The interior of the Island is dotted with small pacific settlements. Away from the humdrum of the modern life, the life is truly simple. Beautiful blooming flowers and olive trees offer untroubled silence and peace with air blowing around all the time. In the countryside the people of Sicily are quite suspicious of the foreigners, but the simplicity and honesties of their character is unforgettable. With some words of goodness and gestures, anyone can get to the sugary heart of the Sicilians. The Mediterranean climate of Sicily has made it home to orange, palm trees, and cacti that grow here in abundance.

Tourists and visitors to the Island face one impression after another: a scenic countryside next to an ancient palace, a concrete road abruptly ending in the sea, the sheer rock face along the coastal area. To climb many hills is fascinating: you can easily look at the city and rural life from near and afar.

Image Credit: touristmaker.com