Some history for those too lazy to go to my previous posts to read, Palermo stands for over 2700 years of culture, history, gastronomy and architecture. Although founded by the Phoenicians, it was only named by the Greek before joining the Roman Empire. It was then part of the Byzantine Empire, ruled by the Arabs, then became its own Kingdom. It later on joined the Kingdom of Naples before the Italian unification in 1860. In short, TOO much history to cover here. Get yourself on a plane and go visit. Again, I have to admit that I met some of the nicest people in Southern Italy and Palermo, like Napoli, welcomed me with arms wide open.

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Palermo stands for over 2700 years of culture, history, gastronomy and architecture. Although founded by the Phoenicians, it was only named by the Greek before joining the Roman Empire. It was then part of the Byzantine Empire, ruled by the Arabs, then became its own Kingdom. It later on joined the Kingdom of Naples before the Italian unification in 1860. In short, TOO much history to cover in one post or to have photos speak about it at night. I have to admit that I met some of the nicest people in Southern Italy and Palermo, like Napoli, welcomed me with arms wide open, and of course the best seafood grill I had anywhere

Siracusa, or Syracuse, on the other hand is extremely rich in Greek history. It is also some 2700 years old with so much culture and history, but it is very well known as the birthplace of the great mathematician and engineer Archimedes. The city is listed as by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. No wonder there I would say. Syracuse is also mentioned in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles book at 28:12 as Paul stayed there. Major things to see in the historic centre of Siracusa includes the Temple of Apollo which as adapted to a church in the Byzantine Empire and a mosque under the Arab rule, the Greek theatre, Ear of Dionysius or Orecchio di Dionisio, the Roman amphitheatre,  Tomb of Archimede, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. So many other things to see there but I guess that will exhaust this post.

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0 friends, ye who inhabit the great city of sacred Akragas up to the acropolis, whose care is good deeds, who harbour strangers deserving of respect, who know not how to do baseness, hail! I go about among you an immortal god, no longer a mortal, honoured by all, as is fitting, crowned with fillets and luxuriant garlands..

Empedokles of Akragas Fragments

The Valley of Temples is one of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture, and is one of the main attractions of Sicily as well as a national monument of Italy. The Valley includes the remains of seven temples in total. I won’t go into details of each temple for now but wouldn’t mind writing a whole article on that and posting it at a later stage on request. I will leave you with the photos for now.

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It would be great to hear your feedback on the video and if you are heading to Italy in the near future drop me a line and I might be able to help you with a walkthrough and a recommendation for places to visit.  Good night/morning depending on where you are at this time.