3. Sicily, some
history
Sicily is the most fertile and vast Italian region. It's the largest
Mediterranean Island, and it is located in the South of Italy. The territory is
mostly mountainous. The coast is very flat. It is surrounded by minor
islands: the Eolie Islands in the North, the Egadi Islands in the East, and
the Pelagie Islands in the South.
FACT FILES
Population: 5.048.553
Area: 25,711 kmq
Cities: Palermo, Catania, Agrigento, Siracusa, Ragusa, Caltanissetta, Enna.
Climate: Mediterranean, mild
The earliest archaeological evidence of human activity on the island dates
from 12000 BC.
The first inhabitants were the Sicanians and the Sikelians.
Sicily went through several dominations. The most important were:
Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman period (rom about 750 BC)
Arab Period (827–1091)
Norman Period(1038–1198)
Swabian Hohenstaufen dynasty (between 1221 and 1226)
Spanish period (until 1860)
4. Facts
Some facts
History: Palermo was found by Phoenician traders in the 8th
century BC.
Where: It is the capital city of Sicily, an island in the south of
Italy.
Population: Palermo is Sicily’s largest city, with a population
over 680,000. It is on the northwest coast of the island and looks
over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Climate: Palermo enjoys hot, Mediterranean climate makes it
warm and dry for a long time of year.
It became an important city for trade and it was later conquered
by the Romans, Arabs, Normans and later the Spanish, so art
and architecture is a mix of cultures.
5. School
Their school is ICS Michelangelo Buonarroti. This school is big and has two floors.
There are many laboratories such as the scientific laboratory, and the auditorium
where workshops and seminars take place. Inside the school there is a huge gym,
and a little pitch outside. Every day at 11 o'clock they have a break in the
courtyard outside. The "Vice-preside's room and the professors" hall known as a
Library, is located next to the porter’s lodge. Next to the Auditorium are the
secretariat and the Principal's room. The Principal of the school is Mrs. Lole
Ciaccio.
6. What to see
in Sicily
If you come to Sicily, in the first you must see Etna, the highest volcano in the
Europe.
After that you should visit "Agrigento" and wonderful Greek temples in the "Valle
dei Templi". It was declared "World Heritage of Humanity" in 1997 from Unesco.
Another popular place is Taormina because of its beautiful views and the greek
theater. This is second the biggest theatre in Sicily. It is located in Politeama
Square where young people usually meet in the afternoon or in the evening.
The most lively and traditional show in Sicily is,without a doubt, the
Marionette or "Pupi" Theater. It is connected to the Arab-Norman chivalrous
traditions. The stories are told by the "Pupari". Among these teh Cuticchio
Sons of Art are the most important.
7. Places of
interest
Palatine Chapel
The Palatine Chapel is the place that is worth to visit in Palermo. It's a
construction, started in 1130, the year when Ruggero II became the first king of
Sicily.
Mosaics are among the most beautiful Byzantine art production. The most ancient
mosaic is the Christ Pantocrator in the dome.
The Chinese Palace
The Chinese Palce is a former royal residence of the King Ferdinand III of Sicily,
designed in 1799 in the style of Chinoiserie. It is located in Palermo, inside the
park of La Favorita
8. Places of
interest
Theatre Massimo and Politeama
In Palermo are two important theaters: Theatre Massimo and
Theatre Politeama. They are in the centre of city.
The Palace of the Normans
It's the Palace where The Norman kings lived
9. What to eat?
Caponata - it is made of aubergines with tomato sauce
Cassata
Arancina - A little ball of rice with meat and cheese or butter, ham and
cheese