Photo: Scott McMurren

On a visit to Sicily, Alaska travel columnist Scott McMurren’s wife and brother-in-law searched for their family history.

Source: A trip overseas to visit an ancestral home elicits reflections on our origins, identity and the future

Photo: Italy Magazine

The Cathedral of Monreale near Palermo is one of the world’s greatest examples of Norman architecture, and is  famous for the extraordinary Byzantine mosaics guarded inside.

Source: Wonders of Italy: Monreale Cathedral

Photo source: Siciliani Creativiti

Source: Holidays in Sicily: 8 must-see travel itineraries

Sicily showcases the coastal beauty of Italy. There, you can find ancient ruins, massive volcanoes, a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the adventure of a lifetime.

Source: 7 Amazing Places To Visit In Beautiful Sicily – TravelAwaits

The Parco delle Madonie natural reserve is home to some of Sicily’s highest hilltop towns that sit suspended between land and sky.

Source: These Beautiful Mountain Towns Are Sicily’s Best-Kept Secret

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Hike up Cefalu’s La Rocca to see ancient buildings from its Roman, Arab and Norman history.

Source: Explore Cefalu, one of Sicily’s coastal gems

Italy is the country with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.

Source: The Arab-Norman Itinerary of Palermo