ITALY

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This will help you in the logistics (travel and accommodation) to go to the sites.

CATANIA (CTA)

Catania, Sicily’s energetic “Black City,” sits at the foot of Mount Etna and is built largely from the volcano’s dark basalt. Its heart is the Piazza del Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the iconic Elephant Fountain and the Baroque Cathedral of Saint Agatha. The city is a sensory delight, from the chaotic “La Pescheria” fish market to the aromatic streets serving Pasta alla Norma and pistachio arancini. Visitors can explore ancient Roman theaters hidden beneath street level or hike the lunar landscapes of Etna. Catania’s resilient spirit and bold flavors make it an essential Sicilian gateway.

Archaeological Area of Agrigento (alternative to Palermo)

PALERMO (PMO)

Palermo, the chaotic and captivating capital of Sicily, is a Mediterranean crossroads where Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences collide. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is famed for its “Arab-Norman” architecture, best seen in the glittering mosaics of the Palatine Chapel and the imposing Palermo Cathedral. The city’s soul resides in its gritty street markets—Ballarò, Capo, and Vucciria—where vendors hawk legendary street foods like arancine, panelle, and the daring pani ca meusa. From the grandeur of the Teatro Massimo to the bustling intersections of Quattro Canti, Palermo offers an intoxicating, multisensory journey through layers of ancient history.