Corleone

Distance from Corleone Km. 57 | h. 00:00 |

Palermo

Palermo, the quintessence of Sicily, is capable of being chaotic, elegant, fascinating, secretive and a little decadant, all at the same time. The main centre on the island since the 9th Century B.C., its current appearance derives mainly from its past rich in influence and foreign domination and demonstrates the typical Sicilian fusion of art, architecture and way of life on which the past invaders have left their impression. In the small streets and alleys of its huge historic centre elegant Baroque and Norman monuments stand side-by-side with arabic domes, the Byzantine street markets of the "Ballaro", "Vucciria" and "Capo" invade the populated medieval quarters of the city and some of the most important Italian brands can be found on the elegant Via Libertà in the city centre. Palermo has undergone a number of changes during the past thirty years. First its suburbs were "assaulted" by a mass of concrete and subsequently the city has been "salvaged" in various stages from the embarassing state of degradation in which it was left for some time after the end of the second world war. The city's slow and laborious resotoration locked horns with the various layers of bureaucracy in the government, with speculation and with negligence resulting in a city that has two sides: its fascinating and undisputed architectural treasures set against its poor standards of maintenance and crumbling services. Despite this fact, its fascination is unquestioned and there is not a corner of the historic centre of the city that will not provide you with a pleasant surprise: alleys, markets, squares that provide you with an opportunity to admire the city's architectural treasures, some of which are stiil in a state of disrepair, and to sample the real essence of the city, its inhabitants and their Byzantine and Arabic origins which continue to flourish today in the gestures and voices of the stall holders in the colourful and picturesque street markets where they sell everything from fresh fish to clothes, spices to typical local dishes cooked and eaten on the street. An experience for all the senses. A visit to the city's numerous and famous monuments, churches, squares, cathedrals, villas and aristocratic residences is an absolute must. In particular we recommend the Cathedral, the Palazzo Reale, the Cappella Palatina, the Martorana, San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Spasimo church in the Kalsa district (the oldest district in Palermo), the church of Santa Maria della Catena, Casa Professa, the Chiesa della Magione, the Chiesa della Gancia, Palazzo Aiutamicristo, Steri, Abatellis, Chiaramonte, the Palazzina Cinese and Villa Giulia, the 19th century Botanical Garden, the Giardino Inglese, the Parco d'Orleans, the Villa Malfitano Whitaker and the city's famous squares such as Piazza Marina, Piazza delle Vergogna, the Quattro Canti, Piazza Magione, Piazza Indipendenza and Piazza Politeama. All need to be visited with care and attention, however, we recommend that you go looking for some of the less tourist-orientated sights by consulting a good alternative guide book which should also help you to discover the gastronomic traditions of the city which contain surprises of their own. You should try to penetrate on foot the small, hidden alleys of the historic centre or ask one of the carriage drivers to take you on a tour of less tourist-orientated parts of the city. If you still have time, it is well worth visiting some of the sights near the city and in particular we recommend Monreale with its Benedictine Cloisters, one of the finest examples of Arab-Norman architecture in Sicily, and Mondello where examples of some of Sicily's finest art-deco villas can be found.

Distance from Corleone Km. 109 | h. 01:00 |

Erice

Erice is a small medieval town located on the top of the mountain of the same name some 750 metres above sea level in the Province of Trapani in eastern Sicily. It was founded by exiles from Troy who discovered the perfect location in which to live until the Roman conquest in 244 B.C. and it is likely that the town was named "Venere Ericina" during this period after the mythical Roman goddess. Following the Byzantine occupation the town was occupied by the Arabs and subsquently by the Normans who constructed the Castle on the site of the old sanctuary and created three new entrance gates: Carmine, Spada and Trapani. Numerous palaces and churches were constructed during the Norman conquest providing the town with an atmosphere that is both fascinating and mysterious, a sensation that is heightened when the town is immersed in cloud which happens frequently, even during the summer. Further significant architectural additions were made during the 19th century when reconstruction of the central square took place and several new and important buildings were erected. Since 1963 the Ettore Majorana Scientific and Cultural Centre has been located in the town, an initiative of Professor Antonino Zichini which attracts the most able academics from around the world for the scientific study of problems relating to a range of different fields: from medicine to law, from history to astronomy and from philology to chemistry. For this reason the town is dubbed the "City of Science". Access to the town can be gained via the winding state road or via the cable railway which takes 10 minutes from the valley below to the centre of the town. Erice is an unmissable destination in Sicily: its narrow cobbled streets, its houses clinging to the rocks, its towers, its churches and its castles which will conquer your hearts and minds and inspire you to dream. Erice has remained almost as it was in medieval times with the exception of some excellent restaurants and cake shops which can be found in the centre of the town!

Distance from Corleone Km. 77 | h. 01:00 |

Selinunte

Selinunte was founded towards the middle of the 7th century B.C. by Greek colonists from Megara Hyblaea. The site was located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea between the two river valleys of Belice and Modione. The city had a short life lasting approximately 200 years and in this period the city's population reached a peak of 25,000 inhabitants. The name means 'wild celery' (σ?λινον in Greek) which the settlers found there in abundance. The image of a celery plant was displayed on coins minted in a later period at Selinunte.
The city formed the western outpost of Greek civilization in Sicily. It allied itself with Carthage, above all to protect itself against the nearby city of Segesta. However, after the disastrous Athenian expedition to Sicily in 415-413 B.C. the balance of power changed: Segesta, formerly allied to Athens, succeeded in making an alliance with the Carthaginians. The inhabitants of Selinunte were not aware of the change of allegiance and invaded territory controlled by Segesta which they thought was unprotected. The reaction of Carthage was violent: the city was besieged for nine days by an army of 100,000 Carthaginian soldiers and then completely destroyed. Of a total population of 25,000 inhabitants, 16,000 were killed and 5,000 were taken prisoner. Selinunte was subsequently rebuilt by Greek and Punic colonists. In 250 B.C., after winning the first Punic War, the city was destroyed for a second time and was never rebuilt.
The archeological park at Selinunte is considered to be the largest and most imposing in Europe. It covers an area of 1,740 square kilometres and includes numerous temples, sanctuaries and altars. The sculptures found during excavation at Selinunte can be found primarily in the National Archeological Museum in Palermo. An exception is the most famous piece excavated to date, The Ephebe of Selinunte, which is located at the Museo Comunale in Castelvetrano. The remains of Selinunte can be divided into three principal areas: the Acropolis which was dedicated to the deities; the east hill which was inhabited during the Greek-Punic period and contains Temples E (Hera), F and G; and the Sancturary of Demeter Malophoros whose cult, together with that of her daughter Persephone, was widespread in Sicily.

Distance from Corleone Km. 74 | h. 01:00 |

Segesta

The date of its founding is unknown, however historical documents indicate that the city was inhabited in the 4th century B.C.. The Greek historian Tucidides writes of refugees from Troy crossing the Mediterranean and arriving in Sicily to found the cities of Segesta and Erice. The refugees were called the Elymni. According to myth Segesta was founded by Acestes, the city's first king, who was the son of the noble Trojan Egesta and the river god Crimisus. From the time of their foundation, Segesta and Selinunte were at war with each other over their respective boundaries. The first encounter took place in 580 B.C. when Segesta emerged victorious. In 415 B.C. Segesta asked Athens for assistance against the initiative of Selinunte which was supported by Syracuse. The Athenians took as a pretext Segesta's request and set off for Sicily with a large expedition, besieging Syracuse but suffering disastrous defeat. The encounters were concluded in 409 B.C. when Selinunte was besieged and defeated by the Carthaginians, once again at the request of Segesta. In 307 B.C. many inhabitants of Segesta were horrifically murdered or sold into slavery by the tyrant of Syracuse Agatocles for not having supplied the economic assistance that he demanded. After the fierce repression, Agatocles changed the name of the city to Diceopoli or "just city". In 276 B.C. the city was ceded to the armed forces controlled by Pyrrhus and returned to Punic influence after the death of the Epirote. In 260 B.C. during the first Punic War, the city allied itself with the Romans who treated it with great respect as according to tradition they had common ancestors - both peoples were descended from Trojan refugees. The Romans defended the city from an attempt by the Carthaginians to reconquer it. It was subsequently granted the status of a 'free city' with an exemption from paying taxes in contrast to other cities in Sicily (civitas libera ac immunis). In 104 B.C. the slave revolts or so-called 'servile wars' began in Sicily at Segesta guided by Atenione. The revolts were extinguished in blood by the Romans in 99 B.C.. In the 5th century Segesta was destroyed by the Vandals and was never reconstructed on its previous scale.
Nevertheless, a small settlement remained and after the expulsion of the Arabs the Normans constructed a castle there. The castle was enlarged by the Svevi people and became the centre of a medieval town. It then disappeared in all but name until 1574 when the Dominican historian Tommaso Fazello, an expert in the identification of ancient cities in Sicily, discovered its location.
The archeological site contains a magnificent temple noted for the quality of its perfect Doric features. It appears that the temple was never finished as traces of the cells, the roof and grooves on the columns have never been found. Its completion may have been terminated by the onset of war or alternatively it is possible that the temple was used for indigenous rites or that the cells and roof were constructed from wood. Some traces of the cells have recently been found inside the temple together with traces of earlier buildings which point to the fact that the temple was constructed on a site which had a much earlier religious significance. The temple has 6 smooth columns on each of the two shortest sides and 14 columns on each of the two longest sides making a total of 36 columns. The temple was constructed during the last 30 years of the 5th century B.C. on the top of a hill to the west of the city outside the city walls. Its construction and its current condition make it one of the most beautiful temples of antiquity. The theatre, which likely dates from the middle of the third century B.C., is located on a hill opposite the temple at a height of approximately 440 metres. Seating for the spectators is divided into seven sections made from travertino marble. The horizontal division of the theatre made it easy for spectators to move from one section of the theatre to another. The upper section is now semi-derilict and little remains of the stage which, according to experts, would have been decorated with columns and pillars. The theatre could seat up to 3,000 spectators.

Distance from Corleone Km. 102 | h. 01:00 |

Valley of the Temples at Agrigento

Founded in 582 B.C. by colonists from Gela, ancient Akragas was called after the river of the same name that flowed past it. During 370 years of domination, Akragas was the most powerful and magnificent city in the Mediterranean and referred to as "the loveliest of mortal cities". During the reign of Falarides (570-555 B.C.) the city was at the height of its splendour. The fortified wall and most of the public works date to this period. Infamous for his cruelty and for the bronze bull that he used to torture his enemies, Falarides was referred to by Dante in his Divine Comedy. The period was followed by the tyranny of Theron (488-471 B.C.), a descendant of the illustrious family of the Emmenidi, druing which the population of Akragas grew to 300,000 and its terrirories spread to the northern coast of Sicily. At the height of its development Akragas became a formidable military power defeating Carthage on several occasions. During the reign of Empedocles from 471 to 406 B.C. the city experienced a period of great prosperity and peace with the Carthaginians. Numerous temples were constructed at this time. A period of decline commenced towards the end of the 5th century as rivalry with Syracuse intensified culminating in the siege of the city in 406 B.C. and, after eight months, its eventual capitulation to Carthaginian forces led by Hannibal. Only after the signing of a treaty between Syracuse and Hannibal could Akragas and Gela be inhabited once more but the cities could no longer be armed and were forced to pay taxes to the Carthaginians. The city was reconstructed in 339 B.C. by the Corinthian Timoleon. The defeat of the Carthaginians by Timoleon at Crimiso in 339 brought the city under the control of Syracuse which initiated a period of renaissance and development. However, peace was relatively short-lived and when Agatocles assumed power in 311 B.C. Akragas recommenced hostilities against Syracuse forming a coalition of Greek cities that was defeated by Syracuse on two occasions. During the tyranny of Finzia from 289 to 270 B.C., Gela was destroyed and its inhabitants were forced to move to the new city of Finziades, named after the tyrant himself, in the area close to present-day Licata. After Finzia, in 209 B.C. during the second Punic War, Akragas was fought over by the Romans and the Carthaginians and, when it finally fell under the control of the Roman Empire, the city was given the latin name Agrigentum.

The Valley of the Temples contains the remains of seven temples in Doric order:

• The Temple of Hera Lacinia, dedicated to the Greek goddess of the same name, was constructed in the 5th century B.C. and burnt down by the Carthaginians in 406 B.C.. This was the temple in which weddings were traditionally celebrated.
• The Temple of Concord, whose name derives from a Latin inscription found near to the temple, was also constructed in the 5th century. This is currently the best preserved temple on the site. It was converted into a sacred temple in the 6th century A.D.
• The Temple of Hercules, the oldest of the temples, was dedicated to the god Hercules, one of the most respected inhabitants of the ancient city of Akragas. The temple was destroyed by an earthquake and today comprises just eight columns.
• The Temple of Zeus, constructed in honour of the god of the same name after the vctory over the Carthaginians in 480 B.C., is characterized by the presence of so-called telamones, statues of giant proportions with human features.
• The Temple of the Dioscuri (or Castor and Pollux) was constructed in honour of the twin sons of Zeus. Only four columns remain today. The temple is the symbol of the city of Agrigento.
• The Temple of Vuclan, also dating back to the 5th century, was one of the most imposing buildings in the valley, however, it is one of the temples that has suffered the most damage over time.
• The Temple of Asclepius, constructed far from the walls of the city, was a place of pilgrimage for the sick in search of a cure.

Distance from Corleone Km. 84 | h. 01:00 |

Scopello

Scopello is a small and picturesque village born towards the end of the eighteenth century around a Baglio, on the site of a pre-existing Arab rural home. The charm starts to entail you from the moment of your arrival at the village of Scopello, when you are obliged to park your car outside the walls of this village, accessible only as pedestrians. On the little village square is an old fountain which was once a drinking trough for animals and in front of which rises a majestic archway to the Baglio itself. Entering through this you have the impression of going back to the past: the little souvenir and local art and crafts shops, the cafe, the restaurant and the bank all maintain their original and evocative architectural styles in harmony with the Baglio that welcomes them. All along the square are a number of grocery stores and cafes, as well as the well-known artisan bakery “Antico Forno” where you can taste the local focacce and the so called “pani cunzatu,” an excellent oven baked and seasoned bread. It is a pleasure to stop and talk to the old people in this village while they are weaving their bulrush baskets under the shade of a tree on a sundrenched afternoon. The few and narrow streets that go down from the little square towards the sea offer evocative views over the Zingaro Nature Reserve. This scenic coastal Reserve extends between Castellamare del Golfo and San Vito lo Capo. Its unspoiled and uncontaminated coast is undoubtely the most beautiful coast in western Sicily. A few metres down from the village going towards the sea is the charming small inlet (“caletta”) enclosed by the prominent Faraglioni. Next to the Faraglioni and protected by some ancient watchtowers is the Scopello’s Tonnara. This tuna fishery has been well-known since time immemorial (it is indeed cited on texts dating back to 1200) and was operational until a few years ago. From the dock opposite the fishery it is possible to access the crystalline waters of this bit of coast and enjoy a pleasant swim. Today the Tonnara is a sort of “museum of the sea” offering a scenario of rare beauty. The three towers bestow an aura of mistery and charm upon the landscape that merges nature and history together. They date back to different historical periods and were part of a larger defensive and communication structure. There are various long pebbled beaches in Scopello boasting fresh and crystalline waters, among which are Guidaloca, Cala Bianca, Cala Rossa and Cala dello Stinco. At around 40 km from Scopello is the vast and beautiful beach of San Vito lo Capo, a white and sandy beach, a favourite local tourist destination rich with facilities (such as cafes, fast foods, ice-cream parlours and restaurant along the sea). The fishing village and the attractive Macari beach are only 4 km away from San Vito lo Capo. This beach is embedded in a large bay formed by different small inlets with sandy beaches and crystalline waters. Scopello is renowned for its exquisite cuisine which – like the Trapani area – has been influenced by the Arab tradition. Among the celebrated local recipes are fish couscous, grilled tuna and fish soups.

Distance from Corleone Km. 66 | h. 01:00 |

Sciacca

Coloured houses that seem to fold back into themselves and start rolling towards the water to join the harbour and the boats cramming along the quay. Sciacca, as viewed from the sea, appears like a big Lego building set created by a child. Not devoid of an intriguing chromatic harmony, this small town that overlooks south to Africa is a swarming crossroad of ethnicities that find their deepest roots in this town’s Greek, Roman and Arab origins. Sciacca has always been a sought-after place in ancient times because it was rich in mineral sulphuric waters with great therapeutic qualities and for the presence of vaporous caves called “the stoves of St. Calogero” (great for a sauna) that had already started to be known and appreciated in Greek times. During the Arab dominion in 840, the city acquired its definitive name and flourished through a period of great prosperity. After the Norman conquest, Sciacca went through a period when several contestant families wanted to extert control over it. One of these was the Luna family, whom we owe the construction of the magnificent Luna Castle, seat of various cultural events today. Later on, the town suffered numerous earthquakes and rebellions that led to starvation and misery. Its misery nothwistanding, and also thanks to the help of Spanish and Austrian rulers, Sciacca developed into a trading centre primarily through the transporation of goods by sea and its strategic location. Today, the town owes its development to its fishing fleet (second-placed for its importance in Sicily), its tourist activities which are mainly linked to Sciacca’s thermal resorts, and the beauty of its uncontaminated beaches.
Other cultural riches of the “Saccensi” (as the inhabitants of Sciacca are called) are linked with customs  and traditions: the production of Maiolicas for instance that can be admired and bought in its numerous little stores, as well as the warmly celebrated and ancient Carnival, one of the most exhilarating festivals in the Sicilian tradition. As in many genuine Sicilian centres, Sciacca’s road maze does not seem encouraging at first. Gradually though, it will embrace and surprise you with grandiose views and sumptuous palaces. One example is Piazza Scandaliato, a true belvedere terrace overlooking the sea and the multi-coloured harbour. Further down, the Norman Piazza Duomo reveals itself, of which only the exterior of the three apses remains preserved. On its right lies the main street (“corso”) Chiesa Madre Vittorio Emanuele, flanked by prestigious buidlings such as Palazzo Tagliavia (the beautiful facade of which is crowned with merlons and marked by three arched portals and a three-light Gothic mullioned window). The ruins of the Conti Luna Castle, dating back to the XIV century, the Norman Chiesa di San Nicolò, the eighteenth century Palazzi Inveges and Ragusa, are only samples of Palazzo Steripinto (at the corner with Corso Vittorio Emanuele and P. Gerardi road), a few steps from the Main Gate of San Salvatore and the Chiesa del Carmine. This Catalan-style Palazzo from the fifteenth century expresses itself originally through its ashlar masonry, its two-light Gothic mullioned windows and its Ghibelline merlons. But almost everywhere in Sciacca one is astonished by the variety and the layering of styles, from details such as its bellied balcony railings, its portals, its two-light mullioned windows, and the numerous traces of a multiplicity of cultures that are found in Palazzo Steripinto and in other monument buildings. Moreover, Sciacca takes on an unexpectedly sumptuous yet slightly decadent atmosphere around the Spa area. Within the so-called “Valle dei Bagni” (“Bath Valley”) lies the nineneteenth century Thermal Resort (fully restored), while the new Spa complex dates back to 1938. This large neo-Liberty style complex cannot be missed. Located high from sea level, it is surrounded by a beautiful park at the south-east end of the town. Another thermal complex is to be found in Molinelli. Going out of Figuli road towards Agrigento, another surprise lies a few kilometres away from Sciacca: the Enchanted Castle. This is really an incredible garden filled with heads carved in stone by its owner Filippo Bentivegna, nicknamed “Filippu delli Testi” (“Filippo of the Heads”). The faces and the expressions of these sculptures, realised in the enchanted castle over half a century, communicate a powerful magnetism which is hard to handle at times. However, the real tourist attraction in Sciacca is the Carnival, which traces its origins back to Roman times. For over a century, every year in March a parade of allegorical chariots has run its course from Piazza Friscia through the historic town centre to the rhythm of dances, musics, choreographic scenes and masquarades. The festival culminates in a bonfire - the burning of “Peppe Nappa’s” effigy (a symbolic figure representing the king of the Carnival) - and fireworks display.