Sicily
Below is a detailed introduction to Sicily, an island in southern Italy:
Geography
- Location: Located in southern Italy and the central Mediterranean Sea, between the Apennine Peninsula and North Africa. It is separated from the Apennine Peninsula by the Strait of Messina to the northeast. The island's outline is roughly triangular.
- Topography: Mainly mountainous and hilly, with plains mainly in the west and coastal areas. Mountains are mostly distributed in the north and are largely covered by forests. Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe.
- Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and wet, rainy winters. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant. The north and west are humid, while the south is drier. The average annual temperature is 19°C in coastal areas and below 13°C in high-altitude inland areas.
History and Culture
- History: Sicily's history of development can be traced back to the late Paleolithic period. It was colonized by Greece from the 8th to the 6th century BC and became a province of the Roman Empire in 241 BC. It was later ruled by the Vandals, Byzantines, Normans, and others. It joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 and gained autonomy in May 1946.
- Culture: The indigenous people of Sicily have been deeply influenced by foreign cultures such as Greek, Punic, and Roman cultures, forming a unique and diverse culture.
Tourist Attractions
- Valley of the Temples: Located in Agrigento, it is a well-preserved ancient Greek temple complex and is known as one of the most important temple ruins outside of Greece.
- Arab-Norman Architectural Complex: A fusion of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine styles, represented by the Palatine Chapel and Monreale Cathedral in Palermo.
- Syracuse: A famous tourist resort. The Syracuse Cathedral, originally built in the 5th century BC, blends various architectural styles. There are also ruins of the Temple of Apollo.
- Taormina: Situated in a picturesque location, with the Ionian Sea on one side and the magnificent Mount Etna on the other. It boasts the most beautiful scenery in Sicily, along with beaches and ancient monuments.
Economic Development
- Agriculture: Sicily is known as the "Golden Basin" for its prosperous agriculture and forestry. It has abundant agricultural products such as oranges, olives, and grapes.
- Fishery: The fishing industry on the west coast is well-developed and makes a significant contribution to economic development.
- Mineral Resources: Rich in mineral resources such as sulfur and salt fields, providing important raw materials for industrial development.
- Tourism: Tourism is one of the main pillars of Sicily's economy, attracting a large number of tourists every year.