Recently, I had the privilege of visiting some of Sicily's most iconic destinations, on a school trip including visits to Syracuse, Agrigento, Villa del Casale, Messina and Taormina. The trip ran between the 23rd and 27th of march, and it was an absolute pleasure visting these beautiful and historic sites.

 

Our first stop was Syracuse, an ancient place that is rich in both Greek and Roman history. Walking through the imposing archaeological site, we were greeted by the imposing presence of the Roman amphitheatre, which was an enormous structure despite being only a ruin of its original glory. We also visited theGreek theatre, a masterpiece of ancient engineering which contrasted the 360 view the Roman amphitheatre boasted, with its one sided perspective, set in front of a stunning view. Finally, we visited The Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave with exceptional acoustics, echoing our conversations and shouts.

 

On our second day, we visited Agrigento - the Valley of the Temples, and Villa Romana del Casale, which is an ancient Roman villa housing incredibly preserved mosaics. The 8 temples left us in awe: they varied in how well preserved they were, but the best preserved was the Temple of Concordia, which showcased the skill and precision of ancient craftsmen. The Villa Romana del Casale was a highlight of our trip, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is overflowing with the most stunning mosaics, including the first depiction of woman competing in sports, although my favourite was a simple pattern of roses tucked in a corner room- a true hidden beauty! One of the most impressive mosaics wrapped around the indoor garden, and was a repetitive pattern of different animals, perfectly recreated throughout the design.

 

On our final day, we visited Messina, where we saw an incredible display from a the clock tower of the cathedral there, including the metal lion proudly roaring! We also learnt a bit about the history of the town, and about the presence of the mafia. After that, we visited Taormina- perched high above the sea, it captivated us with its breathtaking views and charming quaint streets as well as its wide array of bakeries carrying delicious treats. Taormina also houses the ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina, which offered panoramic views of the coastline and the nearby villages, it was a testament to the Greeks' both appreciation of natural beauty and creation of beautiful structures. Some classmates even put on a small show in Ancient Greek!

 

Overall, our school trip to Sicily was a blend of history and natural beauty. Each site we visited unveiled layers of the island's past, from ancient Greek and Roman civilizations to the splendor of its landscapes. Even the small town our hotel was located in - Letojanni -was stunning and yet quaint, and I’m so grateful for the truly incredible experience!