Sicily is such a big island and an exciting place that you don't know what to do first. Do you explore the different towns on your first day? What about visiting the ancient ruins the day after? And you shouldn't go to Sicily and not eat Sicilian street food too! It's almost sacrilegious if you don't! Well, not really. But in all seriousness, with so much to do and see in Sicily, you'd do well to plan out your itinerary carefully. There's a lot you shouldn't miss, especially if you're just a tourist visiting the island. And if you're relocating here, you can include all of these on a bucket list instead!
Cathedral of Monreale
To say that the Cathedral of Monreale is beautiful is an understatement! Built back in the 13th century under the order of William II, this church stands as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture, not just in Sicily, but in the rest of the world. With its imposing columns, picturesque symmetry, and scene-stealing dome, it's no wonder the cathedral is among the top tourist spots in Sicily. And when you get inside, you'd get even more enchanted by its grandiosity. Especially with its Byzantine mosaic. This mix of influences further serves as a reminder of
Sicily's unique culture.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ pjt56
Cappella Palatina
Located in Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, Cappella Palatina will no doubt take your breath away! It undoubtedly has the most stunning interior out of all the churches in Sicily. Shimmering in its gilded sheen, the entire place is covered in Byzantine mosaics, each more colorful and more eye-catching than the next. Any art historian or art lover will have their head spinning from trying to take all of it all at once. But you can't really blame them since the chapel is just so extravagantly beautiful. So much so that you might even forget to take pictures. You'll just be blown away by all its historic splendor.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Fintan Corrigan of http-//friendly-hotels.com
Cefalù Cathedral
As the main church in Cefalù, one of the most popular
towns in Sicily, it's also no surprise that Cefalù Cathedral is pretty famous. Locals and tourists alike all agree that it's one of the most beautiful churches on the island. From the outside, the church doesn't look all that noteworthy. The Norman architecture is fascinating, sure, but there are others that are far more eye-catching. It's when you get inside that you realize just how extraordinary the place truly is. The colorful mosaics definitely seal the deal, not the least of which is the glorious Christ Pantokrator at the altar.
Source: Flickr.com/ A S
Cattedrale di Sant'Agata
Now, if you truly want to see impressive architecture, look no further than Cattedrale di Sant'Agata in Catania! Bursting with Baroque beauty in all four corners of the church, this place will take your breath away! The facade alone is so elaborate and opulent that you can't help but take many pictures of it. And if you post it on
Instagram for travel inspo, you're sure to get a lot of likes! It also helps that the inside is just as majestic. The cathedral boasts an ornate interior topped by a magnificent altar. It's all so beautiful!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Luca Aless
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
In the historic town of Syracuse, the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista is a 14th-century structure worth visiting. Far from the well-preserved architectural marvels that make up most of this list, this church is actually more of a relic of its former glory. This isn't to say that they're ruins, per se, but let's just say that this is an outdoor church. And yet that's exactly what makes it so magical. With the sun shining down on you, it's as if God is looking at you directly as you explore this place of worship. Moreover, Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista is actually one of the most popular wedding venues in Sicily.
Source: Flickr.com/ Veselina Dzhingarova
Noto Cathedral
The Noto Cathedral definitely has one of the most picturesque facades on this list. The symmetry, the sand-washed color, and the Baroque touches are all so good. It's not too ornate but also not boring. In a way, it's just right. Add to that the grand staircase and the tree-filled spaces in front and you'll feel as if you're walking up to a grand palace of sorts. And then there's its majestic dome too. Though it's far from the churches you'd see in the Vatican or even the famous Florence Cathedral, it will still grab your attention when you see it from a distance.
Source: Hippopx
Madonna della Rocca
And finally, there's the remote Madonna della Rocca church in Taormina. Perched atop Monte Tauro that overlooks the popular Sicilian town, this place is far from the other grand and opulent churches on this list. In fact, it's so small that you'd sooner think this was a countryside
villa in Sicily, not a place of worship. Its simplicity and provincial charm are far from the extravagance that the other Sicilian churches are known for and it's precisely why it's so captivating. That and the incredible views from up here too. The scenery you'll get to see from Monte Tauro is nothing short of breathtaking!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Arnoldius
Do you what some of the most picturesque and Instagram-worthy spots in Sicily are? The beautiful churches. They're historic, opulent, and just so stunning! Just seeing one of them in person will give you goosebumps!
