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VPG-DVD-191 - SICILY Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and the most diverse region in Italy, a land of gods and natural forces and a place of ancient cultures. Catania in the north east of the island is Sicily's second largest city that has been strongly influenced by earthquakes and also the volcanic activity of Mount Etna. It is believed that Greek settlers from Chalkidi founded it and some centuries later it was conquered by the Romans, and later the Arabs brought the city a new wave of prosperity. Noto is a charming town with around twenty thousand inhabitants and it is one of the most beautiful enclosed Baroque towns in Sicily. However, many of Noto's historic buildings have been neglected for many years and are thus in somewhat less than perfect condition. The Catedrale Di San Nicolò also fell into disrepair as a result of continued neglect and this caused both its dome and part of its roof to collapse in 1996. A proud and mighty volcano rises above eastern Sicily. Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Europe, is the undisputed ruler of this fascinating Mediterranean island. The snow on the summit region of Etna obscures the fact that deep within the volcano is an unimaginable natural furnace with a temperature of around a thousand degrees Celsius. Marsala was given its name by the Arabs who called it 'Marsal-Allah', 'God's Harbour'. The monumental city gate is a reminder of the landing of Giuseppe Garibaldis on the 8th of March, 1860. In the mountain area close to Palermo, another wonderful city featured on our journey, is the picturesque town of Monreale, a townscape that for more than eight hundred years has been dominated by a single building. Monreale Cathedral was built due to a struggle for power between the Bishop Of Palermo and the Norman King, William. Sicily is exquisite. An ancient island of both discovery and pleasure.
Vista Point SICILY Italy
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 198 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m31s
Views: 27  | Comments: 0
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OTT-DVD-117 - On Tour...  CIRCUMETNEA RAILROAD SICILIA Mount Etna's "VolcaFERROVIA CIRCUMETNEA Catania is the end of the line for a small railroad that encircles Mount Etna, the Ferrovia Circumetnea. In the heart of Catania various remnants that date back to Roman times indicate the glorious past of the second largest city in Sicily although its origins are far older. The journey around Mount Etna begins in the small and unspectacular station of the privately owned Ferrovia Circumetnea narrow gauge railway. The railroad once travelled to Catania's harbour and today the line ends in the middle of the city. However, the simplicity of this railroad belies the fact that a journey along it is an absolute must! A couple of kilometres outside Catania there are vast fertile fields. In the background is the mighty and over three thousand metre high Mount Etna, one of the most active and famous volcanoes in the world. The history of the railroad around Mount Etna began at the end of the nineteenth century when it was important that Sicily's remote cities had ready access to the seaport of Catania.. The journey on the Ferrovia Circumetnea travels through some exceptionally beautiful scenery that contains a number of picturesque farms. The land owes its fertility to Mount Etna as, despite its destructive force, the fertile volcanic ground is ideal for agriculture. Large quantities of carbon dioxide are constantly emitted from Etna's crater. However, the crater's white smoke is normally quite harmless. Even though the volcano is active throughout the year eruptions are still relatively rare and the last large eruption was in 2002. Just like a good wine a ride on the Ferrovia Circumetnea improves with age. This must be the most atmospheric way in which to discover the remarkable Mount Etna!
On Tour... CIRCUMETNEA...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 198 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m33s
Views: 15  | Comments: 0
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7DY-DVD-136 - Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and is the most diverse region in Italy,   a land of gods and natural forces and a place of ancient cultures.  Throughout the history of Sicily there have been many battles, rulers, cultures and religions.  Prior to Roman rule both the Greeks and the Carthagians fought against each other.  Later came the Arabs and the Normans.  Catania is Sicily's second largest city and has been strongly influenced by earthquakes and also the volcanic activity of Mount Etna.  Therefore only a few historical remnants have survived.  However, after each disaster the city was rebuilt and the result is a Baroque city dominated by fascinating sights full of character and charm.  A devastating earthquake in 1693 destroyed the original town of Noto and left it in ruins.  Construction of the new town took almost a hundred years until at end of the eighteenth century most of its buildings had been rebuilt.  In addition to the geometrical design of its streets the remarkable architectural harmony of the town has been created by much use of ochre-coloured sandstone.  The privately-owned train, the Ferrovia Circumetnea, travels around Mount Etna from Catania to Riposto.  A couple of kilometres outside Catania there are vast fertile fields.  In the background is the mighty and over three thousand metre high Mount Etna, one of the most active and famous volcanoes in the world.  Taormina is situated on a rock high above the Ionic Sea.  The Teatro Greco was built out of the stone of Monte Tauro in the third century A.D. and five hundred years later it was enlarged by the Romans for gladiatorial battle.  The old town ended at Porta Messina whose medieval palaces and villas have been preserved right up until the present day.  A few kilometres from Palermo and set within a beautiful bay is Mondello sheltered by the slopes of Monte Pellegrino that contains a grotto, an altar and a pilgrims church, the Santuario Di Santa Rosalia.  Here this fascinating journey comes to an end.  Sicily is exquisite, an ancient island of both discovery and pleasure.
7 Days SICILIA Italy
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 198 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m41s
Views: 20  | Comments: 0
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