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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
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Added: 115 days ago
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VPG-DVD-194 - PALERMO Once known as the stronghold of the Mafia, Palermo, the capital of Sicily, has gradually improved its image and the joie de vivre of its inhabitants has turned it into one of the most lively cities in Italy. The monumental Palermo Cathedral is located on the edge of the Piazza Cathedrale, throughout the centuries a place for rendezvous, celebrations and justice. Following the city's conquest by the Saracens an ancient cathedral on this site was transformed into a Friday mosque and was later used for Christian ceremonies. When in 1072 the Normans conquered the island they were so captivated by this 'paradise on earth' that they were careful to preserve it. They admired its oriental splendour and Arabian-Norman architecture but when the kings of Aragon attained power the golden age of Palermo came to an end. The Castello Della Zisa is the largest building of Arabian design in Palermo and in former times it was a residence situated within a regal park that was used for the royal sport of hawking. In a mountain area close to Palermo 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 The Second. The Sicilian metropolis of Palermo has been both feared and loved but it most assuredly remains 'a flower within a golden shell'.
Vista Point PALERMO Italy
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 115 days ago
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Runtime: 1m28s
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OTT-DVD-120 - On Tour... VIA DEL SALE Sightseeing Sicily's Salty CoastlineVIA DEL SALE Our journey begins in Marsala along a captivating route that travels the west coast of Sicily, the Via Del Sale or 'Salt Road'. Marsala derived its sonorous name from the Arabs who named it, Marsal Allah, 'God's Harbour'. However, the city's origins do not date back to the Arabs but to the earlier Phoenicians. Marsala became famous throughout the world due to its popular dessert wine of the same name which was developed at the end of the 18th century by an Englishman. Sicily's west coast contains many small and atmospheric fishing harbours where for thousands of years the seafood here has been a vital source of both nourishment and income. The Sicilians and Phoenicians were the first to appreciate the region between Marsala and Trapani and thus transformed each of these towns into a busy centre of trade. The Salines were once of great economic importance as they represented the foundation of wealth for the people of the Trapani region whose unique climate, scenery and geography have created the perfect conditions for the salt that is harvested here. Along the entire route of the Via Del Sale the region's historic windmills rise up proudly from the Salines. In this part of the world a boat trip is an ideal way to experience old canals and salt fields and to gain an overall impression of the production of salt. With their combination of ancient cultivated landscapes, beautiful coastal regions, traditional fishing villages and last but not least the historic cities of Marsala and Trapani, the Via Del Sale still shines out in its importance as one of the most unusual and striking roads in Sicily.
On Tour... VIA DEL SALE...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 115 days ago
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Runtime: 1m22s
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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: 115 days ago
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Runtime: 1m33s
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NPM-DVD-124 - Nature Parks MONTE ETNA Sicily, ItalyA proud and mighty volcano rises above eastern Sicily, Mount Etna. It is the largest volcano in Europe and the undisputed ruler of this fascinating Mediterranean island. Despite the all pervasive presence of this volcano the nearby hills and surroundings of Mount Etna have been inhabited by Man for many thousands of years. The journey to Etna's summit passes through various vegetation and climate zones. Most of the region's rain falls during the colder months as summer time in Sicily is usually extremely hot and dry. At the higher altitudes of Mongibello, as the local people refer to their volcano, there is snow right up until the early summer when, as the temperature begins to rise, the lower slopes are transformed into blossoming and fertile meadows. The snow on the summit region of Etna does not hide the fact that deep inside the volcano is an unimaginable natural furnace. New lava masses begin to pour out that have a temperature of around a thousand degrees Celsius. One thousand nine hundred and twenty-seven metres above sea level is the Rifugio Sapienza, a place where it is possible to take a closer look at the volcano. In recent years it has been expanded to cater for the needs of an increasing number of tourists. It is surprising that this captivating mountain world and its alpine scenery are located in the most southerly region of Italy. However, things here can change at great speed, although it is usually a change in the weather rather than any serious volcanic activity! Mount Etna is unique in Europe not only due to its volcanic activity and scenery but because it combines myth with historical and archaeological fact and is therefore one of the most truly magical places on Earth.
Nature Parks MONTE ETNA...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 115 days ago
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Runtime: 1m33s
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GTR-DVD-1155 - In the mountain area close to Palermo 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 The Second.Architecturally, the cathedral possesses a wonderful harmony of styles including those of Norman, Romanic and Arabian. With the building of the cathedral and the elevation of the city to an archbishopric, William The Second had created a worthy competitor to Palermo Cathedral.The Norman cathedral and its adjacent cloister are two historical jewels that give a special significance to the small town of Monreale and the buildings proudly overlook their former rivals in the Sicilian metropolis of Palermo.Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
Global Treasures MONREALE...
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Added: 115 days ago
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Runtime: 1m25s
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GTR-DVD-1180 - Valle Dei Templi or, The Valley Of Temples, contains the sacred sites and ruins of the ancient city of Akragas, today's Agrigento. Due to the transformation of a number of its temples into Christian churches, the greater part of Sicily's ancient sanctuaries have managed to survive to the present day. The ruins of the Zeus Temple are in stark contrast to the modern high rise settlements of Agrigento that are situated on the opposite side of the valley. The sanctuary is without a doubt one of the largest temples of its kind and was built by Theron in the 5th century B.C. The majestic Concordia Temple dates back to 425 B.C. and is one of the most well-preserved sanctuaries of Ancient Greece. The return to the aesthetic and textual ideals of Classic times could not have found a worthier or more splendid setting than the beautiful Valle Dei Templi. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
Global Treasures THE...
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Added: 115 days ago
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Runtime: 1m18s
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GTR-DVD-1165 - The sea has always been of great importance to the city of Siracusa. Greek colonialists first arrived here by boat and settled in Sicily and thus laid the foundations of the region's future prosperity. The attractive historic centre of the old town is located on the island of Ortygia whose buildings contain almost two thousand seven hundred years of history. When under the dictatorship of the tyrant, Dionysios The First, the town had a population of half a million that even surpassed that of Athens. Following a two year siege in 212 B.C. the Romans succeeded in conquering the metropolis. The Teatro Greco is one of the most beautiful amphitheatres of Ancient Greece and at the beginning of the fifth century dramas and comedies were frequently performed there. It once accommodated up to fifteen thousand spectators. Numerous colourful legends abound of the nearby Ear of Dionysios. The grotto is a wonder of acoustics in which even the most gentle whisper can be heard. Legend has it that the tyrant Dionysios used the phenomenon to eavesdrop on his prisoners. Siracusa is a fascinating and atmospheric place, steeped in history, myth and legend. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments
Global Treasures SYRACUSE...
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Added: 115 days ago
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Runtime: 1m48s
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GTR-DVD-1199 - Proudly and majestically the 'E Temple' that it is believed was originally built in honour of the Greek goddess, Hera, rises up from the meadows of Selinunte. Although rebuilt in recent times, its columns are evocative of Sicily's colourful history. For many centuries little was visible of the once important city of Selinus that is situated on the border of the former Greek Empire. Tall sand dunes once covered the impressive architectural heritage of this coastal city, including the buildings of the eastern temple district. The ancient city was discovered in the sixteenth century by a Sicilian historian but it was not until the 1950's that the Hera Temple was restored. In 409 B.C. the Carthaginians attacked the formerly friendly city of Selinus, although the reason for this remains a mystery. The people of Selinus were unable to defend themselves against the military might of Hannibal thus large areas of the city were completely destroyed. Measuring around two hundred and eighty-four hectares, Selinunte is the largest archaeological excavation site in Europe and who knows how many more treasures may one day be discovered? Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
Global Treasures...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 115 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m25s
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GTR-DVD-1188 - Noto is a charming town with around twenty thousand inhabitants and is one of the most beautiful enclosed Baroque towns in Sicily. However, many of Noto's historic buildings were 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 the dome and part of the roof to collapse in 1996 since when much has been done to repair the church. An indication of the wealth of Noto's former upper classes still exists today and the Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata is one of the town's most prominent buildings. In spite of its wondersul architecture today Noto leaves a rather sleepy and almost unreal impression on its visitors. Yet perhaps it is the romantic atmosphere caused by its slow decay that makes this Baroque Sicilian jewel so intriguing. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
Global Treasures NOTO...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 115 days ago
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Runtime: 1m21s
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GTR-DVD-1204 - On a mountain summit seven hundred and fifty metres above the Mediterranean is Érice, the ancient town of Eryx. The well-fortified walls of its fortress once protected one of the oldest cities in Sicily. According to legend the Trojan, Aeneas, son of Aphrodite, established a town here after fleeing from the Greeks. First the goddess of love, Astrarte, was worshipped here followed by the Greek goddess Aphrodite, and then Venus who was worshipped by the Romans. Thus this location became a kind of 'love mountain' and a popular destination especially with male pilgrims as it no doubt appealed to their more romantic nature. The medieval city centre of Monte San Guiliano, as today's Érice was named by the Normans, has for many centuries remained almost unchanged. From the fortress, the Castello, there are clear views of the Sicilian coastline and Trapani Harbour, and far out across the Mediterranean. Beneath the walls of the fortress, in the 20th century Érice also became known as a research centre for both meteorology and oceanography. Érice is far more than just an historically rich settlement situated on a mountaintop. In the romantic ruins of the fortress above the former Acropolis, the atmosphere of ancient times still lives on. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
Global Treasures ÉRICE...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 115 days ago
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Runtime: 1m36s
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GTR-DVD-1128 - A famous song that features a bridge takes us into the French Provencal town of Avignon. 'Sur Le Pont D'Avignon': thus begins the world famous French song that is familiar with both young and old alike. It is a song of dance on the Pont Saint Énézet Bridge. Internal disputes in addition to power struggles in Rome transformed Avignon into the new seat of the Pontificate. The impressive Popes' Palace dominates the centre of the town. Its exterior resembles a military fortress rather than a religious residence. A coat of arms above the main entrance is reminiscent of the papal court that was founded by Klemens The Sixth. In 1348 he bought Avignon for 80,000 gold ducats from Johanna The First, Queen of Sicily. During his term of office he added a new, more luxurious building to the Old Palace that was constructed between 1334 and 1342. The beauty of the palace manifests itself in the numerous terraces and towers that were used for defensive purposes during the 14th and 15th centuries. Seven successive French popes transformed Avignon into one of the most glamorous medieval courts in Europe. The town's expansion gradually became increasingly more splendid and the pontificate's dependence on French royalty became further entrenched. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
Global Treasures Avignon...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 115 days ago
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Runtime: 1m8s
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