24 Interesting, Helpful and Fun Facts About Sicily in Italy

24 Interesting, Helpful and Fun Facts About Sicily in Italy

So, is la dolce vita - the sweet life – applicable to Sicily?

Watch this video, which shows 24 interesting, helpful and fun facts about Sicily in Italy, to find out.

Sicily is the largest island of the Mediterranean Sea.

Check out the 24 interesting, helpful and fun facts about Sicily in Italy, as follows:

#1. Geography.

The area of the island is about 26,000 square kilometres.

#2. National Parks.

The National Park of Sicily is Nebrodi.

#3. A Brief History of Sicily.

Sicily was very much an independent nation for nearly 750 years until..... March 17th 1861, when the Kingdom of Italy was declared.

#4. The Economy.

Sicily has a predominantly agricultural economy with a high unemployment rate.

#5. The Provinces of Sicily.

There are 9 provinces, with each one having its capital with the same name as the province.

#6. The Population.

Sicily has about 5 million inhabitants.

#7. The Capital City of Sicily.

Palermo is the capital city.

#8. The Language.

Sicilian is the local language.... the official language is Italian.

#9. Sicily’s Name and its People.

The old Greek name of Sicily was Trinacria, which means 3 headlands or capes.

Its people are called Sicilian (in English), and Siciliano and Siciliana (in Italian).

#10. Mountain Ranges.

Sicily is home to Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe.

#11. The Climate.

Sicily has a Mediterranean climate.

#12. The Coastline.

There are 3 different seas lapping the shores of Sicily:

(1) the Ionian sea;
(2) the Mediterranean sea; and
(3) the Tyrrhenian sea.

#13. Airports.

Palermo and Catania are the main international airports of Sicily.

#14. There are 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sicily.

#15. The Sonnet Originates from Sicily.

It was invented in Sicily by Giacomo da Lentini, during the 13th century.

#16. The Mythological Monsters of the Strait of Messina.

Two mythical monsters, Scylla and Charybdis, sat on each side of the channel, preying on passing sailors.

#17. Sicily has the Largest Opera House in Italy.

The Teatro Massimo is situated in Palermo.

#18. The Mafia.

The first Mafia in Italy emerged in Sicily in the 19th century.

#19. Malta Was Part of the Kingdom of Sicily for 700 Years.

......until the early 1800s when it became part of the British Empire.

#20. Places to See.

(1) The Ancient City of Siracusa.
(2) Palermo Has Its Roots in Lebanon.
(3) The Black Death Started in Messina.
(4) Catania Has Been Buried by Mount Etna 17 Times and Bombed 87 Times!
(5) Palermo was an Islamic City.

#21. The Greek Influence.

Sicily was home to the Greek civilization in ancient times, so there are lots of Greek ruins all over the island.

#22. People, Music and the Arts.

Well-known people born in, or with a family connection to Sicily, include:

(1) The famous mathematician Archimedes.

(2) A famous Italian novel.

Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa wrote the famous novel, The Leopard.

(3) Domenico Dolce, one half of Dolce and Gabbana.

(4) Musician and composer Vincenzo Bellini.

#23. The Food.

(1) Ice-cream For Breakfast!

(2) Sicilian Pizza is Different.

Known as sfincione (which means ‘sponge’).

(3) Cannoli Hails From Sicily.

(4) Seriously Strong Coffee.

Coffee culture is engrained.

(5) Sicilians Go Nuts for Pistachios.

(6) Other Local Delicacies Include:

(a) Arancini, which are deep-fried rice balls; and
(b) Panelle, which are crispy squares of deep-fried chickpeas.

#24. The Wine.

Sicily is the 4th largest wine producer of Italy, known for its Marsala wines.

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24 Interesting, Helpful and Fun Facts About Sicily in Italy

[ExpatEssentialsForItaly]

Most people outside of Sicily and Italy don't appreciate the differences between the two, and that doesn't become apparent until you talk with a Sicilian. Which of these 24 interesting, helpful and fun facts about Sicily emphasises that point for you? Please leave a comment below, and thanks for watching the video.

[BakkerfeelingAdventures]

It's the football waiting to be kicked by the food, i like that expression. But also interesting to learn that the Sicilians are set aside from Italy as they would say themselves. The differences in geography, politics and such for example. And of course the nature is stunning as always. But that is always my favourite thing.

[alexchanneltravel]

Sicily very cool place to visit !! hope one day i will visit me to :)

[TheBigDaddyDReviews]

Welcome back Jeff, nice seeing you again over at Herman's Facebook page. I had no idea there were so many differences between Scilly and Italy, so this was a very educational piece, as well as a great travel vlog!

[MetaMM]

I enjoyed that very much. Saving it to my Playlist. Been to all the Provinces except one. What about Erice? And Taormina?? Two places I loved and enjoyed. This is a great format and content indeed.

[LiliansGardens]

I know the sicilians are a specific group of italians. . but I did't know the real history thanks for this interesting historical piece. I recall the Godfather. Seven yeaars that is harsh. No wonder the y all ran to the us.haha. I would like to visit Sicily briefly this is a brilliant expose. Thanks for sharing.L5