Sicily is the island at the very tip of the Italian boot, seemingly forever being kicked toward Africa. Culturally it's a bridge across continents, once considered part of Greece as "Magna Grecia", then part of the Roman Empire until it was conquered by the Arabs. A thousand years ago the Arab empire had to retreat in the face of Norman expansion, the Norse Men seeking their fortunes among the fragments of the old Roman Empire. Later it was hostage to the Spaniards and to the Austrians, until, during the very end of the 19th century it became part of the newly formed Italian nation.
Each wave of different rulers has brought different cultures, making Sicily a rich and vibrant place to visit, with fabulous architecture, cuisine and traditions.
