Culture, History & Heritage

Nestled in the heart of Puglia's rolling countryside, trulli houses stand as one of Italy's most extraordinary architectural marvels. These distinctive cone-shaped limestone dwellings, with their mystical whitewashed walls and grey stone roofs, have captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. From their humble beginnings as peasant dwellings to their current status as UNESCO World Heritage sites and luxury holiday retreats, trulli houses represent a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and Mediterranean charm.

When visiting Sicily, you'll encounter one of the Mediterranean's most distinctive and historically significant flags. The Sicilian flag, with its striking trinacria symbol and bold red and yellow colours, tells the story of an island that has stood at the crossroads of civilisation for millennia. From ancient Greek coins to modern football stadiums, this remarkable emblem continues to represent Sicily's unique identity, fierce independence, and cultural pride. Understanding the Sicilian flag enriches any visit to this extraordinary island, revealing layers of meaning that connect ancient mythology with modern regional identity. Whether you spot it flying from government buildings in Palermo or adorning local products in bustling markets, the flag serves as a constant reminder of Sicily's complex and fascinating history.

Buon Natale! Christmas in Italy offers an enchanting blend of ancient traditions, sumptuous feasts, and heartwarming family celebrations that differ beautifully from holiday customs elsewhere. From the mystical arrival of La Befana to the legendary Feast of Seven Fishes, Italian Christmas traditions create unforgettable memories steeped in centuries of culture and Catholic heritage.

"Montalbano sugnu!" So the famous fictional Sicilian detective announces his presence as he calls at the homes of suspects, witnesses and friends. In his perennial quest for whodunit, Inspector Montalbano's manner and his glorious sun-soaked baroque environs couldn't be more different from the dark and damp Danish crime dramas that compete for TV audiences. Adapted from the best-selling books by Sicilian author Andrea Camilleri, the TV series of Inspector Montalbano is set in and around the fictional town of Vigata, which was originally based on the Camilleri's home town of Porto Empedocle a few kilometres west of Agrigento. However, when RAI, Italy's state broadcaster, decided to transform the books into a hugely successful TV series, the great Inspector was seconded to the more picturesque area of Ragusa in southeast Sicily.

Join us on a tour of some of our favourite Sicilian castles and learn more about the ancient Sicilian architecture that bears testament to its glorious past.

The Pizzica dance is a staple of Puglian tradition and is an activity not to be missed on your visit. Here's more about this authentic dance, and where you can find it.

Liberty style, or Art Nouveau design, takes on a whole new aesthetic on Sicily's historic buildings. Read more on the rise of Liberty style in the city of Palermo.