Sicily is just off the ‘toe’ of Italy’s boot and is full of culture, gastronomical experiences and hidden gems. The magnificent landscapes will leave you mesmerised and the cultivated fresh food will have you wanting more.
Starting with Augusta located on the sea on the Ionian coast between the cities of Catania and Syracuse and is a very populated town and with its 34,000 inhabitants is second only to the provincial capital, founded in 1232 by Frederick II, who gave it its name and called it Augusta Veneranda. . The city is one of the main harbours in Italy, especially for oil refineries, commercial harbour, NATO Jetty and an Italian Navy Base.
It has its old town on an island connected to the mainland by two bridges (PONTE FEDERICO)
The Spanish Gate known as PORTA SPAGNOLA dating back to the original construction of the city and the most recent viaduct Frederick II of Swabia.
One of the most important attraction is CASTELLO SVEVO which a Swabian castle that means a Defence Castle, the defensive structure wanted by Frederick II of Swabia as a symbol of his rule over the city.
It is an imposing 13th-century Swabian Norman fortress, which stands with all its bulk on the north end of the island of Augusta. The medieval fortification probably began construction in 1232, and would be built on a pre-existing lookout tower from the Norman era. The construction of the castle, on the small peninsula called Terra vecchia, was commissioned by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia and entrusted to Riccardo da Lentini. The works ended in 1242. The construction of the castle was part of a project that aimed to make the territory controlled militarily. The Swabian castle of Augusta, joining the fortresses of Catania and Syracuse, extended dominion and widespread control over a wider territory. It was then occupied by the Angevins and the Aragonese.
Unfortunately it is closed for Public but one can go around it via the Public Garden (Giardini Pubblici Augusta)
Going to Sicily by car/taxi –
VIRTU FERRIES is the leading operator in Malta, making regular connections between Catania and Pozzallo on Sicily, and Valletta, the historically rich Maltese capital.
The business is owned by Virtu Holdings, a conglomerate of shipping companies which was established in 1945, incorporating Virtu Ferries in 1988. Shortly after World War II, the parent company was responsible for clearing Maltese harbours of sunken vessels and derelict ships; today, Virtu Ferries specialises in fast and reliable links between Sicilian cities and Malta, with the shortest available route lasting an hour and forty five minutes.
Here is one of the High Speed Craft (HSC) or catamaran , latest of the fleet – SAINT JOHN PAUL II leaving Pozzallo, Sicily back to 25th June, 2024 –
Virtu Ferries – www.virtuferries.com which they appreciate our Maritime Work are our SPONSORS too for a lifetime.