Montalbano Elicona, Messina, Sicily, Italy

© Antonino Bartuccio/SOPA Collection/Offset by Shutterstoc

In Sicily, history is everywhere

Today we're in Montalbano Elicona on the island of Sicily. It's known for the very old castle at the crest of the hill, as well as the medieval village below. It's no wonder that Montalbano Elicona has been called one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. The castle itself is believed to have been built in the 13th century by medieval power broker Frederick II of Swabia. He wore many hats, including King of Sicily, Holy Roman Emperor, and - as far-fetched as it sounds - the King of Jerusalem, a title he claimed after conquering that city during the Sixth Crusade. The castle was originally designed as a fortress, but it also served as a summer residence for Frederick and other rulers who followed him.

Other historical sites include the Church of St Catherine, known for its Romanesque portal built in the 14th century, its mix of Catalan and renaissance architecture, marble statues of St Catherine and St Nicholas Bishop and a representation of the Last Supper by artist Guido Reni. At the nearby Argimusco plateau, an array of large oblong stones, including one which is said to resemble an eagle, has long prompted speculation that they were placed there by a prehistoric island culture. However, scientists now believe that these so-called megaliths of Argimusco, sometimes referred to as the Stonehenge of Sicily, are actually of natural origin, and the unique boulder shapes are simply the result of centuries of wind erosion.