Between Catania and Syracuse, overlooking the Ionian Sea, the Isle of Palms is connected to the mainland by two bridges, two bridges that connect the modern part of the city of Augusta with its historic centre.
Here in Province of Syracuse, live about 34.600 inhabitants, while the palms which once grew everywhere on the island, are today visible only at the public gardens of the city. But what are the other attractions of this land completely surrounded by the sea? And above all, this is anatural island or we could call it one of the most ancient artificial islands in the world?
The history of the Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms has an area of approximately 1,23 square km and as we have already mentioned, it is connected to the mainland by two bridges and it is densely inhabited, but this has not always been the reality of the island... This, in fact, only became a real island in the XNUMXth century, when the isthmus that connected it to the mainland was cut. In fact, to protect the ancient village of Augusta Veneranda from the incursions of the Ottomans, it was necessary to isolate the center of the village from the mainland, also building several forts to lock down the center founded in the thirteenth century by Frederick II of Swabia.
What to see on the island
If once the island was populated mainly by palm trees, today this is no longer the case and those who wish to see theancient symbol of Augsburg, will have to reach i public gardens; from here, it will be easy to visit the rest of the island, which can be accessed from Spanish Gate to the North, built by the viceroy of Sicily in the XNUMXth century.
Immediately afterwards, you can stop at the Castello Svevo, built in the thirteenth century, to then reach the Tourist port along the east coast of the island; this is the historic center of Augsburg, which welcomes you with the glories of the past, but also with the best of the modern world, in fact in the center you will find the most popular restaurants in the city, with bars and pastry shops, to also discover the great Sicilian gastronomic tradition and all the flavor of the most fresh. The Isle of Palms also offers its visitors cultural attractions such as the Fortress Museum, located in Piazza Duomo, among the ancient buildings of the center and a few meters away from the Mother Church of Augusta, Duomo, entitled to Santa Maria Assunta.
Continuing south from Paradise waterfront, who wants to complete the tour of the Isle of Palms, can reach the Augusta Navy Base, also discovering delicious restaurants here.
Traditions, events and food on the Isle of Palms
Piazza Duomo used to come called Piazza Gelida, because it took place on ice market, while the city has always been linked to petrochemical center in Syracuse which supports the local industry, but today Augusta lives also and above all thanks to tourism: the city, with its historic center and attractions such as the Ships Cemetery in Contrada Costa Pisoni, attracts many visitors every year, who also love the natural beauty of the surroundings, such as the Landlord of the Turks and the view from Santa Croce Lighthouse.
To organize a holiday in Augsburg, you can choose the hot summer months, taking advantage of the beautiful beaches of eastern Sicily, or choose a spring date, such as that of Patron Saint in honour of Dominic of Guzman, on May 24th. On this occasion, on May 23rd and 24th, in Augusta you will find both the Procession and the Fair. While, in the month of September you can spend the last days of your holiday in the name of taste with the Feast of Taste which is organized at the public gardens of Augusta.
When you will be in Augusta, in the many clubs of the Isle of Palms, taste the best traditional dishes, such as arancini and murata meat, mussels au gratin, sardines a beccafico and swordfish rolls, Sicilian cannoli and almond paste, without forgetting that there are excellent pizzerias on the island.
How to get to the Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms is connected to the rest of the city of Augusta by Rivellino bridge and the War Memorial is also visible on the bridge. For those who want to reach the historic center of the city, it is easy to arrive by car, even from the mainland.
Augusta, in the province of Syracuse, can be reached by car or train. With the'auto, you can take the A18 Messina-Catania, the Catania-Siracusa or the State Road 114 and then the Provincial 57, while on the train you can easily get off at Syracuse station, which is 18 km from the city, and then continue by bus or shuttle to the centre.
Are you ready to fall in love with the Isle of Palms?
© Image by Andrew Savi, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
