On the edge of the city
Avola: history, art, culture and good wine.
30 June 2022 - Categorie: Food and wine tourism, Typical Products , The places of the heart Tags:
Avola, known by many for the name given to the wine produced in these parts, is a splendid town located at the foot of the Val di Noto, on the south-eastern coast of Sicily bathed by the Ionian Sea in the province of Syracuse: with a peculiar hexagonal plant, example of baroque perfection, it is a destination not to be missed during your holidays in Sicily. There are numerous experiences you can have within this delightful town and just as many are those nearby: Noto, Marzamemi, Cavagrande del Cassibile, the island of currents, Portopalo di Capo Passero, Vendicari and much more. What about our lush villas with private pools? You will be spoiled for choice!
Avola embodies the souls of three different cities: the ancient Hybla Major founded by the Sicans between the thirteenth and twelfth centuries BC. and then destroyed by the barbarians with the fall of the Roman Empire; the medieval Abola founded by the Normans in the 11th century and destroyed by the earthquake of the Val di Noto in 1693; finally, the one built after the earthquake in the Baroque period with its elegant civil and religious buildings that can still be admired today.
The ancient inhabited center, located on the Iblei Mountains, was precisely destroyed by the earthquake and the city of Avola was rebuilt in a location further downstream, near the coast. For defensive reasons, the urban layout was designed with a hexagonal shape that included a large square in the center as the meeting point of the main streets and still intact today. In this regard, we recommend that you take a detour near Mount Aquilone where you can admire the remains of the Ancient Abola.
The artistic and architectural heritage of Avola will undoubtedly leave you speechless and has nothing to envy to the other 8 baroque cities of the Val di Noto, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the Mother Church, the first to be built after the earthquake, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, the Town Hall, the Old Market and the Garibaldi Theater are certainly worth mentioning.
Avola embodies the souls of three different cities: the ancient Hybla Major founded by the Sicans between the thirteenth and twelfth centuries BC. and then destroyed by the barbarians with the fall of the Roman Empire; the medieval Abola founded by the Normans in the 11th century and destroyed by the earthquake of the Val di Noto in 1693; finally, the one built after the earthquake in the Baroque period with its elegant civil and religious buildings that can still be admired today.
The ancient inhabited center, located on the Iblei Mountains, was precisely destroyed by the earthquake and the city of Avola was rebuilt in a location further downstream, near the coast. For defensive reasons, the urban layout was designed with a hexagonal shape that included a large square in the center as the meeting point of the main streets and still intact today. In this regard, we recommend that you take a detour near Mount Aquilone where you can admire the remains of the Ancient Abola.
The artistic and architectural heritage of Avola will undoubtedly leave you speechless and has nothing to envy to the other 8 baroque cities of the Val di Noto, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the Mother Church, the first to be built after the earthquake, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, the Town Hall, the Old Market and the Garibaldi Theater are certainly worth mentioning.
The city centre
Mother Church
The crystal clear water
Ruins
Garibaldi Theatre - Façade
Garibaldi Theatre - Indoors
And how to forget the Nero d'Avola wine? Its production in large quantities began in the 60s and its high alcohol content, up to 15 °, makes it both an excellent blending wine and a high quality wine suitable for red meats and land appetizers, with its ruby red colour with hints of cherry and plum. After a day wandering among the wonders of the city, you can also relax with a good glass of wine, taste the famous almonds of Avola or go for a dip in the splendid beaches of south-eastern Sicily, the undisputed destination of national and international tourism. Were you looking for a holiday full of relaxation, culture, history, sea, sun, food, fun and good wine? You have just found the perfect solution.
Recommended villas
Villa Sirena: There are few words that can describe what it would be like to spend your holidays in this corner of paradise. Villa Sirena cannot be explained, you have to live it and let yourself be lulled by the caress and the scent of the sea breeze, getting lost in its 12,000 square meters of garden naturally adorned with rocks, palm trees and oleanders. Its silent majesty will inebriate your senses, its natural swimming pool set among the rocks will refresh your skin in the hottest moments, its tennis court will allow you not to lose your passions even when away from home. This luxuriant abode will make you feel like the masters of the world while your gaze is lost in the immensity of the sea. Artemare: Delightful villa with private infinity pool located a few kilometers from Ortigia, on the Maddalena peninsula. With its 280 square meters, it will offer you a breathtaking and uninterrupted view over the bay of Syracuse.This splendid residence divided on two levels, with a modern and lush taste, offers 4 spacious double bedrooms with ensuite bathroom, a large living area with sofas and TV, dining room and equipped kitchen.With direct and private access to the crystalline sea of the Plemmirio Reserve, you will be lulled by its breeze in the splendid outdoor patio while enjoying a good meal or simply a moment of peace on its comfortable sofas.
Villa Morfeo: POV: You are at home after a very long day at work. You still have to cook, iron, clean, and start fantasizing about your summer vacation. You dream of a luxurious villa with a private infinity pool and you see yourself there relaxing under the warm August sun while you are inebriated by the view of the enchanting crystalline sea of the Plemmirio Marine Reserve with your fresh and thirst-quenching aperitif in hand ... why dream ? Villa Morfeo is the place for you! Three double suites with en-suite bathroom and private terrace, 2000 square meters of garden and a breathtaking infinity pool that offers you a view of Syracuse like you've never imagined.
Villa Nica: Villa with a strong and elegant character halfway between the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the tourist-seaside village of Marzamemi. You can cool off in the wonderful private salt-purified swimming pool or relax in the adjacent shaded patio with its comfortable sofas while a few steps away you can reach the famous beach of San Lorenzo, one of the most beautiful in south-eastern Sicily.
Villa Mia: A few steps from the golden sandy beach of San Lorenzo, in the formidable south-eastern Sicily, stands this wonderful villa surrounded by about 2000 square metres of garden full of Mediterranean plants. Ideal for a relaxing holiday, from the largest to the smallest, with its private swimming pool surrounded by the solarium with umbrellas and sun loungers. A quiet glimpse a few kilometres from the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the baroque towns of the Val di Noto.
Il Tuffetto: Il Tuffetto (lit. little dive) is not only the name of the villa but also what you will do in the middle of the south-eastern Sicilian countryside. A small jewel in the Val di Noto surrounded by rosemary, thyme, lavender, sage and other Mediterranean-flavored plants that will awaken your senses. From the terrace and the wonderful private swimming pool, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the countryside and the beautiful Ionian Sea. What are you waiting for? Book your holidays in Sicily in this small earthly paradise.
Papeda: Wonderful villa with a modern and Mediterranean taste with a splendid private swimming pool surrounded by an English lawn. The house is immersed in one hectare of land full of typical trees such as olive and fig trees and enriched by a suggestive citrus grove that will give you the typical scents of south-eastern Sicily. A few kilometers from the wonderful beaches of Vendicari and Eloro, let yourself be enchanted by the typical colors of the Syracuse countryside which, with its thousand shades of green, slopes towards the turquoise of the sea in the background.
Mennula: Fantastic villa immersed in the unrivaled countryside of the Val di Noto, full of colors and scents that will awaken your senses. Rich in many shady corners naturally provided by the olive and almond trees that surround the house, let yourself be lulled by the quiet countryside or dive into the cool swimming pool while enjoying the warm sun of south-eastern Sicily.
Villa Azalo: Just one kilometer from the baroque city par excellence, Noto, this villa is ready to give you unique moments of relaxation and harmony whether you are with family or friends. An authentic jewel that shines undisturbed in the wonderful and typical countryside of south-eastern Sicily, will give you an unprecedented panorama from which you can let yourself be captured while swimming in the wonderful swimming pool or while relaxing in the splendid and shaded gazebo next to the solarium. Perfect destination for your holidays in Sicily in the pursuit of relaxation and the authentic rural beauties of this wonderful glimpse of the island.