Ancient towns and traditions Sicily

The Sicilian hinterland, the real kernel of the island, is little known. We meet the local artisans and producers pressing to keep its age-old heritage alive

Italy attracts thousands of tourists worldwide every year with its sprawling olive groves, verdant vineyards and rugged, sun-bleached beaches. But it’s the ancient, medieval villages, tucked away in the hinterland, that provide a fast-track to the country’s soul. It’s here, visitors can wander shadowy alleys up to ruined Arab castles, kick back on a piazza with a morning espresso and join locals for an aperitivo as the sun sinks and the sound of the campanile tolls.

Now, with help from companies such as ITS ITALY, these quaint, medieval hill towns are being regenerated through a number of new initiatives. In this new and exclusive series of specials, ITS ITALY will take us on a journey across the country, from South to North, to explore a range of their villages and meet the local communities pressing to keep age-old traditions alive, starting in the colourful island of Sicily.