The Trinacria & How Sicily was Born

"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." Roald Dahl

One the most of popular questions that I get asked when we are in Sicily is "What is the meaning behind the emblem of the Sicilian Flag called the Trinacria?" Especially by British tourists as it is very similar to the three legged emblem of the Isle of Man which is a British island situated in the Irish Sea known for its rugged coastline, medieval castles with rural landscapes and a mountainous centre, not too dissimilar to Sicily, but that is where the connection end.

The "Sicilu" in the east of Sicily and the "Sicani" in the west of Sicily, were the first inhabitants of the island which was originally named "Sicania".

The first invaders, the ancient Greeks, after circumnavigating Sicily called it Thrinakia, meaning "island of the three capes", meaning in Greek treis (three) and akra (cape).

Dante, in his eighth Canto of the Paradise of the Divine Comedy, wrote three triplets describing "the beautiful Trinacria".

As always on the island there are many myths and legends that surround the birth of Sicily.

The Triskelion, which the islands emblem is made up from, tells us that Sicily may have arisen with thanks to three nymphs from Greek mythology. (The Triskelion is an ancient symbol and its name comes from the Greek word Triskeles, meaning three legs).

According to legend three beautiful nymphs roamed the world taking the best things from each place they visited. They all halted in an area characterized by an exceptionally bright clear sky and a sea so intensely blue. The three danced together to celebrate and felt happy and fulfilled that they had found a place of such unparalleled beauty, each of them threw themselves into the sparkling sea and their happiness gave rise to three capes. Then shone a bright rainbow and a rich land emerged from the sea with all the wonders of the world united by the three nymphs in one place. Thus was born the beautiful Sicily, the island of three capes.

The Trinacria, the emblem of Sicily, is a Greek mythological figure with the head of Medusa, whose hair is entwined with serpents and the figure has three legs that bend at the knee. Later on the Romans changed the heads of the snakes into the ears of corn because the island at this time was superior in the production of wheat and was known as the breadbasket of Rome.The Romans stamped the Trinacria onto coins and the symbol became famous around the ancient world. It is thought that Medusa was chosen by the Greeks as a talisman to protect the island from evil.

The three bent legs allegedly represent the three points of the triangular shape of the island and its three capes and the Trinacria has been adopted by the modern Sicilian government and appears at the centre of Sicily's regional flag. The present design became the official flag on 4th January 2000 after the passing of a law which advocates its use on public buildings, schools, city halls and all other places in which Sicily is represented.The flag was first created in 1282, after the successful Sicilian War of the Vespers which was a revolt against King Charles of Sicily.

The flag is bisected diagonally into regions coloured red and yellow, red representing the municipality of Palermo and yellow representing the town of Corleone which in medieval times was a thriving agricultural city.

Aside from seeing the Trinacria on the Sicilian flag you will see ceramic objects across the island that have been moulded in clay then either left unglazed and unpainted or they have been decorated with bright coloured paints. These beautiful pieces of art are used to adorn houses and buildings. The most beautiful come from the town of Caltagirone which is known as the city of ceramics. They can make a perfect souvenir as a memory of your trip to Sicily.

You will also find the image on items such as Sicilian wine labels and logos for businesses.

Many Sicilians have had the symbol designed into a tattoo to show their Sicilian pride, believe me I have been shown quite a few.

But what about the three capes that gave birth to Sicily?

Capo Peloro a Nord
(Cape Peloro in the North)

As the ancient Pelorus, Punta del Faro, as it is now known, is one of the most celebrated promontories of Sicily and is one of the narrowest parts of the Sicilian straits to the mainland. It was once an important naval station and a commanding passage for the straits in ancient and medieval times.

Faro point is situated in the province of Messina just north east of the city.

Here you can embark on an unusual challenge. There is a disused pylon where you can take the 1250 steps to the top. The tower is 232 meters high (the Eiffel Tower is 324) and up until 1993 together with its twin tower on the Calabrian coast was used to transmit electricity. It is possible to visit it and experience breath taking views. You are in the far north east of Sicily, the Tyrrhenian Sea on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other. The tower is not always open to the public and you must apply to the municipality of Messina to book your visit.

Messina is a beautiful city to visit. In 1908 the city was levelled by a disastrous earthquake and tidal wave, however some parts of the older city survived. Monuments are concentrated around the magnificent harbour, including the Norman catherdral with its original portals and sculptures, a 15th century fountain in Piazza Duomo and a clock tower whose mechanized figures come to life each day at noon.

Other places to visit in this corner of Sicily are the Nebrodi Mountains, Tindari which is home to the sanctuary of the Black Madonna, Milazzo which is the gateway to the Aeolian Islands and of course the beautiful town of Taormina.

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Capo Passero a Sud
(Cape Passero in the South)

In the extreme south of Sicily is Capo Passero, where the Ionian Sea meets the Mediterranean Sea. It gives it name to the island of Capo Passero that, although privately owned, houses the sixteenth century fortress of Charles V. Just opposite the island lies the seaside village of Portopalo, a charming village where time seems to stand still.

At Portopalo a race between boats called "The Palio of the Sea" or in Sicilian dialect "Cussa de Vacchi" takes place. It is a seafaring event which during the Feste of San Gaetano on the 7th August, involves all the regions in a race of challenges over three days. When in Portopalo do not miss the lively fish market. Also worth a visit is the nearby island of Isola delle Correnti (Island of Currents) a favourite destination for the most daring of surfers in search of the perfect wave.

Three kilometres to the north visit Marzamemi, known as the prettiest fishing village in Sicily, with its historic Tonnara (ancient tuna factory) which is now a popular venue for weddings and events . Also its fishermen's houses that date back to the 1600's, most of which have been restored into tempting seafood restaurants. In the evening Marzamemi oozes a chilled out relaxed Ibizan vibe.

Other places to visit in this corner of Sicily are the Baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa, Modica and Scicli. There are many tempting stretches of sandy beaches in this area and not to be missed is the Vendicari Nature Reserve which boasts graceful pink flamingos.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Capo Lilibeo o Capo Boeo as Ovest
(Cape Lilibeo, also known as Capo Boeo, in the West)

In the west Cape Lilibeo, in the region of Marsala, closes the triad of the capes. Lilibeo was an ancient city that was well known during the time of the Phoenicians and with the Romans thereafter. As a strategic outpost of Carthage, it became the most important urban centre of western Sicily under the Roman Empire.

Following the conquest by the Arabs, its name became Mars-el-Allah, meaning "Port of God".

The modern city of Marsala stands just above an ancient necropolis, built on early Christian catacombs where many mosaics and paintings have been found during excavations in the area. Going around Marsala is a bit like being in Rome, where ancient history and modern history alternate and sometimes overlap.

The town is best known as the landing point for Garibaldi's Redshirts and for the wine that borrowed its name. The city survived successive invasions but came into its own in the 18th century when the Marsala wine trade was born. It is now a sunbaked seaside town.

Other places to visit in this corner of Sicily are Trapani with its salt flats, Erice for its Arabic influence, ancient Motya, the archaeological ruins at Segesta, the tiny volcanic island of Pantelleria and the stunning Egadi Islands.

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Now think for a moment ...

How many times have you wished to lie in the sun on a beautiful beach, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and crystal clear waters? How many times have you been looking for a destination that apart from the sea offers also art, tradition, archaeology, nature and fun? Maybe you have imagined this place with plenty of culinary delights and delicious volcanic wines to combine with discovering and tasting. Well this wonderful place does exist in the heart of the Mediterranean.

It is Sicily ..... the island of three capes born out of the happiness of the three nymphs who gave birth to it.

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