Sicily '25 - STEVEN R. TABOR

Sicily '25

What does it mean for an island to have a "sense of history"?

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, has a rich and layered history shaped by centuries of conquest, trade, and cultural exchange. Its strategic location made it a coveted prize for numerous civilizations, from the ancient Phoenicians and Greeks to the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. The Greek influence, especially during the 5th and 4th centuries BC, left a profound cultural legacy—evident in the ruins of grand temples and theaters in cities like Syracuse and Agrigento. Later, under Arab rule in the 9th to 11th centuries, Sicily became a center of learning and agricultural innovation, introducing crops like citrus and sugarcane. The Norman conquest in the 11th century created a unique fusion of Latin, Byzantine, and Islamic traditions, still visible in Palermo’s architecture.

In May 2025, I had the good fortune to visit Sicily with three friends. Our journey took us through a captivating array of places, including Palermo, Trapani, Isola Favignana, Erice, Aci Trezza, Aci Castello, Catania, Siracusa, Taormina, Cefalù, and Isola delle Femmine. Along the way, I captured a series of photographs showcasing both the people and the stunning scenery. As part of this trip, we spent two days exploring the dramatic coastline known as the Riviera of the Cyclops. With its jagged lava-rock beaches and the looming Norman fortifications, the area exudes an almost otherworldly atmosphere—steeped in myth and history.

To download a photobook of this series, click here.