Medieval church ruins in Aidone, Sicily by Silva Wischeropp

This photographic image was taken in the afternoon hours of 16 April 2013 during my Easter trip to the magical, enchanting island of Sicily in southern Italy.
Aidone was built in the 11th century on a ridge of the Aegean Mountains above a former Saracen settlement of Aidone. Also called the "balcony of Sicily" because of its location at a lofty height, Aidone offers wonderfully clear air and a fantastic panorama in all directions: from Mount Etna to the Nebrodi Mountains, from the plain of Catania to the Ionian Sea and as far as Syracuse. Near Aidone is the impressive archaeological site of Morgantina. Significant remains of the Hellenistic city have been brought to light: various public buildings, mostly grouped around the Agorà, the Prytaneion (where the sacred fire burned and sacrifices were offered), the Ecclesiasterion (where public meetings were held), the two-winged "Sanctuary of the Agorà", the public granary, the "Great Kiln", the theatre, the slaughterhouse from Roman times, and richly decorated private houses with mosaic floors and wall frescoes. The numerous finds from the excavations are on display in the Aidone Museum, including the famous silver pieces from the 3rd century BC that were exhibited for years in New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and have now returned to Sicily.

Around Aidone, nature seems to excel in very special diversity: Dense forests, green hills, golden valleys, fertile plains and watercourses give the landscape incomparable colours and fragrances. The small village with ancient origins is located in one of the most interesting areas in central Sicily, both from a natural and cultural point of view, as it is home to old, well-preserved farms, as well as several medieval jewels and churches.