Sicily Unpacked

2012•1h 0m

Documentary

TV art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon and Michelin starred chef Giorgio Locatelli take us on a delightful journey around their beloved Sicily. Sharing a passion for all things Sicilian they make the perfect travel partners. We accompany them to the heart of the island as they introduce each other to the things they love most. Exploring the island through each other s eyes and hearts, they reveal how the layers of history have created a unique blend of art and architecture. As well as the pleasures of an intense and vibrant culture, they experience the sadness the island has come through and the strength of the Sicilian people as they rose up and challenged the Mafia. Together they document how the various conquering forces and the rich variety of different heritages have helped to shape both the food and the culture of this beautiful Mediterranean island.

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Language

Status

Ended

First Aired

January 6, 2012

Last Aired

January 20, 2012

Networks

BBC Two

Where to Watch

Region US · Lang EN

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Seasons & Episodes

Select a season to view episodes. Reddit links may contain spoilers.

Season

Palermo

Air date: 2012-01-06

In the first episode, they visit a restaurant in the seaside village of Porto Paolo, where diners are served whatever is on the menu that day, and examine a chapel hidden away in Palermo, before taking the opportunity to explore the capital's markets. They also learn how the Addiopizzo movement is defying the local Mafia, loosening its grip on the island.

Spanish Occupation

Air date: 2012-01-13

In the second part of this fascinating journey through Sicily, Andrew and Giorgio explore the legacy of Spain's 500-year occupation of the island and the influence this has had on art and culture.

Modern Sicily

Air date: 2012-01-20

In the final episode of the series, Andrew and Giorgio take the pulse of contemporary Sicily, experience the change that is sweeping through the island, and find out how the future of it is linked to its ancient past. Over the last 100 years, Sicilians have seen their beautiful island sink under the weight of corruption, recession and the mafia. But today, Sicily is experiencing a renaissance and celebrating a rediscovery of their unique ancient heritage. Andrew and Giorgio visit Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, and explore the rich vegetation of its foothills and the dramatic moonlike craters of its upper slopes. Etna truly is a great beauty with a seductive dark side, just like Sicily. During this journey our presenters will meet the ordinary people really trying to make a difference in Sicily. Ciccio the fisherman who retrieved a statue dating back 2300 years from the sea.