Catania’s Piazza del Duomo was one of the city’s grand piazzas built in the early 18th century by architects Giovanni Vaccarini and Stefano Ittar following the devastating Etna eruption of 1669 and earthquake of 1693. Incorporating the black volcanic rock from Etna into the pavement as well as the buildings’ design, the piazza possesses the splendid Baroque style that is unique to Sicily. It makes for a fabulous meeting place and people-watching stage.
Allison Scola is founder, owner, and curator of Experience Sicily and the Cannoli Crawl. Named one of the experts for the 2019 New York Times Travel Show, Scola writes and lectures on Sicily and leads immersive tours and designs custom itineraries that delight discerning travelers. She has been featured on Rudy Maxa’s World with the Carey’s, America’s #1 Travel Radio Show and as the cannoli expert in the documentary Cannoli, Traditions Around the Table. Scola has lectured about Sicily at University of Pennsylvania, The New School, LIU Post University, Queens College, Westchester Italian Cultural Center, at high schools in the New York City metropolitan area, and at events in New York City.
