In Sicily, “fairytales” about knights and ladies and kings and queens are not fiction. Throughout the island exists displays of centuries of royalty. In fact, you’ll find castles seemingly on every hilltop with a view! Perhaps the most particular evidence of majesty is illustrated by the crown of Constance of Aragon (1179-1222), who was the wife of stupor mondi Frederick II and regent of Sicily from 1212-1220.

Housed in the treasury of Palermo’s Cathedral, this work of art was created between 1220 and 1222. It was designed in Palermo in a Byzantine-Arab style and composed of gold, precious gems, semi-precious stones, pearls, filigree, glazes, and silver. According to scholar Jacqueline Alio, the Holy Roman Empress was interred wearing the crown. “It has been suggested that this was actually Frederick’s crown that he wished his late consort to wear in death.”

*Sigh* How enchanting! If there is such a character as “Emperor Charming,” Frederick II was it.