I’m on a journey to seek and share joy. Amunì! Let’s go! A photo from May 2019, when I celebrated a joyful day in Selinunte (Photo Credit: Nicholas Gagliano of Studio Uno Photography)
Category: Architecture
The Small Domes of Palermo Cathedral
The cupoline, or little domes, of Palermo’s Cathedral were added during a late 18th century renovation. Majolica tiles decorate them.
Borgo Parrini, A Slice Of Barcelona In Sicily
This summer Sicilians have been discovering Sicily in their effort to stay safe and close to home. With that in mind, many are enjoying the eclectic creativity of Borgo Parrini, a tiny neighborhood of the town of Partinico, which you’ll find a few miles west of Palermo. Originally developed in the 16th century by the…
Symbols Are Everywhere In Sicily
Pomegranates and grapes are carved into the detail work of the Duomo of Cefalù. Both are coming into season now. Both represent fertility and abundance.
The Faces Of Power In Ragusa
The faces decorating Ragusa’s Palazzo Bertini send a message. The palace, built in the late 18th century in the style of the Late Sicilian Baroque, sits on the road marking the dividing line between the old, aristocratic Ragusa Ibla and the new, up-and-coming city of Ragusa–in other words, the line between old money and new….
Ancient Roman Barbecue In Sicily
This mosaic scene from the Roman Villa del Casale at Piazza Armerina features hunters at an altar for the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, moon, and childbirth, i.e. the Roman Diana or Greek Artemis. The Roman Villa, a UNESCO site, is better described as an ancient plantation. Scholars believe that the original owner was…
Taormina Mustsee: The Teatro Antico
Taormina is always bewitching. From the charming boutiques and cafes to the fabulous hotels and restaurants, it is the best European-style resort city in Sicily. Please don’t leave Sicily to go to the Amalfi Coast or Capri! Go to Taormina! It’s stunning. The views of Mount Etna will grab your attention along with the beautiful…
Sicily’s Watchtowers
Keep a lookout for these watchtowers that exist all along Sicily’s coastline. From at least the early 14th century through World War II, these watchtowers of all shapes and sizes (and now, conditions) earned their keep. The system was designed so that from one to the next the keepers could communicate with their compatriots what…
Modica, Sicily And Saint Peter And Saint Paul
Today is the feast day of the Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Peter, of course, is the protector of Rome (and popes too). But importantly (For my family especially, since my father is named Peter and I come from a long line of fishermen), he is the patron saint of net-makers, shipbuilders, and fishermen, and…
Up On The Hill In Scicli
The ancient church of Saint Matthew (San Matteo) is perched on a high hill overlooking the entire town of Scicli. Now abondoned, the shell of the building was constructed in the 18th century following the devastating 1693 earthquake on top of the ruins of a Norman church and probably (I’ll venture to guess) other sacred…