Category: Architecture

  • The Basilica Of The Black Madonna del Tindari, Sicily

    Ciao from Sicily! I’ve always had mixed feelings about the design of this basilica for the Black Madonna of Tindari, a most sacred place for those of us who are devotees of the dark mother/goddess archetype. Today, though, was different. Maybe because of this moment in my life when I’ve been strongly devoted to my…

  • Practice Noticing And Be Inspired In Sicily

    The remains of the ancient church and cript of San Marciano (Chiesa e Cripta di San Marciano), Siracusa offer you, the curious traveler, a reminder of the elegance you may find when simply looking up. When you travel with me, Allison Scola of Experience Sicily, as your tour leader, I recommend that you open your…

  • Walk Through Ancient Temples In Sicily

    Selinunte is one of the few archeological sites where you can still walk inside the temples.

  • 52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #50. Inspired, Creative Accommodations

    Over the last ten years, Sicily’s tourism industry has matured and grown, and the amount and diversity of accommodations available to tourists is abundant. In a city like Ragusa, for example, right here in the old town of Ragusa Ibla, there exists everything from Locanda Don Serafino, an historic hotel with luxurious rooms furnished inside…

  • 52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #46. There’s Always Something Begging to be Discovered

    Considered by many to be the “Sistine Chaple of Sicily,” the Chiesa di San Domenico in Castelvetrano in western Sicily is an unspoiled spectacle. Originally built in the 1470s, artist Antonio Ferraro da Giuliana and his sons spent three years from 1577-1580 creating the stucco scene above the altar titled “Albero di Jesse,” or the…

  • 52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #43. Historic Opulent Villas

    Goethe visited Villa Palagonia in 1787 and noted that it was remarkably unique, commenting that the statues were a menagerie of egos. Indeed, each statue seems to hold its own story or perhaps represents a caricature of someone you may know. You’ll have to visit to see for yourself.  

  • 52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #35. Amazing Architecture

    What exactly is it? Built in 1905, Stand Florio was constructed for the industrious Florio family as a daytime seaside resort for their friends and associates – – members of Palermo’s nouveau riche elite. On its grounds they played soccer/football and water sports and socialized. The complex was designed by Palermo architect Ernesto Basile, who…

  • 52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #34. Rock A Kasbah

    So, even while in Sicily, you can get lost within such a labyrinth and find hidden family-run restaurants and happen upon families communicating through open windows and curtain-ed doorways. There’s also some pretty neat street art and ceramic tiles adorning the seeming fortification. Consider visiting Mazara del Vallo as “an adventure within an adventure.” And…