Category: Art
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Messina’s Clock Tower, Part 2
Inaugurated in 1933, the complex astronomical clock of Messina, which possesses the entire bell tower, is thought to be the largest in the world. (Continued from yesterday…) Part 2: The lower “balcony” sports rotating biblical scenes that change according to the period of the year. This time of year, on display would be the nativity…
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Messina’s Clock Tower, Part 1
When you visit Messina, be sure to be at the cathedral in front of its bell tower at noon sharp. That’s when, daily, the renowned astronomical clock puts on a show. Commissioned in 1930 by the Archbishop of Messina, Angelo Piano, the timepiece consists of a complex mechanism that governs the sound effects and movements…
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Commemorating Messina’s 1908 Earthquake
This calendar (and the astronomical clock on an adjacent wall, not shown) was built in 1933 on the renowned bell tower next to Messina’s Cathedral. The tower was rebuilt after the December 28, 1908 earthquake, from which approximately 75,000 people died in a metropolitan area of 160,000 people. Measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale, the first…
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Mother And Child, Monreale Cathedral
Merry Christmas! Buon Natale! (Madonna and child from Monreale Cathedral, Palermo, Sicily)
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Sicilian Music And Magic
Musica Siciliana online concert Sunday/oggi 3PM (Eastern)/21:00 in Italia. Zoom. Gratis. Access at event at https://experiencesicily.com/sicilian-folk-music-concert/. I’ll be playing a tamburello (tambourine/frame drum) during today’s concert-lecture of traditional Sicilian folk music. Although my drum is from Palermo, it’s not as magical as the one I’m holding in this photo from summer 2019, when our group…
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Ancient And Modern Music-Making In Sicily
Female figure on a stool playing the lyre (4th – 5th century BCE), from the ancient city of Lilibeo (modern Marsala), seen in the Museo Whitacker archeological museum on Mozia Island. Speaking of music-making, join Villa Palagonia duo on Sunday at 3PM (Eastern)/21:00 in Italia for an online concert of Sicilian folk music (and a…
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Santa Lucia Answered Their Prayers
Today we’ll make rice balls and cuccìa at noon (eastern time) for Santa Lucia. Details at https://experiencesicily.com/santa-lucia-2020/ In the days leading up to the Feast of Santa Lucia, December 13, many Sicilians refrain from eating pasta and only eat un-ground wheat grain, or “farro,” that is prepared as a dish called cuccìa. Devotees observe this ritual…
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Sicily Shopping Tip: Buy It When You See It
Each piece of ceramics from Sicily is a unique work of art. I always tell my clients, if you see something you like in a shop, buy it there and then. Don’t wait, because you probably won’t see it again anywhere else. I love this typical plate that possesses a classic, baroque-style lemon and pomegranate…
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Sicilian-Style Fiat 500
This Fiat 500, painted by Ceramiche Galfano in the style of a Sicilian cart, can be found outside the Selinunte archaeological park in Castelveltrano. Be sure to leave some extra time to stop by the shop to visit this masterpiece and pick up a few ceramics and other unique artisanal items.