Category: Art
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The Palm Tree Represents Unification In Palermo
Artists from multiple cultural origins contributed to these mosaic designs that exist in the Cappella Palatina, the private chapel commissioned by Sicilian King Roger II (1095-1154) and completed by his heir, King William I (1120-1166). The palm tree, the central icon of this photo, has significance to many peoples, many of whom came together to…
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The Outstanding Leadership Of Sicily’s Roger II
More than ever, I’m seeking a dinner date with Roger II (1095-1154) … An outstanding leader, Roger II incorporated and encouraged inclusion of all of the various cultures, religions, and races that shared Sicily–native Sicilian, Norman, Arab, Byzantine, Greek, Jewish, English, German, and more–into his government. As a result, Sicily thrived, and it became the…
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The Punic Goddess Tanit In Sicily
After the ancient southwestern Sicilian city of Selinunte was pillaged by Carthaginian (i.e., Punic) forces between 409 and 406 BCE, the Greek city became Punic for a time. The Carthaginians built a new town, recycling the materials and reclaiming temples from the magnificent Greek community that preceded it. Throughout today’s archaeological site, some ruins of…
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Sicily’s Teatro Andromeda Is A Work In Progress
Shepherd and sculptor Lorenzo Reina’s Teatro Andromeda in the Sicani Mountains in the middle of Sicily, scrapes the sky. Although it feels ancient, the theater, which sits 1000 meters (3280 feet) above sea level, was built by Reina one stone at a time over the past 30 years. When you talk with the Lorenzo, he’ll…
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Behold Princess Sicilia, A Legend
Behold Princess Sicilia! A legend thought to have originated in post Byzantine times (c. 535 CE to c 827 CE). Long ago, along the sun kissed eastern coast of the Mediterranean, perhaps on the shores of modern-day Lebanon, a baby girl was born to a noble family. Her proud parents named her Sicilia. The couple’s…
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The Chamber Of The Ten Maidens
This scene from the UNESCO site Villa Romana del Casale is commonly known as the “Bikini Girls,” but did you know the official name for this palestra within the Roman Villa is the “Chamber of the Ten Maidens?” Learn this factoid and others like it tonight during Experience Sicily’s Trivia Happy Hour with Carla Gambescia,…
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Palermo Has Two Patron Saints
In addition to Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Palermo, there is a co-patron saint. Do you know who that is? (Hint: He’s featured with her on this barrier at Quattro Canti.) Show us how much you know about Siciy this Tuesday at 7PM EDT (New York) for Experience Sicily Trivia Happy Hour with Carla…
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Sicily Trivia On Tuesday Night
I love getting up close and into the details about Sicily. Perhaps you do too! Join us for some fun on Tuesday for Sicily Trivia! Experience Sicily Trivia Happy Hour with Carla Gambescia, author of La Dolce Vita University. When: Tuesday, May 19, 2020 19:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada) Where: Zoom Register in advance…