Giuseppe “Pino” Puglisi was killed in Palermo on September 15, 1993, his 56th birthday. A courageous defender of the poor in the Sicilian capital’s inner city neighborhood of Brancaccio, Blessed Father Puglisi worked tirelessly to convince young people that there was a better life than organized crime. He was extremely outspoken about the Mafia and…
Category: History
Baroque Balcony In Ragusa
Balcony with musician at center, Ragusa
Castronovo Di Sicilia: The Golden Heart Of Sicily
In the heart of Sicily, Castronovo di Sicilia is tucked between the Platani River, Mount Kassar, and the Mount Carcaci Nature Preserve. Although in Palermo Province, it feels very much part of the Sicanian region that is to its south, probably because of the activity along the ancient thoroughfare — the Platani River — that…
The Complex Cathedral Of Messina, Sicily
The Cathedral of Messina and its renowned astronomical clock/bell tower are the highlight of a visit to this historic city in Sicily’s northeast corner. Having been subject to centuries of conquests, earthquakes, battles, and rebuilding, it’s history is complex. What we see today is the result of post World War II reconstruction. The fascinating clock…
Sicily’s Symbol The Trinacria
The Trinacria, pictured, always intrigues! It is the symbol of Sicily that you’ll see on its flag and depicted in various forms all over the island. Three legs joined at the center is an ancient symbol, one that also appears on the coat of arms of the Isle of Man, a island in the Irish…
Ancient Street in Salemi, Sicily
Street in Salemi, Sicily
Palermo Watches The Bustle
Palermo is a wise woman. An antique postcard next to a photo from May 2019 of the Martorana Church in Piazza Bellini illustrates that. We change, and she watches. Music about Palermo, written by Allison Scola and Joe Ravo. Performed by Villa Palagonia music duo… https://villa-palagonia.com/music/palermo-2/
Peacocks From Roger II’s Hall In The Norman Palace
The original mosaic artwork from Sicilian King Roger II’s Hall in the Palazzo dei Normanni (12th century) in Palermo and the print copying it, created by Gioaria di Marilena Trovato. I can’t wait to hang this art in my home with the others in the set I purchased in the Norman Palace.
Ancient Restaurant Discovered At Himera, Where We’ll Be Cooking
In yesterday’s La Repubblica Palermo newspaper, an article explained that at the site of the ancient Greek city of Himera, they have discovered the 6th Century B.C.E. remains of a caffetteria-style restaurant. Ovens, stoves, pots, pans, and plates have been excavated. I visited Himera and met the director of the site back in June with…
Grazie! Life In A Remote Sicilian Town
I send sincere thanks to my Life In A Remote Sicilian Town fellow travelers and our hosts in Licodia Eubea. I’ve been on the move since last Monday when we said goodbye. This is my first moment to publicly reflect on what a wonderful experience it was! The people of Licodia Eubea filled our hearts…