Above the modern city of Palazzolo Acreide, on top of a limestone platue, those who love ancient history will find the ancient Greek city of Akrai. This amphitheater, originally constructed in the late 3rd century BCE, seats about 600 people. During the spring, local school theater companies present performances here.
Category: History
Selinunte Was Never The Same
The ancient Greek city of Selinunte was brought to its knees in 409 BCE by the Cartheginians. Although it was reestablished by the victors, it never reached the same beauty or prominence as it had during the Greek era, when this temple, Temple O, was constructed.
If You Must, A Mafia Museum In Sicily
The town of Salemi, photographed, is a gem in western Sicily. Not only does it boast a very cool castle that dates back to Arab times, but, in addition to a remarkable St. Joseph’s Day feast tradition, its civic museum is outstanding. Before I tell you more about that, I must mention the busiate pasta…
It Came Crashing Down In January 1693
Pictured are the ruins of the Chiesa e Collegio de Gesuiti (Jesuit Church and College) built during the 17th century in Noto, Sicily. Today, you may visit this site in “Noto Antica,” or Ancient Noto, more than six miles away from the renowned city of Noto. Founded by Baron Carlo Giavanti, it’s hard to imagine…
Greek Temple In The Moonlight
The Temple of Concordia at Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is magnificent under the full moon. Whenever possible, plan to see the temples at night (as well as during the day), at least from the roadway. Another place one can see the Valley lit up at night is from the front stairs of the…
The Two Bell Towers of Palma di Montechiaro
The 17th-century Chiesa Madre of the town of Palma di Montechiaro holds court at the top of a long flight of stairs. Palma di Montechiaro was founded by the Prince of Lampedusa, ancestor of the novelist Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, in 1637.The famers of the area cultivate grapes for wine and the table, almonds, melons,…
Artemis In Sicily: Her Realm Is The Wilderness
A 400 BCE statuette of the goddess Artemis riding a deer, found in Siracusa (now on display at Museo Orsi). Such votives were used to venerate deities throughout the ancient Greek Mediterranean. Artemis is the mistress of animals and wild, untamed things. The wilderness is where you’ll feel her presence. She is the goddess of…
The Leopard, Sicily’s Epic Novel
Prince Don Fabrizio Salina faced a new world in 1860 during the “unification” of Italy. He is the protagonist of “Il Gattopardo (The Leopard),” the posthumously published 1958 novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. Burt Lancaster (pictured) starred in the epic movie by Luchino Visconti in 1963. If you haven’t seen it (or read the…
Persephone Leads Us To Winter
The maiden Persephone holds a dove in this 575-550 BCE votive statuette found in a tomb in Siracusa, Sicily. As we move toward winter in the northern hemisphere, we prepare to send our innocent, pure protagonist of spring and summer to the Underworld or Hades, where she will take on her adult role as the…
Stunning Sicily October 2021, Day 9
Ciao from Stunning Sicily, Day 9! After bidding farewell to our wonderful hosts in the Sicani mountains, we made our way to Bagheria to the fantastic Villa Palagonia. There our guide Giulia Scalia explained the curious Villa of the Monsters and its historic owner’s motivations for the mysterious statues that decorate it. The hall of…