Scala dei Turchi (aka the Stairs of the Turks) was named after a local legend that recounts when Turkish, AKA Saracen, pirates scaled the white cliffs that pour like stairs into the Africa-facing sea.
Category: Observations about Culture
Sicily’s History Offers Us Knowledge For Today
Sicily’s history offers us many lessons. Since the 13th century Modica (pictured) has been a prosperous and important city. For centuries it was the seat of its own county that enjoyed political independence and economic and cultural influence. The resource-rich surrounding landscape with agriculture as its economic engine has made Modica and Ragusa province wealthy…
Icarus, Daedalus And Sicily
Icarus got carried away with the ability to fly. His father Daedalus, an inventor, craftsman, and artist, created two sets of wings for Icarus and himself to escape imprisonment in Crete. Daedalus instructed Icarus not to fly too high and not to fly too low: The heat of the sun would melt the wax holding…
Modica, Sicily And Saint Peter And Saint Paul
Today is the feast day of the Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Peter, of course, is the protector of Rome (and popes too). But importantly (For my family especially, since my father is named Peter and I come from a long line of fishermen), he is the patron saint of net-makers, shipbuilders, and fishermen, and…
The Joy Of Buongiorno In Sicily
Memories of the joyful greeting from my young cousin Sabrina in the vineyards of Trapani last spring
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…
What’s Hidden, But Not, In Erice, Sicily
You have to go through the tunnel to arrive at the light. When wandering the medieval streets of Erice, Sicily, politely peek through doorways. The homes, just like the town itself, are fortifications. So, behind the seemingly drab (but functional for protection) front walls are charming hidden courtyards and gardens.
Rustic Lunch In Sicily, But Not Only
Lunch at Aldo’s featuring agave bud salad, raw pistachios and almonds, sheep’s milk cheeses, marinated olives and artichoke hearts, emerald-colored caper and herb pesto smeared on crusty bread, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh orange and fennel or tomato salad, depending on the season… and all garnished with vibrant edible flowers that Aldo grew on his property. Sweet,…
People Watch In Sicily
People watch, find a sanctuary, and take a stroll in the Giardino Ibleo, Ragusa Ibla’s picturesque public garden. Walk to the other end from the garden’s entrance for magnificent panoramas of the Hyblean countryside. It’s one of many beautiful public gardens in Sicily and my favorite. Other major ones are the Villa Comunale in Taormina,…
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…