Tag: agrigento
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Today, Wear Comfortable Shoes
On Day 4 of Savoring Sicily, you’ll start the morning by greeting the gods at Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples. First stop, the 5th century B.C. Temple of Juno (or Hera, if you are Greek!). This magnificent monument is just one of seven in the UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans 2 kilometers. So wear…
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Sambuca di Sicilia’s Virgin’s Breasts
Last week in Sambuca di Sicilia I encountered these “Minna di Virgini,” or Breasts of the Virgin, pastry. When I saw them, I immediately knew this was something special. The Sambucese proudly confirmed that these breast-shaped, baked pastry with a well-pronounced nipple were created by the nuns of the Collegio di Maria in 1725 in…
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The Easter Arches of San Biagio Platini
Annually each spring, the citizens of San Biagio Platini in Agrigento Province recognize Christ’s triumph over death with the “Archi di Pasqua,” or the Arches of Easter. This year from March 27 until May 7, the mountain town’s Corso Umberto (i.e., Main Street) will be outfitted with elaborate archways, domes, and bell towers constructed using…
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Our May 2016 Tour: Tall, Massive, and Handsome
The Temple of Heracles (also known as the Temple of Hercules) of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples possesses eight reconstructed, massive Doric-style columns. Built in the late 6th century BC, it is considered the first temple to have been built of the seven that we know of at the Valley of the Temples. Valley of…
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Agrigento’s Almond Blossom Festival
Agrigento has been abuzz in celebration of the annual arrival of the almond blossoms. 2016 is the 71st year that the city, famous for its Valley of the Temples UNESCO World Heritage Site, has held a variety of events recognizing the merits of the almond, the principal crop of the region. Among the events of…
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Which Way Should I Go?
Which way will you go in 2016? There’s no GPS for our lives, but when driving in Sicily, I almost always use one. Otherwise, I follow the signs. Share with me your plans and dreams for the year ahead!
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They are Still Finding Stuff!
When grants support archaeological work, more excavations take place. This is true all over Italy. I was surprised this summer when I was at Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (during 3 different visits) and I learned that various parts of the UNESCO World Heritage site were still subjects of research projects. For example, this statue…
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Temple of Harmony
The magnificent Temple of Concordia is named for a Latin inscription that was found on a dedication marker unearthed in the vicinity of the Valley of the Temples archaeological site–i.e., a marker not associated with the temple; however spirited archaeologists took the text on the marker that said something to the effect of “dedicated to…
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Bronzata, White, and Blue
My view while at Scala dei Turchi, Agrigento, yesterday. It was crowded with sun worshipers, but fascinating nonetheless! (*Bronzata means, suntanned.)