52 Reasons to Love Sicily #2. Taking a daytrip on the train from Palermo to Cefalù (or from Cefalù to Palermo) is convenient and offers excellent people watching (both at your destination and on the train itself). The north coast rail corridor between Messina and Palermo presents a reliable schedule and very prompt trains (Arrive…
Tag: arabnorman
Diamonds Under the Soles of Your Shoes
The spellbinding inlaid floor of the La Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (c. 1143) or, the “Martorana” Church, in Palermo is a splendid example of Arab and Norman architectural and decorative styles. Semi-precious stone and marble pieces create dizzying and spectacular mosaic designs.
What’s Your Favorite Style?
Fans of architecture will love La Martorana church in Palermo. It’s initial construction started in the 1140s, exploiting the Arab-Norman style fostered by Roger II and in this case, his trusted admiral, George of Antioch. Then, over the centuries, it took on Baroque elements and other styles. It has Greek and Albanian influences because of…
Arab-Norman Mosaics
Arab-Norman mosaic detail from Martorana church in Palermo.