52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #35. Amazing Architecture

What exactly is it? Built in 1905, Stand Florio was constructed for the industrious Florio family as a daytime seaside resort for their friends and associates – – members of Palermo’s nouveau riche elite. On its grounds they played soccer/football and water sports and socialized. The complex was designed by Palermo architect Ernesto Basile, who…

The Red Domes Of Palermo

Whenever I see the church of San Cataldo, I feel Palermo is welcoming me home. The red domes of this ancient church overlook Via Maqueda and Piazza Bellini. San Cataldo was built during the early-Norman era in the 1150s by Maio of Bari, William I’s top emir, or commander. Its cherry-on-top domes and elegant window…

Tonight: Online Sicily Trivia

Sicilian-Style Trivia Challenge & Happy Hour Today! Friday, October 9 at 7pm (Eastern) Register Now: https://wiccny.webinarninja.com/live-webinars/512255/register. Join me with my friend Carla Gambescia for a fun evening that was created specially by La Dolce Vita University to celebrate La Bella Sicilia! Presented by the Westchester Italian Cultural Center. Here’s a warm-up: What is the architectural…

The Faces Of Power In Ragusa

The faces decorating Ragusa’s Palazzo Bertini send a message. The palace, built in the late 18th century in the style of the Late Sicilian Baroque, sits on the road marking the dividing line between the old, aristocratic Ragusa Ibla and the new, up-and-coming city of Ragusa–in other words, the line between old money and new….