Experience Sicily

Tag: architecture

  • Horses Abound in Noto

    Extravagant balconies such as this one were created by Baroque artisans when Noto was rebuilt in the 17th century after a devastating earthquake in 1693. Particular attention was given to creating beautiful architectural details such as this one on via Nicolaci. We’ll be visiting Noto, part of “The Late Baroque Towns of Val di Noto”…

  • Dreamy Noto

    Balcony and window boxes with flowers photographed in Noto.

  • Temple on the Ridge: Enchanting Sicily, Day 4

    Agrigento’s archaeological site Valley of the Temples is 13 square kilometers. It contains eight different archaeological finds–five of which are temples. Pictured on this ridge is the outstanding Tempio della Concordia. Come tour this UNESCO World Heritage site with me this September on Day 4 of Experience Sicily’s Enchanting Sicily tour. Contact me at experience_sicily@yahoo.com…

  • The Magnificent Temple of Concord at Agrigento

    The Temple of Concord in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples is one of the best preserved Doric temples in the world. Built in c. 430 B.C. by Greek colonists, it has 34 enormous columns. It owes its relatively excellent state to a 4th century A.D. conversion to a Christian basilica. It’s unclear to whom the…

  • Tiles in Erice

    Ceramic tile floor photographed inside Erice’s Chiesa Matrice, or Mother Church.

  • Segesta: Enchanting Sicily, Day 2

    The temple at Segesta has 36 very large, limestone Doric-style columns. Just like in 19th century paintings of Italy you’ve seen in your aunt’s living room, this temple gracefully sits in the midst of rolling hills. You might even see a shepherd and his sheep in its shadow! The temple is in excellent condition, considering…

  • Blue Sky, Blacktop

    Catania’s Piazza del Duomo was one of the city’s grand piazzas built in the early 18th century by architects Giovanni Vaccarini and Stefano Ittar following the devastating Etna eruption of 1669 and earthquake of 1693. Incorporating the black volcanic rock from Etna into the pavement as well as the buildings’ design, the piazza possesses the…

  • A Favorite, Free-style

    Palermo is known for its liberty-style architecture. I had just a couple of hours here today in preparation for leaving tomorrow, but in that short time, I came back to this palazzo that I remember from a two years ago when I spent two weeks in this neighborhood taking intensive Italian classes. I loved the…

  • Long and Baroque

    Palazzolo Acreide possesses the longest Baroque-style balcony in Sicily. This is a detail of it. Palazzolo Acreide is one of the eight towns that make up the “Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto” UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Photo credit: Filippo Buttitta)