Tag: architecture
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Palazzina Cinese
The design of the Palazzina Cinese is an expression of an end-of-the-18th-century bent for everything Chinese. Designed by Giuseppe Patricolo, it possesses an odd combination of stylistic elements. After a lengthy renovation over the last decade, the “Chinese Pavillion” and its extensive, manicured gardens are open to the public.
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Unknown Star
This six-pointed star is an inlay in the terracotta pavement of the principal street at Solunto on the summit of Mount Catalfano in Santa Flavia. Scholars don’t know the sigificance of it. Solunto was originally a Pheonician settlement that was established between the 8th and 7th centuries BC. The Greeks conquered it in the 4th…
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Curious Gate
Palermo’s Porta Nuova (or New Gate), is adjacent to the Palazzo dei Normanni and at the south end of the city’s principal north-south boulevard, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. When entering Palermo from the south (i.e., by land versus by sea), it welcomes you with its four atlases depicting Moors–two with their arms amputated and two with…
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Immortal Leaves
This column capital from the small archaeological museum at Tindari is a classic example of Greco-Roman Corinthian architectural design. What we learned from our guide Sebastiano was that the ornamental leaves accenting the column’s top are from the Acanthus mollis plant (also known in English as bear’s breeches). Acanthus mollis and its sister-plant Acanthus spinosus…
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13th Century Laser Show
The spellbinding inlaid floor of the Cathedral at Monreale is a tremendous example of Arab and Norman architectural and decorative styles. Semi-precious stone and marble pieces create dizzying and spectacular mosaic designs. Imagine a world without video games and computer generated design… this is the 13th century version of a laser show!
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Window, Erice
Window, Erice
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La Zisa
Another example of Palermo’s Norman-Arab architecture, La Zisa is a 12th century palace that was constructed by Moorish craftsmen. It possesses a fascinating design that enables air to move through its rooms and water to run between floors. Today, you can only imagine how beautiful it once was. Its internal courtyard and fountain give you…
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Oh, Cefalù
Oh, Cefalù, how you enchant me so. I never tire of your beauty. Your alleyways, your medieval pavement, your elegant cathedral… Each moment a new surprise, a new story, a new adventure.