Tag: architecture
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Persia or Palermo?
The Cloister of the Cathedral at Monreale is one of my most favorite places in Sicily. 228 uniquely designed columns and a bubbling fountain line the center garden. The Norman-Arab architecture leads you to believe you could be in ancient Persia. It’s beautiful and peaceful and has a story all its own.
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Villa Cefalà
Villa Cefalà in Santa Flavia was built in 1778 as a mansion for a Sicilian noble family. It has recently been refurbished as an agriturismo or farm stay/inn. It looks out on to the Tyrrhenian Sea and is surrounded by the estate’s olive and citrus groves.
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Kalsa’s Magione
“La Magione” basilica in the originally-Arab Kalsa district of Palermo is another example of Norman-Arab architecture. Built around 1190, it is one of the oldest churches in Palermo. It’s proper name is the Basilica of the Holy Trinity of the Chancellor. It came to be commonly known as La Magione because “magione” translates to “mansion.”…
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A Temple for Hera
The Doric-style Temple “E” at the ancient Greek site of Selinunte was completed between 490 and 480 BC. Recent research reveals that it was probably dedicated to the goddess Hera, the protectress of weddings, engaged couples, and pregnant women.
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Let the Fresh Air In
Balcony, Bagheria.
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That’s Dedication
Among all of the summer-fun of today’s Ferragosto celebration, let’s not forget that today is The Assumption, the feast day that celebrates the occasion when the Virgin Mother ascended into Heaven. This Byzantine-style mosaic, which dates between 1146-1151, is from Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio or “The Martorana” church in Palermo. It shows Admiral George of Antioch…
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The “White House” of My Dreams
White house, Panarea (AeolianIslands).
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The Color of the Sea on Salina
Church window with shutters, Salina (AeolianIslands).