Tag: architettura
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The Jubilee of Mercy in Sicily
Breaking with tradition, Pope Francis announced in November that from the Immaculate Conception (December 8, 2015) through the Feast of Christ the King (November 20, 2016) it would be a special Jubilee Year. The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy is a Roman Catholic period of prayer to be celebrated around the world. It is a year…
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Ancient Acoustics
From the top of Monte Barbaro, the seats of the amphitheater at Segesta face the sea and hills in the distance. The acoustics from the orchestra, where I’m standing, are outstanding, something I proved when I sang to everyone visiting the site with me that day!
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Dizzying Steps
Norman king Roger II established the Cappella Palatina in 1130. The chapel, located inside Palermo’s Palazzo dei Normanni, is in and of itself a treasure chest of extraordinary mosaics. This is one example, the dizzying, inlaid stone and marble floors.
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Chiaramontan Style Architecture
During the 14th century, the Chiaramonte family was the most powerful family in Sicily. Early in their ascent to power, they ruled Modica and Ragusa, and over subsequent generations, they had a mix of properties throughout Sicily under their authority. This palace pictured, known as Palazzo Chiaramonte or Palazzo Steri, is probably their most famous…
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Palermo’s Theater of the People
The revivalist architectural style of Teatro Politeama in Palermo is a late nineteenth century homage to Roman-era amphitheaters like the Colosseum. Built in the early 1870s, it recalls details of buildings uncovered in Pompeii, specifically the columned promenade and decorative frescoes throughout the theater (Excavations of Pompeii, although started slowly in 1748, were strongly underway…
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Selinunte Temple
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.