Experience Sicily

Tag: Bagheria

  • Inspired by Crochet

    This decorative ceramic plate by artist Mirella Pipia depicts a view of Capo Zafferano from Mongerbino, both near Bagheria. Mirella’s mother, who I’ve met a few times in the shop in Bagheria, crochets. I have a feeling that the details on this plate are inspired by some of her needlework designs.

  • Let the Fresh Air In

    Balcony, Bagheria.

  • Some Things Don’t Change

    My father, who was 8 years old when this photo was taken, happily gets a gelato (probably chocolate, knowing him!) from the guys (Nicola, Toto, and Toto “Il Grande”) at Bar Aurora in Bagheria. The photo was taken by my uncle Stefano in 1950.

  • Bring Your Own Bottles

    These wine barrels are from the store Oleificio “La Giara,” that is around the corner from my cousin’s house in Bagheria. Bring your own bottles, and they’ll fill them up for you.

  • It was Grand at Bagheria’s Bar Aurora

    During its day, Bagheria’s Bar Aurora was a big attraction. Its espresso, pastries, gelato, and decor were well-known throughout post-war Sicily. This photo, sent to my grandmother in New York by her brother Domenico Cuffaro, the owner, is from Bar Aurora’s grand opening.

  • If Not Her Voice, Her Beauty Lures Me In

    At Aspra, artist Rosalia Biondolillo (I’m venturing to guess it’s Bagheria’s ceramic artist Mirella Pipia.) painted a mermaid on a fishing boat. Although she doesn’t sing like the Sirens from The Odyssey thought to have lived off of Sicily near the straights of Messina, she still lures me in. (Updated: 23 September 2015)

  • A Monster to Welcome You

    This is one of the two statues flanking the back entrance (now the main entrance and ticket booth) to Villa Palagonia in Bagheria. These are two of about 70 left from the original 600 or so that decorated the gardens and grounds of the Baroque “Villa of the Monsters,” built in the 18th century.

  • What Would You Name Your Fishing Boat?

    Rosalia, Paola, Francesca, Pola… the fishing boats of Aspra, Bagheria.

  • Villa Palagonia: Long with Fascination

    Villa Palagonia’s main driveway is now lined with residences and businesses. But in the 18th and 19th centuries, the long approach was lined with hundreds of statues–now dubbed monsters–that fascinated and frightened visitors.