Tag: barocco
Commemorating The Tremendous 1693 Earthquake In Sicily
After a magnitude (hypothetical) 6.2 foreshock on January 9, 1693, at 9PM on January 11, 1693 the earth shook in southeastern Sicily like it hasn’t since. Etna was erupting, and a tsunami struck the Ionian coasts of eastern Sicily and the Strait of Messina. We don’t know the exact scope of the earthquake’s power according…
Reflecting On The Unconscious In Sicily
Villa Palagonia or the “Villa of the Monsters,” built in the 18th century, was visited by German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1787. He described it as a place filled with “elements of madness,” because to him, its decor was a grotesque expression of the unconscious (And he’s right!). Certainly, in the late 18th…
Sicily’s History Offers Us Knowledge For Today
Sicily’s history offers us many lessons. Since the 13th century Modica (pictured) has been a prosperous and important city. For centuries it was the seat of its own county that enjoyed political independence and economic and cultural influence. The resource-rich surrounding landscape with agriculture as its economic engine has made Modica and Ragusa province wealthy…
Modica, Sicily And Saint Peter And Saint Paul
Today is the feast day of the Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Peter, of course, is the protector of Rome (and popes too). But importantly (For my family especially, since my father is named Peter and I come from a long line of fishermen), he is the patron saint of net-makers, shipbuilders, and fishermen, and…
Noto Infiorata Online
Although it’s not taking place as usual, the Infiorata di Noto *will* happen this weekend, yet online. Follow the events on the Facebook Page of il Comune di Noto (https://www.facebook.com/comunedinoto), where there are videos and photos of the vibrant “carpets” created with flowers and other natural elements in recognition of spring, and more significantly, life…
Noto’s Baroque Cathedral
Noto’s cathedral (La Chiesa Madre di San Nicolò) was completed in 1776 when the city was rebuilt following the devastating earthquakes of 1693. The Sicilian Baroque church sits at the center of a theatrical urban plan that is known as a “stone garden” for its use of local white rock and its elegant symmetry.
If These Hills Could Talk: Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa, Sicily
Ragusa in southeastern Sicily is comprised of the old town of Ragusa Ibla (pictured) and the new city of Ragusa. Both sections of the city, which are on opposite hills, were rebuilt after the massive and distructive 1693 earthquakes. Ragusa is part of the UNESCO site the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto,…
Beautiful Baroque Balcony In Sicily
Baroque balcony in the UNESCO recognized town of Scicli, Ragusa Province, Sicily
Morning Sun In Ragusa Ibla, Sicily
Early morning in Ragusa Ibla Thank you to a.d. 1768 Ibla Hotel for the room with the view.