This calendar (and the astronomical clock on an adjacent wall, not shown) was built in 1933 on the renowned bell tower next to Messina’s Cathedral. The tower was rebuilt after the December 28, 1908 earthquake, from which approximately 75,000 people died in a metropolitan area of 160,000 people. Measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale, the first…
Tag: bell tower
A Bell Tower In Cefalù, Sicily
One of the bell towers of the 12th century, Arab-Norman style Cathedral of Cefalù, Sicily from the duomo’s other bell tower
Time Is Of The Essence
Time is of the essence! There are just three days left to take advantage of the Nov. 1 early incentive discount for our 2018 tours. Reserve your spot on any of our 2018 tours by Nov. 1, and you could save up to $400/person! Learn more at ExperienceSicily.com and you could marvel at Palermo’s fascinating…
Towering Beauty
The bell tower of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, affectionately known as “La Martorana,” rises above Palermo’s Piazza Bellini. Over the centuries this beloved church has been architecturally modified many times; however in-keeping with its native charm. It was commissioned in the 1140s by Admiral George of Antioch and originally built in the renowned Arab-Norman style. This…
Can You Hear The Bell?
There is a phenomenon in Italy called, “Campanilismo,” a term that derives from one’s devoted patriotism to the land and people within the sound of one’s own church bell. So, before you are Italian, you are Sicilian. And before you are Sicilian, you are Palermitan. And before your are Palermitan, you are from your neighborhood–La…
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…
Coexisting Styles
The bell tower of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, affectionately known as “La Martorana,” rises above Palermo’s Piazza Bellini. Over the centuries this beloved church has been architecturally modified many times; however in-keeping with its native charm. It was commissioned in the 1140s by Admiral George of Antioch and originally built in the renowned Arab-Norman style. This…
La Martorana Tower, Up Close
The bell tower of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, or “La Martorana,” in Palermo.