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…

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…

A Colorful Steeple

Castelbuono is a beautiful medieval town in the Madonie Mountains. This bell tower pictured is from one of the town’s churches–perhaps built in the 14th century. It is decorated with colorful majolica tiles. This time of year, the Comune di Castelbuono sponsors a series of events for the Christmas and New Year holidays, starting this…

Noto Church Bells

Church bells at Noto. #experiencesicily #bells #bell #churchbells #campanello #campanelli #campana #campane #campanile #noto #siracusa #sicily #sicilia #sizilien #siciliabedda #italy #italia #italien #sicilytourism #sicilytravel #ig_sicily #siciliaph #siciliafoto #fotosicilia #igerssicilia #instasicilia #ig_sicily #igfriends_sicilia #gf_italy

Erice’s Mother Church

The exterior of Erice’s Chiesa Matrice, or Mother Church, is modest, yet elegant. Built during Norman times in 1314, its bell tower is detached because its primary purpose was to be a lookout tower to spot potential invaders. #erice #trapani #chiesamatrice #motherchurch #normanarchitecture #architecture #architettura #campanile #belltower #tower #torre #sicily #sicily_travel #sicilia #sicily_tourism #italy #ig_sicily…

The medieval mountain town Polizzi Generosa boasts beautiful views of the Madonie Mountains, Sicily’s highest mountain range. So when you peek beyond the walls of the ancient lane, or vicolo, on which you are walking, there is always a natural wonder to greet you. #polizzigenerosa #madonie #parcodellemadonie #vicolo #medieval #mountains #sky #campanile #lamp #sicily #sicily_travel…