Tag: castle
-
Sicilian Skyscraper
Enna’s Castello di Lombardia has existed in various forms since pre-Greek times. Its foundation is built over what once was a temple to Demeter, the goddess of the grain and the harvest. Photo credit: Filippo Buttitta
-
The Belly Button of Sicily
Considered the “belly button of Sicily,” the small city of Enna holds court in the center of the island region. It has been strategically important since the Sicanian era (the population before the Greeks and Romans). The citizens of Enna are very proud of their medieval heritage, and especially proud of their castle, the Castello…
-
Castle In The Sky
Constructed starting in the 11th century, the Norman castle at Caccamo, Sicily sits atop a steep mountain overlooking a vast green valley in the province of Palermo. Thank you to my cousin Filippo Buttitta, who took this photo. Today, the medieval structure houses a civic museum and an excellent pizzeria, where we’ll eat lunch on…
-
Shrouded In Fog
When I visited the Castello di Venere of Erice in September, it was shrouded in fog, which is a sight scene often because its position 2460 feet above sea level. Come with me to pay homage to Venus, who was worshiped at this spot, where a temple existed for centuries, on Day 12 of our…
-
My Lady, I’ll Have Pizza
The Normans made sure that their castle at Caccamo was impenetrable. With construction dating back to the 11th century, it sits atop a steep mountain overlooking a vast green valley and fresh water lake (a rarity in Sicily). Today, you are welcome to visit the Castello’s museum. The imposing structure also houses an excellent pizzeria,…
-
What The Ancients Did For Love
The town of Erice (pronounced Èh-ree-chay) boasts a 12th century Norman castle, pictured, top, Il Castello di Venere or the Castle of Venus, which was built over an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the goddess of love. Those seeking romance and success with procreation would climb 2460 feet to the top of Mount Eryx’s magnificent…
-
Castle on the Sea on the Gulf
During this week of Ferragosto, many towns celebrate their patron saints, an act of devotion meant to thank them for the abundance received during the harvest season. Celebrations of the Virgin Mother are especially common. For example, in Castellammare del Golfo, pictured, this weekend they will celebrate Maria S.S. del Soccorso, which you can read…
-
Black Castle
The imposing castle at Aci Castello was constructed out of black volcanic rock on top of La Rocca by the Normans starting in the late 11th century. Prior to that time, the promontory hosted both an Arab and Byzantine fortification. The castle was somewhat destroyed in a siege at the turn of the 13th century…
-
After 1669, Landlocked
Remember a couple of weeks ago when I talked about Etna’s eruption in 1669 and how the citizens of Catania didn’t evacuate, which led to thousands of citizens perishing? Well, another casualty of Etna’s wrath during that eruption was Castello Ursino, pictured. Commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1239 and surrounded by a…