Experience Sicily

Tag: cathedral

  • Our May 2016 Tour, Day 5: Lost in Cefalù

    Cefalù is hard to resist. Her narrow, cobblestone streets are a charming labyrinth by which you’ll seek to encounter the elegant Arab-Norman cathedral (pictured) recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With her sweeping beach–like lace at the end of a woman’s stunning skirt–her boutiques–packed with rare finds and delicious gifts–and her medieval laundry–provoking images…

  • Harmonious Light

    The Norman cathedral at Cefalù is world-renowned for its elegant amalgamation of architectural styles. Inaugurated in 1990, the stained glass windows designed by Palermo artist Michele Canzoneri offer a modern element. They are 72 abstract designs that were inspired by stories from the Old and New Testaments. Canzoneri sought to exploit the natural light entering…

  • Elegant Monument

    The Cathedral of Cefalù was commissioned in 1131 by Sicilian King Roger II in homage to the Holy Savior, also known as Santissimo Salvatore, after the king found refuge from a storm on the shores of the town. The Duomo was built over subsequent years and centuries. Inside, its Byzantine-style mosaic of Christ Pantocrator is…

  • Modica’s Duomo di San Giorgio

    The Cathedral of San Giorgio in Modica is a magnificent example of the late Baroque architecture that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, “Late Baroque Towns of Val di Noto.” The construction of the original church in this form started in 1643, however, After the devastating 1693 earthquake, during which the roof…

  • Viva Sant’Agata!

    Last night, “cittadini” of Catania (or citizens) packed the streets to pay homage to their patron Sant’Agata. 4-foot tall candles lit the way for the pink-flower-decorated, silver carriage, or fercolo, that carried the Saint’s statue and her relics to all of the important locations where Agatha lived and suffered, so devotees could reflect and pray.…

  • Skyline of a Sicilian Town

    The Baroque-era dome of Piazza Armerina’s duomo, or main cathedral, dominates the medieval town’s skyline.

  • Persia or Palermo?

    The Cloister of the Cathedral at Monreale is one of my most favorite places in Sicily. 228 uniquely designed columns and a bubbling fountain line the center garden. The Norman-Arab architecture leads you to believe you could be in ancient Persia. It’s beautiful and peaceful and has a story all its own.

  • Architectural Mix in Palermo

    Palermo Cathedral’s cupolas, which are adorned with majolica tiles, are a historical contrast to the Norman-Arab details over the arched original windows. The cupolas were added in 1781. The original Norman church as build between 1179 and 1185. These are just two examples of the numerous architectural styles that exist side by side in the…

  • Facade details of Cefalù’s beautiful Norman cathedral. #experiencesicily #cefalù #palermo #sicily #sicilia #siciliabedda #sizilien #italy #italia #italien #sicilytourism #sicilytravel #ig_sicily #siciliaph #siciliafoto #fotosicilia #igerssicilia #instasicilia #ig_sicily #igfriends_sicilia #instapalermo #cathedral #cattedrale #design #architecture #architeturra #normanarchitecture #ig_cefalu #ig_palermo #nofilter #gf_italy