Roger II, my favorite Norman king, fell in love with Cefalù when he took shelter here in a harrowing storm in the early 12th century. As a reward for the citizens’ kindness and hospitality, he commissioned the town’s stirring Arab-Norman cathedral, intending it to be his final resting place. He knew what was good! Take…
Tag: cefalù
In Cerda, Sicily Artichokes, Artichokes Everywhere
Live from Sicily! We mingled with the locals yesterday during the Sagra del Carciofo (Artichoke Festival) in Cerda, Sicily. Food, food, food… Music, dancing, shopping… Artichokes served every which way! Then, an afternoon in the enchanting Cefalù. It was la Festa della Liberazione. Liberation Day, recognizing Italy’s triumph over fascism after the second World War….
The Light Of The World In Cefalù Cathedral
Santissimo Salvatore della Trasfigurazione (also known as Christ Pantocrator) anchors the apse of the UNESCO recognized cathedral, or duomo, of Cefalù. Boasting a remarkable Byzantine-style mosaic of Christ Pantocrator (pictured), the cathedral was commissioned in 1131 by the visionary Norman King Roger II after his ship found refuge on this spot during a harrowing storm….
Packed With Punch in Cefalù
Some of the most extraordinary treasures can be found in tiny museums in Sicily, so don’t overlook them! An example is this crater featuring an illustration of a tuna fisherman/fishmonger from 370 to 380 A.D., found in the Mandralisca museum in Cefalù.
Look for Me on Gelato Way
This weekend in the enchanting Arab-Norman town of Cefalù on Sicily’s north coast, they are celebrating the annual Sicily Food Festival. Experience Sicily’s Evelina Buttitta is there today enjoying live music, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts (including unique, Sicily-inspired jewlery, my favorite!) and a vast selection of typical street food with her family. The streets…
A Different Kind of Sandwich
One of my favorite things to eat in Sicily is panelle and cazzilli stuffed in a seasame seed bun (pictured). Panelle are flat chickpea-flour fritters made with fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Cazzilli, which is a vulgar way of saying “little penises,” are potato croquettes made with mashed potatoes, fresh parsley (or…
The Rock of Cefalù
The rock, La Rocca, of Cefalù… *sigh*.
Savoring Sicily, Day 9: The Light of Life
This evening, Day 9 of Savoring Sicily, we were in Cefalù, where we took a few moments to take in the beauty and tranquility of the UNESCO recognized cathedral. I’ve been in this church many times, but this evening, as the sun was going down, it felt more sacred to me. The mosaic of Christ…
Serving Up My Smile
Experience Sicily’s Evelina Buttitta was in Cefalù last evening for the street food festival, and she sent me this photo she took knowing that I would love this hand-painted food cart, decorated in the style of the traditional and historic Sicilian cargo-carting carts. 💙💛💚
Cefalù Celebrates Santissimo Salvatore
August 6 marks Cefalu’s annual celebration of their patron saint, Santissimo Salvatore della Trasfigurazione (also known as Christ Pantocrator). The tradition stems from the UNESCO recognized cathedral, or duomo. Boasting a remarkable Byzantine-style mosaic of Christ Pantocrator (pictured), the cathedral was commissioned in 1131 by the visionary Norman King Roger II after his ship found…