52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #6. Royal Fairytales Are Real

Housed in the treasury of Palermo’s Cathedral, this work of art was created between 1220 and 1222. It was designed in Palermo in a Byzantine-Arab style and composed of gold, precious gems, semi-precious stones, pearls, filigree, glazes, and silver. According to scholar Jacqueline Alio, the Holy Roman Empress was interred wearing the crown. “It has…

Saint Joseph’s Day: Bread Loaves of Devotion

Most prominent element of the altars for Saint Joseph, or le tavolate di San Giuseppe, are the sculpted loaves of bread that represent fertility and prosperity. Celebrate Saint Joseph’s Day in New York City with Experience Sicily, Gelsomino Imports, and Eolo Seasonal Sicilian Kitchen on Sunday, March 20 at 3PM. More details at http://eolonewyork.com/st-josephs-day-feast-2016/. Call…

Fit for a Queen

Perhaps more famous than she is, the crown worn by Constance of Aragon (1179-1222) is housed in the treasury at Palermo’s cathedral. It is a fascinating example of uniquely Sicilian jewelry-design, exploiting Byzantine, Norman, and Arab influences. It is donned with precious stones like sapphires and rubies, in addition to pearls, gold, and other intricate…