During our October 2021 Stunning Sicily small group tour, we’ll not only have interaction with local people, stimulating cultural experiences, eat scrumptious seasonal cuisine, and get up close to the freshly fallen ash of Mount Etna (She’s safe! Don’t fret!), but we’ll also have time to wander the alleyways of towns such as Taormina, Siracusa,…
Tag: erice
52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #51. Imaginative Ceramics
Throughout Sicily there are various ceramic centers that developed over the centuries around natural sources of clay. Of course, the raw material is one thing, but more significant, however, are the artists and painters that produce and imagine the remarkable designs and/or playful scenes found on plates, bowls, pinecones, heads of men and women, vases,…
Erice’s Labyrinth-like Street Plan
It is easy to get lost in the maze of streets in the Medieval hilltown of Erice. In the past, the labyrinth-like street plan was a strategic design, meant to confuse and trap invaders. Today, however, wandering into a clandestine corner to “get lost” is delightful for lovers. Venus’ romantic energy is still present in…
The Mystery Of The Madonna of Custonaci, Sicily
The Madonna of Custonaci is a cherished, sacred painting in the towns of Erice and Custonaci, where her sanctuary is located. It has a fascinating legend of its origins “from the east.” I’ll discuss its story and more on Tuesday, January 19 at 7:30PM Eastern on Zoom. To register and attend this complimentary presentation, visit…
October 20 Let’s Dream Of Traveling To Sicily
Talking about Sicily brings me a lot of joy (Almost as much as actually being there, as this photo taken in May 2019 in Erice, Sicily illustrates.). Join me on Tues., Oct. 20 at 7:30PM (Eastern) for Let’s Dream of Traveling to Sicily. Register now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-dream-of-traveling-to-sicily-registration-124363780415 During this complimentary presentation I’ll discuss the highlights…
They Looked For Love In Erice, Sicily
The town Erice (pronounced Èh-ree-chay) is named for Eryx (or Eros), the mythical son of the goddess Venus and her lover, King Bute of the ancient Elimi tribe (NB that makes the Greco-Roman hero Aeneas his half-brother.). Erice boasts a 12th century Norman castle (pictured), known as Il Castello di Venere or the Castle of…
Demeter Left Her Scythe Behind In Sicily
Ancient Greek legend says that the port of Trapani on Sicily’s coastline at the foot of Mount Eryx, is the scythe of Demeter, her principal harvest tool, which she left behind when she hastened to look for her wailing daughter Persephone. This view from Erice includes the Egadi Islands in the background.
What’s Hidden, But Not, In Erice, Sicily
You have to go through the tunnel to arrive at the light. When wandering the medieval streets of Erice, Sicily, politely peek through doorways. The homes, just like the town itself, are fortifications. So, behind the seemingly drab (but functional for protection) front walls are charming hidden courtyards and gardens.
Breathtaking View From Erice, Sicily
View of Custonaci, Sicily in Trapani Province from Erice’s Castello di Venere (above the Torretta Pepoli, the “Lighthouse for Peace in the Mediterranean”)
Piazza In Erice, Sicily
Piazza, Erice, Trapani Province