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…
Tag: erice
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
St. Joseph, Protector Of Fathers
Celebrated annually on March 19, Saint Joseph was the spouse of the Virgin Mary and the guardian-father of Jesus Christ. A carpenter by trade, he is regarded as the protector of all men who earn their livings through laborious work. He is also the patron saint of fathers. (NB March 19 is also Father’s Day…
A Journey In Sicily To Discover Your Vision
“The Cyclopean Walls of Mount Erice” is a painting housed in the Palazzo dei Normanni (Royal Palace) in Palermo by painter Michele Cortegiani (1857-1919), (Oil on canvas, c. 1890). Monte Cofano pictured in the background is a magnificent limestone monolith on the Tyrrhenian coast that you’ll see with this same view when on Mount Erice,…