Experience Sicily

Tag: erice

  • Lace Up

    Yesterday, I discussed a church without a ceiling (Lo Spasimo in Palermo). Today, I show you a church with an unforgettable ceiling–the Chiesa Matrice, or Mother Church, of Erice. Outside, this Norman-era building that was first constructed starting in 1314 is modest, yet elegant. Inside, the vaulted, neo-Gothic ceiling that was reconstructed during the 19th…

  • Ceramic Needlework

    This ceramic plate was created by an artist based in Erice, province of Trapani. Its design details are reminiscent of the needlework, lace, crochet, and tatting for which women of Erice are known.

  • I Can’t Figgettabout Buccellato

    These beautifully sculpted cookies are called buccellato (single pastry/cookie) or buccellati (plural). Buccellati are very closely associated with Christmas in Sicily. They are pastries stuffed with dried figs and raisins or chopped almonds and chocolate. These pictured, from Maria Grammatico Pasticceria in Erice, are of the fig variety. I don’t know Maria Grammatico’s recipe exactly,…

  • Design Unique to Erice

    Painted ceramic spoon-rest from Erice.

  • The Details are in the Doorways of Erice

    When wandering through the streets of Erice, you will come upon charming doorways and residents’ traditional, handmade linens.

  • Erice and Custonaci’s Mother Goddess

    This week of Ferragosto in Erice, they are venerating their patron saint, the Madonna di Custonaci (pictured), with their annual week-long Festa della Madonna. It’s important to know that Ferragosto is another name for The Assumption, the feast celebrating when the Virgin Mother ascended to Heaven. In other words, there are feasts for the Madonna…

  • Tiles in Erice

    Ceramic tile floor photographed inside Erice’s Chiesa Matrice, or Mother Church.

  • Charming Erice: Enchanting Sicily, Day 2

    Charming, medieval streets will enchant you in Erice. Once you are here wandering its “vicoli,” you’ll understand why, since the ancient Elimi tribe founded it, the hill-top town has been home to a temple dedicated to fertility and love. We’ll be in Erice on Day 2 of September’s small-group tour, when you’ll have time on…

  • Green Man

    Old wood door with Green Man face, Erice.