Tag: Italy
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The Leopard, Sicily’s Epic Novel
Prince Don Fabrizio Salina faced a new world in 1860 during the “unification” of Italy. He is the protagonist of “Il Gattopardo (The Leopard),” the posthumously published 1958 novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. Burt Lancaster (pictured) starred in the epic movie by Luchino Visconti in 1963. If you haven’t seen it (or read the…
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A Blue Flag Beach In Sicily
Marina Beach at Castel di Tusa on Sicily’s north coast is a Blue Flag beach, a public swimming spot recognized for its environmental protection and sustainability programs. The nearby Hotel Atelier sul Mare is an outstanding contemporary art museum-hotel. Each room is a one-of-a-kind work of art.
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Bathed In Morning Light In Ragusa
A view of Ragusa from Ragusa Ibla. During my times here, I’ve studied where the light falls with the sunrise and how the moon rises with the sunset. The Church of Santa Lucia soakes up the morning rays on the hillside. Its eastern exposure helps me imagine an ancient temple under its foundation. Regretfully, with…
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Pupaccene Sweeten The Day Of The Dead
Sicilians have a profound appreciation for the delicate boundary between the living and the dead. November 2 is All Souls Day, better known as the Day of the Dead (Il Giorno dei Morti in Italian or in Sicilian, Un juornu re muorti). Traditionally, this feast, which follows All Saints Day, is spent recognizing one’s relatives…
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The Ancient Wisdom Of Persephone In Sicily
In Enna, Sicily’s historic center is a copy of Bernini’s Abduction of Persephone in bronze (modeled after the statue in the Galleria Borghese in Rome). Its presence illustrates how pervasive this story from ancient Greek times is still today. In fact, the legend which discusses this event that sparks fall’s arrival, was set in Sicily…
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Persephone Leads Us To Winter
The maiden Persephone holds a dove in this 575-550 BCE votive statuette found in a tomb in Siracusa, Sicily. As we move toward winter in the northern hemisphere, we prepare to send our innocent, pure protagonist of spring and summer to the Underworld or Hades, where she will take on her adult role as the…
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Prayers for Catania
Sending prayers and sunshine to our friends in Catania. The Piazza Duomo of Catania in 2019.
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World Pasta Day Is Every Day
I must admit, in keeping with its name (the chef called it something like The Best Dish in the World), this was an unforgettable plate of pasta. Today is World Pasta Day, apparently. Well, at La Terrazza degli Dei, the restaurant at Hotel Villa Athena in Agrigento, every day is World Pasta Day. #worldpastaday
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Terry’s Photos From Stunning Sicily
Some photos from Stunning Sicily by our client Terry Preskar, October 2021. When can we return?