If you are into art, architecture, and ceramics, Le Stanze al Genio (The Rooms to the Genius) is for you. This home-museum features a collection of majolica ceramic floor tiles sporting designs from Naples and Sicily that were produced from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 20th century. You must…
Tag: kalsa
Absolutely Genius
For something extraordinary and off-the-beaten path, I recommend a visit to Le Stanze al Genio (The Rooms to the Genius), a collection of majolica ceramic floor tiles focused on designs from Naples and Sicily that were produced from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 20th century. Housed in the 17th-century…
La Cala: Palermo’s Ancient Port
Today, Palermo’s La Cala is one of the city’s marinas. In ancient times, it was the principal port of the city (Today, the much larger, modern port is down the street.). La Cala has changed a lot over the centuries. On Day 11 of Experience Sicily’s Sept. 22-Oct. 4 Savoring Sicily tour, after a stimulating morning discourse about…
Almost Like the Ice Cream Man
When I was in Palermo in early February, I encountered this vendor in the Kalsa district selling cleaning products and other such items for the home. Just like the fish or fruit vendor, he announces his arrival in the neighborhood with his public address system. Although I don’t remember his call, I will venture to…
Kalsa’s Magione
“La Magione” basilica in the originally-Arab Kalsa district of Palermo is another example of Norman-Arab architecture. Built around 1190, it is one of the oldest churches in Palermo. It’s proper name is the Basilica of the Holy Trinity of the Chancellor. It came to be commonly known as La Magione because “magione” translates to “mansion.”…