Every inch of the Cappella Palatina is embellished with intricate mosaics of inlaid marble, colorful stones, and golden glass tiles. This detail illustrates the multi-cultural mix (Norman, Arab, Greek, and Byzantine) that existed during Roger II’s 12th-century rule, when the Palazzo dei Normanni’s chapel was built.
Tag: mosaic
What A Bear!
One of the outstanding mosaic scenes from the UNESCO site in Piazza Armerina, the Villa Romana del Casale, a Roman era/4th century plantation
A Curated Experience
Yesterday in Palermo, our guide Jacqueline explained in depth the politics of Norman king Roger II (pictured here, being crowned by Jesus in the Martorana Church), and then applied the discourse to what is happening in Italy today. The inspired discussion at dinner last night proved why I can’t emphasize enough the importance of working…
Diamonds Under the Soles of Your Shoes
The spellbinding inlaid floor of the La Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (c. 1143) or, the “Martorana” Church, in Palermo is a splendid example of Arab and Norman architectural and decorative styles. Semi-precious stone and marble pieces create dizzying and spectacular mosaic designs.
Connect Through Travel
Connect through the emotions of Campania and Sicily next summer! Join me, Allison Scola of Experience Sicily, and Danielle Oteri of Feast on History for a multigenerational tour exploring art, myth, culture, and food, June 29-July 8, 2018. Ladies from Pompeii (pictured left) will intrigue you and your granddaughter, while kings from Arab-Norman Palermo (pictured…
Feel Like Royalty
On September 25, you could feel like royalty when you step into the world of the Norman kingdom in Palermo. Join me for our 8-day, multi-sensory, small-group Enchanting Sicily tour… We do all of the planning so you can feel like a princess or a prince! Contact me at AllisonScola@ExperienceSicily.com for the full itinerary.
What’s Your Favorite Style?
Fans of architecture will love La Martorana church in Palermo. It’s initial construction started in the 1140s, exploiting the Arab-Norman style fostered by Roger II and in this case, his trusted admiral, George of Antioch. Then, over the centuries, it took on Baroque elements and other styles. It has Greek and Albanian influences because of…
Arab-Norman Mosaics
Arab-Norman mosaic detail from Martorana church in Palermo.
Star Mosaic
Detail of mosaic decoration in a Byzantine-Arab-Norman style at the Cappella Palatina, in the Palazzo dei Normanni in Palermo; Created by artisans in the late 1100s.
Cefalù Celebrates Santissimo Salvatore
August 6 marks Cefalu’s annual celebration of their patron saint, Santissimo Salvatore della Trasfigurazione (also known as Christ Pantocrator). The tradition stems from the UNESCO recognized cathedral, or duomo. Boasting a remarkable Byzantine-style mosaic of Christ Pantocrator (pictured), the cathedral was commissioned in 1131 by the visionary Norman King Roger II after his ship found…