The UNESCO recognized opera dei pupi was a popular form of entertainment in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Before film and television, it was a favorite form of diversion for men and boys (It’s actually pretty violent and bawdy!). Our hero Orlando and the knights and their enemies recall the age of chivalry, originating…
Tag: Palermo
The Cloisters Of Monreale
Norman King William II, “The Good” (1153-1189), commissioned Monreale Cathedral in the late 12th century. The cloisters were built in the Arab Norman style in the early 13th century by Venetian artisans. Today, the cathedral is part of the UNESCO site that features nine Arab Norman monuments. Its cloister boasts 128 columns, all possessing different…
Swimming In Sicily
During these gray days of January in the northeastern United States, I dream of summer in Sicily. Photos that I took of places I swam just months ago give me hope that it won’t be too long until I return to them. There are many different approaches to swimming in Sicily: beaches (both sandy and…
Hercules Went Clubbing In Sicily
Hercules and the Hydra of Lerna, a fresco in the lobby of the main entrance of Villa Palagonia (18th century), Bagheria, Sicily… Hercules killed the serpentine monster during his second of 12 Labors, an ancient Greek and Roman myth.
Sending You Harmony And Joy
May harmony and joy greet you! Buon Natale! Merry Christmas! Ti mando armonia e gioia!
Cuccidati: Sicilian Christmas Cookies
Cuccidati, pictured, are traditional Sicilian cookies stuffed with dried fig filling. Associated with Christmas, both professional and home bakers make them, and some are more elaborately decorated than others. The filling is made with (This is a common recipe, but not all are exactly the same.) chopped dried figs, pumpkin jam, honey, raisins, almonds, orange…
Inhale and Exhale In Cefalù
Roger II, my favorite Norman king, fell in love with Cefalù when he took shelter here in a harrowing storm in the early 12th century. As a reward for the citizens’ kindness and hospitality, he commissioned the town’s stirring Arab-Norman cathedral, intending it to be his final resting place. He knew what was good! Take…
Be Amazed By The Baroque During October in Sicily
Right off of Quattro Canti in the historic center of Palermo is the stunning Church of Saint Joseph of the Theatines. Initially built by the austere, yet aristocratic Catholic order between 1612 and 1645, over the 17th century the interior decor grew to reflect the era”s popular Baroque art and design style, one that was…
Going Baroque In Palermo At Casa Professa
Cherubs caressing mermaids are the focus of this detail of the dizzying Baroque artwork you’ll find at the Chiesa del Gesù (also known as Casa Professa) in Palermo. Decorated from floor to ceiling with inlaid marble, stucco, frescos, and sculpture, this Catholic temple is one of the most shocking sites you’ll see in the Sicilian…
Ancient Sicily That Sings
This lekythos with a woman lute player depicted on it was found in a tomb at Selinunte. Lekythoi (plural) were vases used to store oils for use in the gymnasium or bath or for funerary functions. Note the red-figure. This was an Athenian-style technique specific to the 5th century BCE.