Join me, Allison Scola of Experience Sicily, and Danielle Oteri of Feast on History for 10 days of beyond-the-ordinary Italy that includes savoring authentic Neopolitan pizza in Napoli! During Southern Secrets: Campania and Sicily’s Hidden Corners, we’ll spend five days south of Naples in Campania and five days in Sicily sparking your senses and immersing…
Tag: Palermo
Packed With Punch in Cefalù
Some of the most extraordinary treasures can be found in tiny museums in Sicily, so don’t overlook them! An example is this crater featuring an illustration of a tuna fisherman/fishmonger from 370 to 380 A.D., found in the Mandralisca museum in Cefalù.
Awe-inspiring Mosaic Designs in Sicily
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.
Sicilian Christmas Cookies
Pastries made with filling of chopped dried figs, pumpkin jam, honey, raisins, almonds, orange rind, cinnamon, and Marsala wine are closely associated with Christmas in Sicily. There is a larger, round, cake-like pastry called buccellato, which is also made in an elaborate cookie-sized version known as buccellati. Meanwhile, cuccidati, pictured here, are their sister. They…
Making Friends in Il Capo Market
Palermo has three ancient markets: Vucciria, Ballarò, and Il Capo. Vucciria isn’t what it was 40 years ago when Renato Guttuso painted it, which is perhaps a good thing. Now, during the day, it is smaller and host to a few food stands and many antiques and collectible vendors. At night, however, when it comes…
Elements Of Agrigento And Selinunte In Palermo
Teatro Massimo, Palermo’s opera house that opened in 1897, is a master work of Greek and Roman inspired architecture designed by Giovan Battista Filippo Basile (1825-1891). The construction was completed by his son Ernesto in 1897. The elder Basile incorporated decorative details from the ancient temples at Agrigento and Selinunte into the theater’s design.
Celebrate Santa Lucia in New York City
The days are short, with evening coming early–too early for my liking. This is why I have an affinity for Santa Lucia, the patroness of light: I seek her support during these cold, dark months. Please join me for the annual luncheon celebrating the Feast of Santa Lucia on Sunday, Dec. 9 in New York…
The Madonna Of The Milicia River
My heart is heavy knowing about the loss of life because of the Milicia River spontaneously swelling in Casteldaccia, Sicily over the weekend due to torrential rains. When I heard the tragic news, I immediately thought of the Madonna of the Milicia, the sacred painting, pictured, that is venerated in Casteldaccia and Altavilla Milicia, coastal…
Pupaccene For The Day Of The Dead in Sicily
Orlando and Rolando, our heroes from the opera dei pupi theater, make an appearance off-stage, today, for the Day of the Dead, known in Sicilian as, un juornu re muorti; yet this time, as sugar dolls, or pupaccene, pictured. Pupaccene, which today are only made by a handful of artisans in Sicily, are traditionally produced…
The Key To Success Is Who You Know
Because when you know the right people, you can get insider access to the cool places with the breathtaking views. (Sicily has a lot of castles, and I love that the key to this one actually says, “Castello” to open the gate to the castle!) Grazie Giuseppe Sciurca for your hospitality!