Experience Sicily

Tag: Palermo

  • 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!

  • Hot Sausage Sounds Good

    In Medieval times while in Caccamo, you definitely would have wanted to be on this side of the view from the castle, because if not, you may have been in line to have hot oil poured on you as a means of defence! However, this Sunday, you won’t mind being down on the streets below,…