Tag: Palermo
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Finding More Hidden Corners
In just a few days, I’ll be back in Palermo, where this photo of me was taken. I can’t wait! I look forward to sharing my spring-in-Sicily adventures with you (After a long, arduous winter!). During this month, Experience Sicily is hosting two small-group tours, and in between, I’ll be discovering more hidden corners to…
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With A Cherry On Top
The red domes of San Cataldo church overlook Via Maqueda and Piazza Bellini in Palermo. San Cataldo was built during the early-Norman era in the 1150s by Maio of Bari, William I’s top emir, or commander. Its red domes and elegant window details illustrate the unique Arab-Norman architectural style found only in Sicily.
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Pesto Control
Local trattorias, like one of my all-time favorites, Don Ciccio in Bagheria, usually offer seasonal specials that we covet because they only appear on menus annually, when the produce is fresh from the garden. For example, this bucatini pasta appears to be dressed with a familiar basil pesto; however, basil is not the base here,…
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Sicily’s Spring Artichoke Festival
Get ready! because this week, on Wednesday, April 25, Cerda, in Palermo Province, is hosting its annual artichoke festival! For the 37th year, the town, famous for its Sagra del Carciofo, will come alive with tastings of all sorts of artichoke recipes, offerings of traditional foods, an outdoor market, live folk music and dance performances,…
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It Might Capture Your Heart
Sicily just might capture your heart like it captured mine!
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Ancient Meets Contemporary
Quattro Canti, where the four ancient quarters of Palermo meet at the intersection of Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, is also known as Teatro del Sole. As you can see from this photo by my cousin Filippo Buttitta, throughout each day and throughout each season, the sun lights up the statues on the four…
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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.
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Castle In The Sky
Constructed starting in the 11th century, the Norman castle at Caccamo, Sicily sits atop a steep mountain overlooking a vast green valley in the province of Palermo. Thank you to my cousin Filippo Buttitta, who took this photo. Today, the medieval structure houses a civic museum and an excellent pizzeria, where we’ll eat lunch on…
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Introducing Experience Sicily’s New York Cannoli Crawl
If you know me, you know I love cannoli. And I love sharing this love with you! Well, this April 21 in New York City, I’ll be hosting a new initiative I’ve created, the New York Cannoli Crawl. It’s a Sicilian-inspired tasting, Italian-American history walking tour. Interactive and family-friendly, it’s a great way to see…