Yesterday, I spent a splendid morning exploring the secret staircases and hidden alleyways of Ragusa Ibla. I was imagining what life must have been like when these viccoli where traveled more regularly by residents. After climbing dozens of stairs in out-of-the-way sections of town, I sat in the Piazza Duomo enjoying this lovely view of…
Tag: ragusa
Ex-votos For Ailments Of The Heart
At the sanctuary devoted to the Maria Santissima di Gulfi in Chiarmonte Gulfi (Ragusa Province), pilgrims offered heart ex-votos to the Virgin Mother. Ex-votos are iconographic body parts or other symbols that are given to the Madonna (That is, in this case. At other sacred sites, ex-votos would be offered to the divinity or saint…
February In Sicily Means Delicate Wildflowers
February wildflowers in southeastern Sicily (Ragusa)
Mystical Ragusa Ibla, This Spring, With Experience Sicily
Ragusa Ibla captures one’s imagination. And for good reason. This beautiful baroque, yet ancient city on a hilltop, possess a mystical sense hard to explain. Over the past 20 years it has evolved into one of Sicily’s hot destinations, perhaps because it is one of the “sets” of Vigata, the fictional home of Inspector Montalbano….
Lucia Lights The Way
Join me online on Monday evening (Eastern) to celebrate the Feast of Santa Lucia. I’ll discuss the legends, traditions, and history of Saint Lucy, the patroness of light, eyes, and wheat. I will also sing the beloved song Santa Lucia live. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-santa-lucia-online-with-experience-sicily-tickets-219247393857.
Brown Cows In Sicily
Modican cows are a beautiful breed that are primarily cultivated in southeastern Sicily. Their milk is used to make excellent cheese and ricotta. Note that the cannoli in Ragusa Province, where this photo was taken) are (more often than not) made with ricotta from Modican cows.
Lindsay’s Inspector Montalbano Tour
“I highly recommend Experience Sicily for creating a wonderful tour of the film set locations of Camilleri’s internationally acclaimed fictional detective, Inspector Montalbano. The fulsome itinerary included viewing the interior of the ‘Vigata police station’ at Scicli, with the highlight of the day being a walk along Punta Secca beach outside Montalbano’s house. Damiano was…
Crispelle For San Martino
November 11 is La Festa di San Martino, Saint Martin’s Day. Each province in Sicily celebrates differently. In the town of Chiaramonte Gulfi (Ragusa Province), citizens eat sweet and savory crispelle, like these made with fennel seeds, pictured, together with cooked wine. Importantly, the Feast of San Martino marks when wine makers taste the novello,…
Bathed In Morning Light In Ragusa
A view of Ragusa from Ragusa Ibla. During my times here, I’ve studied where the light falls with the sunrise and how the moon rises with the sunset. The Church of Santa Lucia soakes up the morning rays on the hillside. Its eastern exposure helps me imagine an ancient temple under its foundation. Regretfully, with…
Timelessness In Ragusa Province
Sicily is timeless. (Location: Castello di Donnafugata, Ragusa)