The design of the Palazzina Cinese is an expression of an end-of-the-18th-century bent for everything Chinese. Designed by Giuseppe Patricolo, it possesses an odd combination of stylistic elements. After a lengthy renovation over the last decade, the “Chinese Pavillion” and its extensive, manicured gardens are open to the public.
Tag: sicilytourism
Sacred with a Kitsch
Today we visited the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Tindari. Here, you can see there is always some kitsch… No matter how sacred, nothing is sacred!
Swimming in Her Sea
Last summer, I swam here, at Isola delle Femmine, by jumping from the side of a glass-bottomed boat.
An Ancient Mask from Siracusa
Ancient mask, Siracusa’s Museo Archeologico Regionale “Paolo Orsi”
The Feast of Santa Rosalia is Days Away
The preparations for il Festino for la Santuzza are underway in Palermo.
Ancient Theater in Siracusa
The 2014 season of L’Istituto Nazionale del Dramma Antico (INDA) has begun in Siracusa. INDA has existed since 1914, and it presents ancient masterpieces of theater at Siracusa’s Teatro Antico–the same stage on which some of these works may have been premiered centuries ago! This photo is from the 2012 season when I saw The…
Views at “Lo Zingaro” Nature Reserve
The stunning, unspoiled coastline of “Lo Zingaro” Nature Reserve, along Sicily’s northwest coast between Castellammare del Golfo and San Vito Lo Capo.
Beauty in the Details
This cherub is one example of the extraordinary balcony details found in Noto. Balconies such as this one were created by Baroque artisans when the city was rebuilt in the 17th century after a devastating earthquake.
The Earth is Waking from Her Sleep
Spring in Sicily is glorious. Persephone has returned from the Underworld, and Demeter is waking from her sadness.
Carnival Cannoli: Nothing Better
Cannoli for Carnival