Tag: UNESCO world heritage site
-
Monreale’s Back Side
Not many people venture to the back side of Monreale Cathedral, but more should. The back of the apse, photographed, is a work of art unto itself. The fascinating stone work incorporates designs of inlaid lava stone, a technique called intarsias, which is a signature element of Arab-Norman architecture. If you have a few minutes…
-
The Child Hunters of Ancient Rome
Yesterday, I posted the long view of this room in the Roman Villa of Casale in Piazza Armerina. The room is called the Cubical of the Child Hunters. Now, let’s get a bit closer: Note the boy hunting the hare with a spear (upper center), and in contrast, the boy being bitten by a weasle…
-
Life in Ancient Rome Documented in Sicily
Scholars of antiquities have learned a great deal from the remarkable mosaics depicting life in ancient Rome at the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. It’s always hard to explain exactly what this UNESCO site offers. When I say that the floors of the estate are mosaics with themes that span everything from contemporary…
-
The Palm for Paradise
These images, found in Palermo’s Palatine Chapel (and importantly, also at the Cathedral of Monreale) depict palm trees. Palm trees are symbolic of different things: In Christianity, palm branches are attributed to the “victory of the spirit over the flesh” (Wikipedia); hence why many martyrs are depicted holding palm branches. We also need to consider…
-
Splurge in Agrigento
This is the view from our hotel room tonight. On your trip, this is where you splurge on a 5-star hotel … in Agrigento! Here’s what you are looking at: The Temple of Concordia is named for a Latin inscription that was found on a dedication marker unearthed in the vicinity of the archaeological site–i.e.,…
-
The Results Of A Dream
The cloister, or in Italian “chiostro,” of Monreale Cathedral always pleases me. Its 228 individually designed and decorated columns offer visitors a sanctuary from the bustle of the city of Palermo, which is about 30 minutes by car to the north. Monreale Cathedral was commissioned by the Norman King William II, “The Good” (1172-1189) in…
-
Another Door Opens
Doorway at the Arab-Norman UNESCO designated San Giovanni degli Eremiti church in Palermo
-
Exhale in Monreale
Most people visit William II’s Cathedral at Monreale in the morning–but something to note is how beautiful it is in the evening when the sunlight is majestic on the 228 columns of the cloister. The inlaid lava stone designs (known as intarsias) create mesmerizing archways, while the peacefulness of the early 13th century corridors built…
-
Antelope Roam Here, sort of
The Villa Romana del Casale may not be as well-known as other UNESCO sites in Sicily, but once you’ve seen it for yourself its magnificence and historical significance will astound you. We’ll tour the sprawling estate on Day 5 of Experience Sicily’s Savoring Sicily tour (Sept. 22 to Oct. 4). I say, “sprawling” because so…