Sicily’s history offers us many lessons. Since the 13th century Modica (pictured) has been a prosperous and important city. For centuries it was the seat of its own county that enjoyed political independence and economic and cultural influence. The resource-rich surrounding landscape with agriculture as its economic engine has made Modica and Ragusa province wealthy…
Tag: UNESCO
Modica, Sicily And Saint Peter And Saint Paul
Today is the feast day of the Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Peter, of course, is the protector of Rome (and popes too). But importantly (For my family especially, since my father is named Peter and I come from a long line of fishermen), he is the patron saint of net-makers, shipbuilders, and fishermen, and…
The Rocky Necropolis Of Pantalica, Sicily
Pantalica Nature Reserve is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the approximately 5,000 ancient tombs that are cut into its limestone canyon walls. Sections of the rocky necropolis date as far back as the 12th century BCE.
The Lions Of Palermo’s Royal Palace
The mosaics from the chambers of Roger II (Sala di Re Rogero) in the Royal Palace in Palermo are a spectacular example of Arab Norman secular design. They date to the mid 12th century, the same period that the Cappella Palatina was constructed.
A Landmark Staircase In Sicily
The Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte in Caltagirone, Sicily was built in 1609 to connect the old lower town to the new upper town. Since 1954, each of the risers of its 142 steps has been decorated with colorful, handcrafted majolica ceramic tiles. This UNESCO recognized baroque town is world renowned for its ceramic…
Sicily’s Valley Of The Temples’ First Temple
The Temple of Heracles (or Hercules or il Tempio di Ercole) of Agrigento, Sicily’s Valley of the Temples possesses eight reconstructed, massive Doric-style columns. Built in the late 6th century BCE, it is considered the first temple to have been constructed of the seven that we know of at the Valley of the Temples. Valley…
The Outstanding Leadership Of Sicily’s Roger II
More than ever, I’m seeking a dinner date with Roger II (1095-1154) … An outstanding leader, Roger II incorporated and encouraged inclusion of all of the various cultures, religions, and races that shared Sicily–native Sicilian, Norman, Arab, Byzantine, Greek, Jewish, English, German, and more–into his government. As a result, Sicily thrived, and it became the…
Pantalica Pleases With History And Natural Beauty
The Pantalica nature reserve in southeastern Sicily protects a white canyon of limestone that has been cut over centuries by the the Anapo and Calcinara rivers. Featuring lush, green vegetation, waterfalls, fresh water pools, and the river bed, it is recognized as a UNESCO site because of the approximately 5,000 tombs dating back as far…
Noto Infiorata Online
Although it’s not taking place as usual, the Infiorata di Noto *will* happen this weekend, yet online. Follow the events on the Facebook Page of il Comune di Noto (https://www.facebook.com/comunedinoto), where there are videos and photos of the vibrant “carpets” created with flowers and other natural elements in recognition of spring, and more significantly, life…
Noto’s Baroque Cathedral
Noto’s cathedral (La Chiesa Madre di San Nicolò) was completed in 1776 when the city was rebuilt following the devastating earthquakes of 1693. The Sicilian Baroque church sits at the center of a theatrical urban plan that is known as a “stone garden” for its use of local white rock and its elegant symmetry.