27
Jan
2021

Out and about, episode One

 

Testo in italiano

 

Sanctuary of SS Crocifisso, Belici

Palatine Chapel, Palermo a masterpiece of the so called Arab-Norman art, XII century

photo by gnuckx

 

Acicastello Castle, entirely built in lava stone at the bottom of the Etna volcano

Salina Island or Dydime, which in Greek means twins, because when the Greeks arrived in these parts, in the distance the Island, because of the two volcanoes,  of Salina seemed to them two islands. The two inactive volcanoes that characterize the island are actually joined by a piece of land.

– This is the beautiful nature reserve of the Irminio River, western Sicily. An ideal place to take a bath and enjoy the Mediterranean nature.

– And here is the cathedral of Noto, a Unesco heritage city for the Baroque style. The spectacular Sicilian Baroque certainly is enhanced in this city of eastern Sicily. We recall that the baroque of eastern Sicily was born as a reconstruction following the catastrophic earthquake of 1693. In spite of the evidence, the Sicilians built sumptuous buildings, almost wanting to challenge nature, and in eastern Sicily the baroque, unique in the world, is characterized by an excessive elaboration of volumes and shapes.

– This is a splendid place: Acitrezza in the province of Catania. There are these huge stacks in the sea, called Faraglioni, and one of the most beautiful views of Etna in the distanceThe promenade is full of are restaurants along the seafront that prepare excellent seafood risotto and pasta with clams.

– An all-Sicilian magic. We are at the Oratorio dei Bianchi in Palermo. This is the Bab el Fotik wooden door dating back to the Arab period. through which, in 1071, the Norman Roberto il Guiscardo made his entrance during the capture of Palermo. To celebrate the reconquest of the city, the Great Count Ruggero had the gate preserved, renaming it Porta della Vittoria, having a representation of the “Madonna della Vittoria” painted on it. It is located in this splendid museum among the wonderful stuccos of Giacomo Serpotta.

– And here is the Roman aqueduct of Termini Imerese dating back to the 2nd century AD. It represents the largest Roman architecture of its kind in Sicily. Between ups and downs, the aqueduct remained in use until 1860. It began its journey from the nearby Mount San Calogero and extended for about 8 kilometers, between ravines and valleys, until it reached the inhabited center of the very important Roman city.


Become a Sicilian

You may be Sicilian by birth, by design, or even by accident.

Click here

Join our Cultural Department: become a (Splendid) member of Sicily

You have a unique opportunity to support la bella Sicilia.

Contribute to the building of the greatest Cultural Museum of Sicily: you will be ETERNALLY thanked in our video productions and in the related pages.

Click here

Write your name, for the eternity, on our Sicilian mission: produce a documentary!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Don’t miss any news about SplendidSicily!

I have read and agree to the privacy policy