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Sicily is the largest and one of the most densely
populated islands in the Mediterranean. Over time, Sicily
has been ruled by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans,
Byzantines, Arabs and Normans.
Palermo, Sicily's capital, long a crossroads of civilizations, is known for its history,
architecture, culture and gastronomy. (photo adapted from archipenzolo,
Wikimedia Commons)
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Sicily's
natural landscapes include mountains, hills, gorges, grottoes,
caves, and the active volcano, Etna. |
We
only saw a fraction of the many smaller towns scattered
throughout the island.
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Palermo is
going through careful redevelopment, named the
Italian capital of culture in 2018 and the host of Manifesta,
an international contemporary art festival.
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Sicily's
rich cultural background has been recognized by
having 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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Palermo's massive cathedral was begun in 1185 and completed in
the 18th century.
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The interior of the cathedral is typical
18th Century neo-classical, with lovely chapels and redredos.
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Albergheria
district is known for its Arab-Norman architecture and
Arabic garden design. Nearby are the grand Norman Palace and
the Church of St. John of the Hermits.
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Colonna dell Immacolata in San Domenico
Square is a baroque church built in 1640. |
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The neoclassic
Politeama Theatre, completed in 1891, accommodates 5,000
people.
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Palermo had some delightful modes of
transportation available for vendors and for tourists. |
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The Church of San Cataldo
built during the Norman kingdom commemorates the coexistence of
people of different backgrounds and religions. |
A monument in Piazza Vitoria Veneto commemorates the unification
of Sicily and Italy. |
A memorial to the
fight against the Mafia commemorates the successful imprisonment
of Mafia bosses in 1986.
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The cathedral in Monreale, 7 miles inland from Palermo, is considered one of the finest
architectural legacies of the Italian Middle Ages.
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Its
interior has the largest concentration of Norman, Arab and Byzantine
art such as these gold mosaics completed in 1184.
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 We found the
Sicilians to be entrepreneurial and industrious, striving
hard to overcome the damage done during the times of
poverty, of Fascism, and of Mafia control.
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Markets sell
wines, cheeses, fish, cured meats, almonds, vegetables,
pistachios, melons and citrus fruits.
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