Pompeii

I spur my horse past the ruined city;

by Han-shan (Cold Mountain)

English version by Burton Watson
Original Language Chinese

I spur my horse past the ruined city;
the ruined city, that wakes the traveler's thoughts:
ancient battlements, high and low;
old grave mounds, great and small.

Where the shadow of a single tumbleweed trembles
and the voice of the great trees clings forever,
I sigh over all these common bones --
No roll of the immortals bears their names. 

Palermo: City of Contrasts

Situated next to a stunning harbor and surrounded on three sides by mountains, Palermo reflects the influences of the many invaders that have coveted her strategic Mediterranean location.

The Palermo Cathedral shows many of those influences, having been built by the Normans in the 12th century on the site of a Byzantine basilica and subsequent mosque. Many additions were added reflecting the changed times, until the 18th century when a major renovation occurred. Norman and Arabic influences can be felt throughout the cathedral. We were lucky to be in the cathedral during a wedding.

In front of the cathedral is a float with a statue of Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Palermo. Rosalia's body was found in the region around Palermo, and when it was brought through the city, many people were cured of the plague...so Palermitans believe it was a miracle, and in the summer there is a festival each year in her honor. The float and stature of Santa Rosalia are the centerpiece of a parade during the festival.

The Cathedral at Monreale is in the mountains around Palermo, and the image above shows part of it. This cathedral is know for its spectacular mosaics.

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The Sicilian Parliament meets in the Norman Palace which was also the seat of government when the Normans ruled Sicily. The details of this palace also demonstrate the cultural fusion that is Sicily.

The street markets of Palermo are interesting.

Additional photos of Palermo are shown below.

Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples

 The southern Sicilian town of Agrigento is home to some of the most well-preserved Greek temples in the world. The following are my pictures from the area.

And it rained on us.....

Taormina: The Cloak of Mount Tauro

The town of Taormina drapes the slopes of Mount Tauro, like a cashmere cloak enhancing the spectacular promontory overlooking the sea.

Luminaries from across the globe have visited this gorgeous spot, and great works of art and literature have been created in her embrace. 

The famous Greek Theater tells of the ancient history of the area. You can see it in the upper corner, and to the right. The theater was originally smaller, then the Romans modified it and added the bricks. Occasionally, modern concerts are held in the theater, which overlooks the sea and the majestic volcano, Mount Etna.

 

In the image above, an additional phase of history can be seen overlooking the theater from a mountain-top perch, in the form of the Taormina Castello and Madonna della Rocca. The Castello is called the Saracen's Castle and was built during the Arab-Norman period around the tenth century. Madonna della Rocca is a church that was built around 1640 AD.

I followed the path towards the castello, and on the way up the trail I passed some lovely artwork that can be seen below.

Santa Catarina church in Taormina is decorated with the interesting statues shown to the right. Below is the interior of Santa Catarina.

This picture shows the courtyard in the Norman Palazzo Corvaja.

The image above shows the Odeon, which is a smaller theater built in the town by the Romans. The image to the right shows an archaeological site that is currently being investigated. The site contains the foundations of two Roman temples.

Below are images of the beautiful town of Taormina.