24.12.06
19.12.06
Duomo
Photo: mburgard
FlickrWhere: Catania (CT)
History: erected in 1092, it was remade in 1169 and also after the earthquake of 1693. The vivacious façade, with two orders of columns (those of the superior order are ancient), it is a work of G.B. Vaccarini, also author of the prospectus of the left side, that includes a beautiful portal of 1577.
10.12.06
Stairs
Photo: Paola Bertoncini
Where: Paternò (CT)
History: the 700's monumental staircase that leads to the main church, Santa Maria dell'Alto
9.11.06
CeramicART #2
Photo: geo8
FlickrWhere: Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte @ Caltagirone (CT)
History: the main landmark of Caltagirone is the 142-step monumental staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, built from 1608 in the old part of the town; the peculiarity is that each step is decorated with different hand-painted ceramics, using styles and figures derived from the millennial tradition of pottery making.
8.11.06
7.11.06
Castello Ursino
Photo: Leandro's World Tour
FlickrWhere: Catania (CT)
History: the name Ursino comes from the Latin "Castrum sinus", i.e. "castle of the gulf" -- originally it stood high above the sea, but as a result of the lava flow caused by the eruption of Mount Etna in 1669 it is now some hundreds of metres from the coast. Ursino Castle, a stern, massive construction, was built between 1239 and 1250 by the architect Richard of Lentini, by order of Frederick II of Swabia. The castle was the residence of the Aragonese royal family in the 14th century. In the mid-18th century it was surrounded by imposing defensive walls and later altered in the southern part in Renaissance style. In 1837 it became a prison. Today, restored and illuminated by an evocative lighting system, it is the seat of the Civic Museum, and the picture gallery is the venue of art exhibitions.
6.11.06
watching here right now
Do you wanna know where is Sicily?
