A few random images of Sicily.
The Temple in Segesta, built in the 5th century BC.
The 5th century BC Greek theatre in Siracusa, entirely cut out of the rock.
Mount Monaco in San Vito lo Capo in northwestern Sicily.
One of the "Aci" towns in northeastern Sicily.
Taormina
Cefalù
The central apse of the magnificent cathedral in Monreale with the colossal figure in mosaic of Christ Pantocrator (all powerful).
Comments (6)
What are the "Aci" towns? Wow, how long did you spend in Sicily? I have wonderful memories of Cefalù and Taormina. And the cathedral in Monreale was indeed magnificent.
Posted by girasoli | April 29, 2008 2:14 AM
Posted on April 29, 2008 02:14
Wow -- those are really beautiful photos, Maria! I haven't given much thought to visiting Sicily, but now I'm going to have to rethink that!
Posted by Sandra | April 29, 2008 7:29 PM
Posted on April 29, 2008 19:29
Breath taking photos of temples and ruins. :)
Yes, they are cat pics on the front and back flaps. I think the cat pics rival the Italy pics, actually. :)
Posted by Leslie | April 30, 2008 1:30 AM
Posted on April 30, 2008 01:30
Girasoli,
The “Aci” towns are eight coastal towns located in the shadow of Mount Etna, between Catania and Taormina. These are: Aci Castello, Aci Trezza, Aci Bonaccorsi, Aci Catena, Aci San Filippo, Aci Sant'Antonio, Acireale and Aci Platani. The first two were the filming location for Visconti's classic film: La terra trema.
Here’s what I found in the Touring Club of Italy Sicily Guide about the origins of the prefix "Aci", based on legend and myth:
"The origin of the prefix has to do with a stream, wiped out by a series of eruptions, which largely run underground, and which was linked by tradition to the legend of the loves of the shepherd Aci (in English, Acis) with Galatea, the sea nymph. Polyphemus was in love with the nymph and, in a rage of jealousy, tossed a huge boulder onto Acis crushing him; the gods, moved by pity, turned the shepherd into a river that, running thorough subterranean chambers, poured out into the sea to be with his beloved."
I’ve been to Sicily almost every year since 1999. On every trip I try to visit a new area of the island but it is a bit difficult since family obligations keep me in Palermo. I’m going in January of next year.
Sandra,
I think Sicily is absolutely stunning but I’m biased since my grandfather was born in Palermo and I have family there. I love everything Sicilian: the scenery, the food, the history, the people. Yes, plan a trip to Sicily - you won't be disappointed.
Posted by María I. | April 30, 2008 9:18 AM
Posted on April 30, 2008 09:18
Maria, the pictures are wonderful. Thanks for going to the trouble of scanning in order to post!
Posted by Deborah | April 30, 2008 6:20 PM
Posted on April 30, 2008 18:20
Thanks so much for the detailed explanation. How very interesting.
Lucky you to have family there.
Posted by girasoli | May 4, 2008 1:49 AM
Posted on May 4, 2008 01:49