Category Archives: Sicilian WIne

July 12, 2012 · 8:28 am

Viva Palermo e Santa Rosalia: Festino in Sicily

English: Santa Rosalia in Monte Pellegrino San...

English: Santa Rosalia in Monte Pellegrino Sanctuary, Palermo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

http://www.festinosantarosalia.it/If you travel to Palermo Sicily, you will see the Patron Saint of the Palermitani guarding the Cathedral of Palermo.

La statua di Santa Rosalia, la "Santuzza", e la Cattedrale di Palermo.

Santa Rosalia and the Cathedral of Palermo

Monte Pellegrino

Monte Pellegrino (Photo credit: ingirogiro)

If you travel to Monte Pellegrino, perched at the top of the mountain you can visit the cave-shrine of the holy hermit where the sanctuary of Saint Rosalia is located.  Monte Pellegrino offers spectacular views over Palermo and the Conca d’Oro. The cave is covered with zinc which helps collect the dripping water from the cave walls. This water is considered to have miraculous healing properties.

Detail from the flank of the Cathedral of Pale...

Detail from the flank of the Cathedral of Palermo (Sicily), showing the statue of Saint Rosalie in the forefront and the church tower behind. Picture by Giovanni Dall’Orto, September 28 2006. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Saint Rosalia is celebrated in with a massive culinary street party in July in the streets of Palermo: Festino de Santa Rosalia to celebrate the end of the Plague in Palermo. Her emblem is a crown of roses and a skull. In 1630, Pope Urban VII established two holidays for Santa Rosalia: July 15th to commemorate the anniversary of the discovery of her relics and September 4th, the day of the death of  ”Santuzza” and her official ecclesiastical feast day.

She died on September 4, 1160 and was canonized on 26 January 1630 and was adopted as the patron saint of Palermo. An annual procession of Palermo’s beloved patron saint starts at the  Palace of the Normans and travels along the ancient road of Cassaro to the sea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jhat6b_fVc&feature=related

The relics of the Santuzza are paraded through the town with the festival culminating in the cheering crowd chanting “Viva Palermo e Santa Rosalia!” Her triumphal chariot passes through Porta Felice and ends with fireworks at the Marina.

Italiano: Festino di Santa Rosalia a Palermo, ...

Italiano: Festino di Santa Rosalia a Palermo, carro delle rose (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Feast is a very popular event with many Vino con Vista opportunities. It consists of carretti Siciliani, performances, exhibitions, traditional culinary and Sicilian wine options and concerts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDYMM6ZxY8s.

The Festival begins the first day of July and ends with the religious procession on July 15 to celebrate the miraculous victory over the Plague. This annual event has been celebrated since 1625.

When the city of Palermo was ravaged by the plague, Santa Rosalia appeared to a sick woman and later to a hunter. She revealed the location of her remains in the cave and told him to bring her bones down to Palermo. These relics were found on  July 15th in 1624. When Rosalia appeared in the dream, she described where her remains could be found,  in the cave on Monte Pellegrino. She indicated in the dream, that if her remains were brought to Palermo and carried through the quartined city in a procession, the plague would end. When the relics were found, they were paraded through Palermo on 15 July in a procession. The archbishop was followed by all the clergy, the senate and notable citizens of Palermo. In a few days the city was liberated from the plague.

Santa Rosalia

Santa Rosalia (Photo credit: Palazzo Isnello)

In 1625 the relics were placed inside a silver reliquary and guarded inside the Archbishop’s Palace and every year they are part of the procession that includes many confraternities. The “Confraternita di Santa Rosalia dei Sacchi” (Brotherhood of Santa Rosalia of bags) was founded in 1635 by barbers and cobblers (and varberi Scarpari). The brotherhood, which takes its name from clothing used during the procession, has the task of carrying the effigy of the Saint. During the year it is kept in the Church of Professed House of the Society of Jesus in Palermo.

Let’s all salute Santa Rosalia: “Viva Palermo e Santa Rosalia”

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Here’s the link to the program: http://www.festinosantarosalia.it/

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides.To learn more about Sicily visit www.vino-con-vista.com

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April 1, 2012 · 11:30 am

Celebrate the Feast Day of Saint George in Vino con Vista Ragusa Sicily

Ragusa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sicily. It is divided into two parts:  Modern and Ibla.  Ragusa Ibla is the lower part of the town and has medieval remains and elegant Baroque buildings and monuments.

In Ragusa, visit the beautiful churches near Piazza Duomo.  The imposing Cathedral of St. George (San Georgio) with the majestic neo-classical dome is one of the most significant works of Baroque Sicilian.  The church was built on top of the church of Saint Nicholas after the earthquake of 1693. Climb 250 steps to see the beautiful church that was designed by Rosario Gagliardo and completed in 1775.

Saint George is the patron saint of Ragusa. The feast of Saint George is celebrated on the last day of May when his statue is carried out of the Basilica and paraded through the streets with a Holy Chest (Santa Cassa) in a lively procession http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVjihqlF-x4&NR=1.

On his annual feast day, the statue of Saint George, the dragon-slaying knight, has an event packed day. He watches the fireworks in Ragusa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvf–DqSJmQ&feature=related before he returns to his noble post inside the church.

In Ragusa Ibla, visit the Palazzo Bertini on Corso Italia 35.  It was built by the Floridia family in the 1700s.  The building is characterized by three masks located in the keystones of the windows which represent three powers.  The first mask represents the poor deformed man with his tongue sticking out with some missing teeth.  This mask represents the power of he who has nothing has nothing to lose.  Another mask represents a tradesman with a turban and moustache.  This mask symbolizes that he who has everything and can do anything thanks his money.  The central mask symbolizes the nobleman, sculpted in the frontal position.  This represents that he who can do anything, even if it is illegal, represents the power of the aristocracy.

I love the detailed balconies in Ragusa

On Piazza Duomo there is a lovely fountain and the Palazzo Donnafugata.  The Palazzo houses an art gallery with canvases by Hans Memling, Ribera, and Antonello do Messina.

There are many Vino con Vista opportunities in the province of Ragusa: dine at Il Duomo, a Michelin-rated favorite on Via Capitano Bocchieri 31 or Locanda Da Serafino on Via XI Febbraio 15.

Bagglio la Pergola on Contrada Selvaggio is a great place for lunch in Ragusa.  The scacce and mpanate are little stuffed pizzas.  The Ragusans love their pasta and serve it many ways. Pasta a picurara, brood di maiale, trippa alla ragusana, maccarunedda, Mpanatigghi, and cuccia are all regional specialties.

Toast to the delightful cuisine with a glass of  red Cerasuolo di Vittoria or enjoy some of the dessert wines like moscato, solicchiato, perpetuo or stravecchio Siciliano.  There is an excellent Pasticceria on Corso Vittorio Venato where you can stock up with sweets.

There is an 18th century farmhouse “Ermeo Dell Giubiliana” on the way to Marina di Ragusa that is an interesting agriturismo option.  Or consider staying at The Mediterraneo Palace on via Roma 89 or Rafael on Corso Italia 40.

These enchanting towns are isolated by the Iblean Mountains. Unfortunately, they are still at risk of eruptions from Mount Etna and earthquakes.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

To learn more about Sicily visit www.vino-con-vista.com

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August 26, 2011 · 10:38 am

Erupting Volcano in Stromboli Italy

Eruption of Stromboli (Isole Eolie/Italia), ca...

Image via Wikipedia

Stromboli is called the light house of the Mediterranean because it has one of Italy’s most active volcanoes. This volcano is located on an island in the Aeolian archipelago of the Tyrrhenian Sea off the northeastern coast of Sicily.

Tourists love to climb to the summit of the volcano with a registered tour guide to see the gorgeous Vino con Vista views of the islands of Lipari and Panarea.

Here’s a video of a normal Stromboli eruption http://www.youtube.com/user/vinoconvista?feature=mhee#p/u/27/Xg5t7jJ7E-E

The Civil Protection Department in Italy warned tour guides to suspend all tourist activity to the summit of the volcano today after a string of dangererous eruptions. The volcano has been spewing dangerous levels of lava and  rock particles from the mouth of the volcano over the past 24 hours. Stromboli’s last major eruption was on April 13th, 2009.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Sicily Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

 

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November 10, 2010 · 12:24 am

Celebrate St. Martin’s Day in Sicily: Grape Juice becomes Wine

St Martin of Tours
Image by jimforest via Flickr

The Greeks brought grapes to Sicily in about 800 B.C. and the Phoenicians introduced grape crushing technology and new grape varieties. The island has the perfect micro-climate for growing grapes. Lots of sunshine, low rainfall, volcanic soil and wide temperature variations converge to transform grapes into the “nectar of the gods.”

Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, loves this Feast Day. In Sicily on November 11th, new wine is ready for consumption. “Il giorno di San Martino diventa vino” means on St. Martin’s Day, the grape juice becomes wine. St. Martin of Tours was buried on November 11th, 397 and is credited with spreading wine-making throughout the Touraine Region of France. He facilitated the planting of many vines and introduced the Chenin Blanc grape varietal to the region.

His Feast Day marks the end of field work and the beginning of the harvesting period in Sicily. Sicilians celebrate with vino novella and prepare regional sweets for the event including fritelle or il biscotti di San Martino in Palermo.  

Sicily’s diverse wine regions have distinctive appellations that produce delightful wines. Sicily’s wine renaissance is creating exciting wines with depth and elegance including: Alcamo, Etna Rosso and Bianco, Mavasia della Lipari, Marsala, Passito and Moscato di Pantelleria, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Rosato, Moscato di Noto and Nero d’Avola. To learn more about Sicily and wine read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides.

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May 24, 2010 · 5:54 pm

Cefalu is Sicily’s best kept secret

Cefalu Sicily
Image by david.nikonvscanon via Flickr

On my recent trip to Italy, my bus driver was from Cefalu in Sicily.  I spent alot of time talking to him about how this delightful town exceeded my expectations.

Cefalu is a charming sea-side resort town nestled between the mountains and the glistening cobalt water of the sea. It is a short train ride from Palermo on the northern Tyrrhenian coast with outstanding beaches and a beautiful Norman cathedral with splendid mosaics.

Walk along the sea wall to La Calura and admire the ancient rocks named Tallarita, Baranello and Passarello. The Italians love to name the rock formations. The Temple of Diana is visible atop the mountains overlooking Cefalu.

The magnificent twin-towers and the Norman Cathedral were built in 1131 by Roger II following his shipwreck along the coastline of Cefalu. The structural and architectural trappings of the cathedral are similar to Monreale.  It is adorned with lancet windows. The 20th century stained glass replacement windows are covered with abstract designs created by Michelle Canzoneri. The Duomo has spectacular mosaics and houses a magnificent Christ as Pantocrator. In the square, enjoy some delightful marzapan treats with your coffee.

Some of the fun tourist attractions in and around Cefalu include:

1. The Public Lavatoio that is located in the center of town; precursor to the public Laundromat.

2. Drive up to the top of the mountain and visit the sanctuary of St. Gibilmanna in Pizzo San Angelo. This was the first church dedicated to the Madonna in Sicily. The monastery belongs to Cappuchin Friars. The sanctuary is located 2600 feet above sea level with a panoramic view of the majestic mountains. 

 After visiting the local attractions, dine at LoScoglio Ubriaco overlooking the water. Plan your next day perched on a beach chair that you can rent at Beach Café del Moto. Think about taking a day trip from Cefalu to Sicily’s other exotic locations like Taormina or the Aeolian islands.

For a great Vino con Vista visit Filippino on Piazza Municipio.  E Pulera on via Isabella Conti Vainicher and the Kasbah Café on via Maurolico 25 offer outstanding food with pleasant outdoor seating. Purchase some local wine and cheese at Enoteca Le Petit Tonneau after you stroll along the water front and appreciate the natural beauty that this charming town exudes. In August, the town has an annual festival called Madonna della Luce which includes an evening boat procession along the coastline.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites 

To learn more about Sicily visit www.vino-con-vista.com 

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May 3, 2010 · 8:04 am

The Treasures of Taormina Sicily

View of Isola Bella from above the beach.
Image via Wikipedia

Explore the historical allure of Sicily’s sumptuous open air museum.  The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Longobards, Byzantines and Arabs have contributed to Sicily’s polyglot heritage and cultural splendor.  These contributions are reflected in Sicily’s art, architecture and cuisine.

Taormina (www.comune.taormina.it) is Sicily’s favorite resort town with plenty of beaches with many Vino con Vista opportunities. It is located in the Messina province.  The east coast of Sicily overlooks the Ionian Sea and is considered part of the Ionian Riviera. 

Taormina has inspired many famous authors. D.H. Lawrence wrote the erotic and scandalous book, Lady Chatterly’s Lover in 1928. This story involved an aristocratic English woman’s affair in Taormina. She was married to a wheelchair-bound World War I hero. Goethe recorded his love of Sicily in his travel diary in 1787, Journey to Italy. He stated, “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Siciy is the clue to everything.”

This beach town is a haven for sun worshippers. Take the funicular (motorized lift) to the beach or hop on a cable car to Mazzaro and enjoy the Isola Bella Beach and nature reserve. Travel to Giardini Naxos to view the excavations of Sicily’s first Greek colony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmWVpfz0wgs&feature=related.  This seaside resort has a great beach and is loaded with cafes and bars.

The Alcantara Gorge is outside Taormina.  Go for a boat ride to see waterfalls and remnants of Mt. Etna’s lava flow from about 1000 years ago; fascinating cliffs were formed by incisions cut into the volcanic rock. 

The Greco-Roman Theater is well preserved in Taormina; built by the Greeks in 300 B.C. and remodeled and enlarged by the Romans.  It is the second-largest ancient theater on the island. Visit Siracusa to see the largest one. The Greco-Roman amphitheater is carved out of the hillside and has a panoramic view of Calabria and Mt. Etna. It is amazing to watch some of the summer performances that are still offered in this 3rd century B.C. theater. In June, the theater is the venue for the Taormina Film Festival.

As you stroll along Corso Umberto you will find charming cafes and restaurants.  Head over to Piazza IX Aprile, the main square of Taormina. Visit the 13th century fortress-like Cathedral of San Nicolo embellished with an 16th century rose window and massive bronze doors.

Visit the church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria with a Baroque interior built over a Hellenistic temple. Inside the church, the ruins of the ancient temple can be seen under the floor. Try to catch one of the local weddings that seem to take place daily.

Taormina’s lovely municipal gardens were designed by Florence Trevelyan and other women from England in the early 1920s. They are meticulously landscaped with beautiful structures, statues and fountains.

To learn more about Sicily read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides and  

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

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