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| Mario Pashetto (1885-1963) Dover Press |
1. Palermo is over 2, 700 years old; it is on the northwest corner of the island of Sicily, by the Tyrrhenian Sea.
2. Founded by the Phoenicians in 734 BC, Palermo was conquered by the Greeks, then the Romans, then became part of the Byzantine Empire, then came Arab rule, and after them, the Normans. Palermo and Naples united, forming the Kingdom of Sicily, until Italian unification in 1860.
3. Because of its history, Palermo has beautiful architecture and remains of ruins from many historic periods.
4. Mount Etna looks down on the city and is still an active volcano, last erupting this March 6-7th!
5. The Catacombs of the Capuchins are an unusual tourist attraction. Between 1533-1920, monks with secret embalming techniques, embalmed many dead residents of the town and arranged them in tableaux to teach moral lessons. They are displayed in these Catacombs which are open to the public. Many are dressed in period costume and are well preserved.
6. The beaches are beautiful and snorkeling is popular.
7. But, the Mafia still has a troubling presence with small groups of merchants refusing to pay protection money. Hopefully these merchants will remain and help make Palermo more safe and productive without the Mafia's influence.
8. Visiting Palermo, it seems as if it has something for everyone, a volcano, unusual catacombs, architecture from many historic periods, beautiful beaches, wonderful food, and inexpensive hotels. Visitors love it. Many beautiful videos. Check "You Tube" and "Palermo."
You can click on the poster to make it bigger and see the details. Unfortunately, nothing is known about the Sicilian artist.
What a beautiful image, it does sound like a very interesting place to go, with many 'offers we can't refuse'...eh, eh...(alright bad joke).
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like an adventure. I would check with Rick Steves before I would go. But with me just put an idea in my head (the Mafia) and I would see them everywhere -- so silly, but that is how I am. I admire the small shop owners who are making a stand.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely visit Sicily, it seems like such a different kind of place. Great post and useful information. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAtoZChallenge Blogger www.katkatravels.com
But I know from your blog you have been to Italy. Have you read any of the Donna Leon mysteries set in Venice?
DeleteI dream of visiting Sicily... and many other places!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
www.punkndeanna.blogspot.com
The hotels are inexpensive compared to other cities. I have not been able to add You Tube this time on my blog, but there are many sites giving you more information about Sicily. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteI did not know about the Catacombs, or any of the other things. But the catacombs have now sparked my interest, so I must go read more about them
ReplyDeleteirishredfox.blogspot.com
If you write "Palermo and the Catacombs" in Google, you will see color pictures and a few You Tube links; all in color, by the way. Thanks for your comments, love the name "Irishredfox."
ReplyDeleteOne of the many places I'd love to see in Europe. It's on my list. Thanks for sharing the wonderful poster art.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kate. My list is growing too, just writing for this challenge.
ReplyDelete