Palermo
Buon giorno! We join Jackie, our local guide, and our tour members as we start our walking tour of Palermo.
We did a "buddy check" to make sure all were present and headed out. When we arrived at the corner just down the street from our Hotel Tonic, this small church appeared. Although we didn't stop and look at it, I thought it was a beautiful little church. |
We continued with Jackie following Corso Vittorio Emanuele until we came to the Quattro Canti (four corners). Jackie pointed out that this is the traditional center of Palermo marking the heart of Palermo's old historic district. Each of the buildings has three levels with Baroque sculptures designed by the architect Giulio Lasso. The sculptures depict various themes such as the Four Seasons, Spanish kings and various patron saints of Palermo's four old quarters.
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_Jackie then lead us just southeast of the Quattro Canti
to one of the most photographed objects in Palermo, the giant,
snow-white fountain in the Piazza Pretoria. Its sixteen statues are
divided among the four sets of stairs leading to the largest fountain in
the center; these statues are nudes of nymphs, humans, mermaids and
satyrs.
Did you know the fountain was originally commissioned for the Tuscan Villa of the Viceroy Don Pedro de Toledo, and created by the Florentine sculptor Francesco Camiliani in 1555? In 1574, it was sold to the City of Palermo. It was shipped here piece by piece and was installed in front of the Municipio (City Hall). |
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Jackie then guided us through the Church of Martorana (Saint Mary's of the Admiral is its official name). The sections of the Church that still retain their original Arab-Norman characteristics possess some of the most beautiful mosaics ever executed in Sicily. They are the work of the best Byzantine craftsmen specifically brought to Sicily from Constantinople by King Roger II to create the images in the Norman Palace and the Cathedral of Cefalù.
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The afternoon was ours to do as we wished. We made a visit to the Botanical Garden. There are all sorts of plants that we don't have in Minnesota that we found interesting and beautiful. I remember growing up and climbing trees and sliding down the trunks. I wouldn't want to slide down the thorn tree here (ouch)!
Tomorrow we are looking forward to our trip to Cefalu and our stop in Monreale. |